Lesson for December 10, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Maggie Kopp about Lesson 25 “Move Forward with Faith.” Maggie began the lesson by reading a quote from the first section: the one thing needed to succeed is faith, a practical pragmatic faith. Get on your knees and pray and go forth and make it happen. President Hinckley said it is action. It isn’t abstract, but follows principles. It is a living vital force that motivates us to action. Faith includes works. It takes faith to keep the commandments. President Hinckley said he worked for the railroad and found that a railroad journey is a series of short journeys Illuminated by light, so we can apply this to our lives by taking one step at a time. Do you have the faith to do the little everyday things. The manual tells a story of President Hinckley who was asked by the mission president to go to a publisher and lodge a complaint about a book being published that contained false information about the church. President Hinckley went to the publisher and had a civil conversation with the publisher who then recalled all the copies of the book and inserted a page that said the book was a work of fiction and not meant to offend anyone. Maggie gave three principles: (1) Accept the challenge with faith; (2) call on the Lord; (3) go to work. We all face circumstances that cause fear. fear is the antithesis of faith. Dealer can make us frozen. It consumes us and stops us from moving forward. Satan tries to keep us from making good choices that help us move forward. Fear doesn’t come from the Lord. It helps to see other people who have faced the situation successfully. Sometimes we need to plan differently so we have our lives in balance. We feel joy by focusing on Jesus rather than on ourselves. The scriptures say not to run faster than we have strength. We can only do so much. We should not over schedule ourselves. Sometimes everyday life can be what we fear. There are ways to overcome our fears. We can compare our trials with people who have overcome more than we have had to or remind ourselves what we have accomplished in the past. It helps to look upwards, have conviction, confidence, courage. Identify the next action steps and take it so you know what to do next. Maggie said there was a time when she was very anxious and found that she had to focus on one problem at a time. Just because we’re some way, we don’t need to stay that way. We can learn how to cope. We can focus on something peaceful and realize that most things pass. The things in our lives that are hard right now won’t be the same in five years. Sometimes we have to learn the hard way. Start with one thing and take into consideration the well being of the family or yourself. That way you will be strong. Having a different perspective can help. Relying on the Lord can help us, especially if we make the decision to follow the Lord before we are confronted with any situations. Imagine the Savior beside you cheering you on what would you do? Would you feel braver and more able to are things on? President Hinckley was an optimist and knew that everything will work out. He said the testimony of Jesus will light a lamp that lights the way to the celestial kingdom.

Lesson for December 3, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Andrea Gerber on The Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, lesson 24 on “The Atonement of Jesus Christ: Vast in Its Reach, Intimate in Its Effect.” Andrea started by saying that she wanted to cover this topic. President Hinckley sad there would be no Christmas if there were no Easter. Without the Atonement, life would be meaningless. Some of the doctrine The name Christ means the Anointed One. Messiah is the same. The anointing was done by the Father with the Holy Ghost and with power.. It broke the bands of death both physical and spiritual. All of us are covered from Adam’s fall. Children are innocent because of the Atonement. It also means there is the possibility of salvation and sanctification. We can renew ourselves and become something new. here will be the power to do good works and we can choose. Heavenly Father’s love is expressed by giving us his Son. God the Father sacrificed his son. It helps us now that the Atonement allows us to start new each day. It covers all the pain and illness we experience. The Savior has paid for our pain and our sins. It gives hope because life will not be the same forever. The Atonement is like oxygen, so everyone needs it, although some people need it more than others. We can trust God and let things pass and allow Christ into our lives to take our pain away. He understands what we are going through and he has the power to do something bout it. THrough the Savior’s atonement, all people will be resurrected. Our pains are not permanent. The resurrection is a blessing that can soften the tragedies in our lives. We can feel the atonement for us and allow that it can work for others as well. We just need to understand how it works for us. What can we do to show gratitude for thi gift? We have the opportunity to renew our covenants while taking the sacrament. One of the ways we can show our gratitude is by repenting and using it. We can share our testimony with others and help them o not feel alone. It strengthens your own understanding and testimony. Write it down so you have them to look bac on. There is a power in the written word, which can also increase gratitude. The Atonement can help us overcome all the hardships we have as we think about what Christ would do in our circumstances. Show gratitude by being a nicer human being. W can then e one with him. If you had something wrong with your foot, you wouldn’t cut it off, you would comfort it and help it heal, which is what Christ owes for us. We ended with President Hinckley’s testimony that Christ is the king of kings. He wishes for all of us a time to contemplate the majesty of Jesus Christ.

Lesson for November 26, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Camille Maynard on Gordon B. Hinckley’s lesson on treating others with love. Camille said that she has known many people who have had problems and left the church or lost their testimony. People who are having a hard time need our love. It can apply to anyone. Emily Campbell read a story about baptizing a gifted, educated young man. He made a small mistake and a man in the church chastised him. The young man left the church and wasn’t in contact for years. As years passed, the man retired from work and moved to Switzerland. The missionary who had baptized him stayed in contact and tried to bring him bac, but h him back, but the man died without returning to the Church. Emily said it behooves each of us t treat others with love For many converts coming into the church is huge. They lose friends ad family. Or even someone in the ward. When Lisa Anderson first joined the church she was in college, she had a new coat and wore it to church. She got home and had chocolate on her coat. She almost didn’t go back, but her roommates were LDS and encouraged her to go. So when someone is kind enough to say something kind. Why do we care if other people are here or not? In an interview President Hinckley said something miraculous happens when someone feels accepted in the church. Jesus was concerned with individuals and so is the church. Every member is an individual and all of them need to be nourished. Any convert whose faith grows cold is a tragedy. The Lord left the 99 to find the one lost sheep. We should reach out in love to those who need it. We have been blessed by those who took a personal interest in us. Diane Barker said someone took an interest in her at a time when she might have gone inactive and it strengthened her. Virginia Roundy said during her last pregnancy she had to be on bed rest. Her son broke his leg and her visiting teacher moved in with her to help her. Her other visiting teacher brought a red wagon to transport her son. The Relief Society cleaned her house and did her laundry. We can be more sensitive to others. We can offer to do things for others without grudging. We can offer specific services so the person doesn’t have to think of things they can do. Emily Campbell said her parents joined the church right after marriage and because of the influence of the people who took them in and treated them with love, they raised a good family. You can’t do that without getting to know and love people. You need to get to know people and do your part if you are feeling left out. We can seek out opportunities. Just ask a to serve others. Just ask a question. Smile at them. Jayne Galloway read that the greatest tragedy in the church and then fall away. It need to happen. They must sacrifice so many things that result in loneliness and fear for that person, so members need to welcome and reassure and encourage and thank them or all they do. There is no point in doing missionary work without the kindness of the members. Even moving into a new area can be frightening. President Hinckley received a letter from a new member and members don’t know how hard it is to be a new member. We find that we have entered into a foreign world which can turn into frustration and anger and we leave. Even our language is strange, like what to call people. Remember who you are and what they are. If hey could have a friend to sit with them and explain to them, even more than visiting teachers and home teachers. We need more mentors or sponsors to help people. For yourself, Heather said, you shouldn’t be offended. Come to church because it’s true. President Hinckley said new members need three things: A Friend. Responsibility. Continue to be nurtured. Why is it difficult to return to the church because of embarrassment, or feeling judged, or your children don’t know how to behave, lack of knowledge and the spirit in their lives. President Hinckley said whatever the reason, put it aside and come back. There is more to be gained by coming back than by staying away. Be there for them. The experience of welcoming someone back is joyful. Camille told the story where President Hinckley said he had to go to California for a set of meetings when he got a phone call from an old friend who had left the Church. he wanted to come back but thought it would be embarrassed. He said take the first step. It will feel good to be back again.

Lesson for November 12, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Maggie Kopp about missionary work and fellowshipping. Emily Campbell said that people like talking about themselves, especially about life in general. Asking questions helps make people more comfortable Barbara Alldredge said her brother has his own church, but the parts of the gospel he does understand, he lives. Since the temple is in Salt Lake City. President Hinckley said we live in a world of great diversity and we need to be tolerant of all people.He reminded us that the 11th Article of Faith says we believe everyone has the privilege to believe as they wish. President Hinckley said we should not be prideful or look down on others for their beliefs. He said we must not be clannish or self righteous. He prays for a spirit of tolerance and being friendly. Being supportive and using our faith to support others. Speaking to others who express their own faith and reaching out to them, chance encounters, Speaking to someone who has left the Church works better if we identify their hurt and acknowledge that they are good people can help them heal and establish a friendship. More outward focus opportunities is to work with people of other faith for relief efforts and social evils. We can pleased to work with them to accomplish good. We can serve others and be an example, even with our busy lives. Lana said she was in Nauvoo and participated in community Bible camps and community Easter and Christmas celebrations. There had to be unity between missionaries, members, and the community through common causes. President Hinckley said if you treat others with love and respect, we can show them we are true followers of Christ Let us strengthen o ur own faith while treating others with love and respect. For example, they found that it took 10 positive stories about Mormons to replace a prejudice or misunderstanding about Mormons. Our behavior demonstrates what our beliefs actually are. If you’re not actually being kind, then you’re not connected with what is good in the church. Maggie said her friend was kind to a young woman in high school, so the young woman became interested, but had a bad experience with some church members, so she didn’t join the church. The good things we share with our friends and neighbors will stick with them. Inviting people to be our friends can have a huge influence on them and invite the Spirit. You can’t raise someone if you don’t have a good foundation. Sometimes it can e daunting to approach people outside the church, but consider a way to reach out to somebody outside. President Hinckley said the best way is to invite the Spirit into our lives. The Spirit has a way to smooth out differences between people.

Lesson for November 5, 2017

Today we were given the presidency leadership lesson by Charlene Farnworth on the new teaching method coming up. She reflected on Lana’s lesson from last week on the Book of Mormon. Charlene thought of the children of Israel and the brass serpent. A lot of the Israelites perished, although all they had to do was look. She wonders if the Book of Mormon is our brass serpent. All we have to do is look. It has healing powers. About 6 months ago she went to a conference at BYU called the LDS Educators Conference. About 150 people were there. She wondered why she was invited, since it was for anyone who is LDS and who teaches. The General Sunday School presidency taught the lessons. They talked about the new program to counsel together. Elder Callister quoted Elder Packer that there is no question that need go unanswered, any question or problem. A framework for teaching was presented. Teaching and learning is a cycle. Prepare-Engage-Improve This takes place in a role as a teacher or a learner. It is a why we are going to learn. Elder Callister said that principles are ways to improve our maximum agency and maximum growth. Principle 1. We are here to learn 2It is a call to action. 3. It must be scripture based, including our current prophets. 4. We will have guidelines and boundaries. 5 inviting—a time when we can all join in. 6. Environment of trust. 7 Open. So community opportunities and things we need to learn about will be talked about. We are asked to act outside the meeting on the challenges we discuss. Joseph Smith said, “I teach them correct principles and let them govern themselves. We will base our discussions on scriptures, like Nephi asked God about the scriptures his father told him about. It is not for the purpose of divulging private issues, but we can talk about sensitive issues without naming names. Some things are private in our hearts. So we need to be sensitive. We are all invited to discuss, but none are pressed to discuss. We want everyone to get a chance to speak, if they wish. Trust is important. Trust is a powerful principle, so we need to engender a safe environment and be trustworthy. We need to be dear friends. Five basic elements to be trustworthy: honest, benevolent, speak openly, confident in what we say and understand the scriptures, and we have to be reliable. It points out the significance of token trust. It takes a long time to restore broken trust. We need to be open, so teaching in a circle helps with openness. In Adam-Ondi-Ahman, it is a huge bowl/circle where Adam taught is descendants. If Father Adam can do it, we can try it. We are going to do an exercise to decide what to talk about in 2018. We filled out a survey to decide what we want to talk about.

Lesson for October 29, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Lana Horrocks, a counselor in the Relief Society. Her lesson was on teachings for our time. She began by talking about Kristine Hansen and her beautiful lessons. Today we get to learn about the Book of Mormon from the perspective of Russell Nelson as he told about visiting in Ghana. He talked to the king through a linguist, until Elder Nelson gave his speech. Then the king came to speak to him without the linguist and they spoke about Jesus Christ. Elder Nelson told about Christ’s visit to America and how he organized his church. It is in the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ. The local mission president had a copy of the Book of Mormon and Elder Nelson gave it to the king. The king said the book was of greater worth than rubies. Lana asked us to decide if we would rather have jewels or the Book of Mormon. Lana says that she reads daily from the Book of Mormon. Elder Nelson gave us some tips on reading the Book of Mormon. Lisa Anderson told about how she joined the Church at 18. She said that without the Church she was going in the wrong direction and would probably be dead. But she does have the Church and she does have joy and it comes from coming to Christ. Charlene Farnworth said she had to think a lot about her testimony. She would not have as much hope without the Book of Mormon, she wouldn’t understand the power of faith, the plan of salvation, or that it was available for everyone, the organization of the church, that she could progress eternally. She loves the scripture that says we teach of Christ and rejoice in Christ She says she has a responsibility. Another sister said she doesn’t know where she would be without the Book of Mormon because she’s always had it. She wouldn’t have faith or hope, or know about repentance. If we believe in Christ, doubting nothing, we will know there is so much more. Lana said it is a gift to believe on someone else’s words. Dorothy Francis said that listening to Charlene, it was like listening to General Conference. She has had so many personal experiences that come from studying the Book of Mormon. Her favorite chapters are Moroni 6 and 7. If you shall have faith in Christ, you will have power. She said she learned that miracles have not ceased and we can have help from angels. Suzy Sullivan said the Book of Mormon has influenced her life. It is everything that she knew about God. When she went on her mission, she ran into people who had never learned these things associated with the plan of salvation. The Book of Mormon is also the foundation of her testimony of Joseph Smith. Moroni 7:15 With a perfect knowledge we can know what we should do with our lives. How powerful it is to hear the testimony of people we know. Lana gave out sheets with questions about our testimonies of the Book of Mormon. She also handed out President Nelson’s tips about the Book of Mormon telling what it affirms, refutes, fulfills in prophecy, clarifies, and reveals. She gave us time to write the answers to those questions and then asked for people to share. Emily Campbell said she would not have an understanding of how revelation works and how she can access it for herself and her family. She also understands through the stories in the Book of Mormon how the plan is carried out. Heather Cantrell said she would not have the gospel. She said she knows by the power of the Holy Ghost. Another Emily said that on her mission she should always read a scripture from the Book of Mormon to those she taught, because it is a keystone in our religion. Chelsea Jolley said the Book of Mormon is her map, so she would be lost without it. She’s been told all the answers to life’s problems. Lana said she always gets answers from reading the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon helps us know that the prophet is the prophet and we now that Heavenly Father planned for our mistakes, such as Martin Harris losing the manuscript. Even the story of how it is on the earth now is a miracle. It gives us patience to be better mothers when we read it on a daily basis. Virginia Roundy said there is a power in reading the Book of Mormon because it brings that power into your life and makes your bosom burn. Elder Nelson said we receive power to heal, comfort, restore, succor, strengthen, console, cheer our souls. We can resist temptation by reading the Book of Mormon. Elder Nelson gave this tip sheet to us when the talk was published so we can have it. Often the very chapter we’re reading gives us the answers to our questions. Everyone has the ability to receive revelation from God by reading the Book of Mormon. Hellman 5:12 Remember remember it is upon this rock. She feels safe standing on this rock.

Lesson for October 15, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Maggie Kopp on Chapter 18, “Virtue—a Cornerstone.” Maggie began by saying that during her education, she had to take a Latin class. She said that because of Latin class, that when we talk about virtue as chastity, it is not quite accurate. A lot of chastity lessons are about what not to do, but virtue is more about what we should be doing. In Latin it is virtue. Paul used the world and the Aritcle of Faith 13. Something related to power and moral excellence The woman with the issue of blood touched the hem of Jesus’s clothes and virtue went out of him. Thinking of the broader definition, what does it mean to live a virtuous life? Being pure, living up to standards, doing good for others, integrity, being whole, being righteous and standing in holy places, a strengthe of values, learning from the best books. We’re seeking for these things, as it says in the Article of faith. We all have strengths and we have to seek after additional things. The Lord has said to let virtue garnish your thoughts unceasingly. Then the Holy Ghost will be our constant comapanion. Could there be a greater promise than this? Even our thoughts should be virtuous. We should seek for consciousness and being strong. As we choose to have virtue in our thoughts and hearts, we can act with confidence and have a measure of power in our lives. It goes beyond chastity, but in all our lives. When we are honest, we are able to be trusted and confident in our actions, have peace of mind, have a clear conscience, and have the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Then you can be filled with light and have the reputation of helping others and being trusted. We build up our inner selves as well as our outer selves. With the topic of pornography, those involved in it are exploiting others and objectifying them and not viewing them as our Heavenly Father would intend for us to view his children. On her mission, Suzy Sullivan studied the scriptures about virtue and most of her actions were good, so she worked on her thoughts. Maggie reads an advice column for managers and a person had struggled with self image. A person was assigned to her team who was very young and beautiful and the manager knew she was treating this new employee poorly. Her lack of self-esteem was having a negative influence for her whole team. She lost her managerial situation and recognized it was because she couldn’t control her thoughts. If we work on our inner thoughts, we won’t be as likely. Heather Cantrell said when she was an airline stewardess, she had to deal with men who had no integrity and it scared her. Interacting with other people who don’t have integrity can be helped by living a virtuous life and being aware that these people exist, we can stand up for what we believe in. One of Maggie’s personal values is to not judge others. Satan can influence us if we are not strong in what we believe, especially if you do things you now you shouldn’t, then the Spirit isn’t able to be with us as strongly. The Christlike attributes are in Preach My Gospel and the virtues are really all interconnected, so if we can clear our thoughts by memorizing a scripture, we are also increasing our knowledge and obedience. It’s that way whenever we focus on one virtue. If your eye is single to God’s glory, you can be filled with light. Hymns, scripture stories, scripture study can help us focus on God’s spirit If you’re scared or bored or trying to find compassion with yourself. One of the Turning points is to recognize that the adversary gives us negative thoughts that can affect us even thirty years later. Our internal voices are really strong and that could be good or bad. We need to acknowledge what our internal dialogue is so we dont let ourselves down. Ask if this thought is from Heavenly Father or some other source and replace it if you need to. We can be like God because we are His children. Physical appetites and desires can be controlled with discipline and maturity. It is possible that we can master ourselves. Sometimes it’s just a process of growing older or changing your circumstances. Having compassion on yourself. Joseph Smith said he did not care how fast we run on the path to virtue. So, as long as you’re trying, you are on that path. We are most likely not going to be perfect in this life, but we can be courageous and become women of integrity. We know that Heavenly Father wants us to be.

Lesson for October 8, 2017

Today our lesson was given by our Relief Society president, Suzy Sullivan, based on the talk “Be 100% Responsible,” BYU Elder Robbins at a BYU devotional. Suzy began the lesson by saying she had another lesson prepared and she heard this talk and decided it was what she needed to talk about. On the board she wrote AGENCY and RESPONSIBILITY. Satan goes about getting to us in sneaky ways He attacks both of these. In Hellman 13:40 it says to remember that those who perish and do iniquity do it themselves. So, we. Are responsible for all choices we make. Sometimes Satan convinces us that the principles of salvation should be used for evil purposes. For instance, freedom of choice could be used to choose abortion. He gave a list of anti-responsibility choices: 1. Blaming others; 2. Rationalizing or justifying; 3. Making excuses; 4. Minimalizing or trivializing sin; 5. Hiding; 6. Covering up; 7. Fleeeing from responsibility; 8. Abandoning responsibility; 9. Denying or lying; 10. Rebelling; 11. Complaining or murmuring; 12 Finding fault and getting angry; 13. Making demands and entitlements; 14. Doubting, losing hope, giving up, and quitting; 15. Indulging in self-pity and having a victim mentality; 16. Being indecisive or being in a spiritual stupor; 17. Procrastinating; 18. Allowing fear to rule; 19. Enabling. Sometimes there are actual reasons, but there is a difference between reasons and excuses. Suzy let us hear a story from the talk about how sometimes excuses are counterproductive, even if they are right. He told about two employees who were supposed to ship materials to where Elder Robbins and his employees were giving presentations. When he talked to the employees who were supposed to ship, they excused their errors and blamed them on others. Then an executive of a large company wanted a seminar, but the supplies were wrong. There was a lot of anger and a Vice President said there will be no more errors. So Elder Robbins’s instituted an incentive system for no errors. He told the employees that they would lose their bonus if there were errors, no matter who was responsible. He told them they were 100% responsible for each shipment. He said he removed the anti-responsibility list from their list of possibilities. They took it to heart and started calling other divisions to verify correct materials and shipment. Errors finally stopped and they began to earn their bonus each month. It brings peace when we are empowered and have taken the initiative. Elder Robbins told stores about being married. One woman drew a line down a piece of paper and wrote her husban’s Faust on one side and things she should do down the other. Then she threw away the side of the paper with faults on it. Forgiving is the responsibility of each of us individually. Communication is key to understanding expectations. For example, our spouses probably don't understand what we expect without being told. We need to recognize that we are needing to overcome some things, an take responsibility for fully confessing our sins and any wrong choices we make. We can’t blame other people for our wrong choices especially if you are the one who made a decision. Suzy suggested that we read the tall, so look up BYU education week and Robbins and Responsibility. He also calls this list the anti-faith list. We can all repent and take responsibility, so if we take these things to the Lord, He can help us.

Lesson for September 17, 2017

Today our season was given by Camille Maynard on Chapters 16 and 17 on "The Power of the Book of Mormon" and "Continue in the Great Process of Learning." President Hinckley told the story of when he was a missionary and he read the Book of Mormon before he went to bed each night He had a conviction come into his soul that the Book of Mormon was true. He gave a challenge in 2005 for the church members to read the Book of Mormon by Christmas, and many did. He proclaimed that the Book of Mormon supports the Bible in being a testimony of Jesus Christ. 2 Nephi 25 it says that we base everything on Christ. In Alma it says Christ suffered everything so he could succor us. All of 3 Nephi, especially chapter 11 about the coming of Christ. If you study the Book of Mormon prayerfully, you will learn of the gospel. Both sets of people received the same teachings and principles. The plain and precious points of the gospel are sometimes removed from the Bible, but they are found in the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price. We can receive a revelation for ourselves of the truth of the gospel, the test is found in the words in the Book of Mormon. The power from it comes as a gift from God. You can know for yourself if it is true. Moroni was the final writer in the Book of Mormon wrote in ch 10:5 that if you read the Book of Mormon and ask God with a sincere heart and real intent, you can know for. Yourself. It's so personal because we all receive our witness in different ways. We can have the Spirit testify to our hearts that these things are true. The Lord makes it so you can't prove scripture with scientific methods. The Lord is merciful to have us get our testimonies through spiritual means, rather than scientific means because then we have the passion necessary to change our lives. We have to have real intent, or the Book of Mormon is just another book. Once the Holy Ghost has testified and it is engraved on our hearts, then we can be assured. The stories speak to our hearts better than God giving us a list of do's and don't' We née to read the scriptures all our lives because they mean different things to us as we are in different stages. Focusing on what we are reading helps. Another section in this lesson is about having a testimony of the Book of Mormon can help us get a testimony of other truths, such as having a testimony of prophets, Jesus Christ, the priesthood, the church. Basically every truth of the restoration hangs on the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. If you have a testimony of the Book of Mormon, you have a testimony that God lives. There is a promise that if we keep the commandments, we will prosper. We can have a testimony that the Bible is true because of the the Book of Mormon supports the Bible. Listening to the prophet's counsel and reading the Book of Mormon helps us to really come to know Christ. Without the Book of Mormon, we can still know something about the Savior, but not as well. If we have questions in our lives, if we read the Book of Mormon more, God could answer our prayers better. The problems in our lives and in society could be made better and be answered if we read the scriptures. Sometimes you have to do the work of studying the scriptures to get enlightenment to know the solutions to our problems. If we need help remembering, we need to have the Holy Ghost with us to help us remember and we can have the Holy Ghost with us if we read the scriptures. There are stories about how the Book of Mormon affected people like Parley P. Pratt and how they came to read the Book of Mormon. Pratt called it the Book of Books. He read and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him. He became one of the leaders of the Church and gave his life for the gospel. It can move people in their hearts, more than converting their minds. Another story was about a woman who read the Book of Mormon and was able to stop smoking. Another story was about a man in prison and he found a copy of the Book of Mormon. He read the book and became a changed man. President Hinckley said such is the power of the Book of Mormon. If you read it a measure of the Spirit will come into your hearts.

Lesson for September 3, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Andrea Gerber and Emily Campbell as the presidency lesson about "The Strength of Women" and "Humanitarian Aid." Emily is the ward humanitarian aid and stake representative. Our responsibility as sisters, working together, we will get together for a large project to help others in a way that we can't do as individuals. We will meet at the stake center on October 3, from 2-8 p.m. Emily let us hear an excerpt from Sister Burton about those who helped the handcart companies. Such service brings unanimity. What we need to remember is that we need to make covenants and become better people. We become better y serving others. We read Matthew 25:35-36 about when Jesus said I was an hungered and ye gave me bread. The First Presidency wrote a letter about becoming part of the I Was A Stranger project. You can look on the lds.org web site to see what ways you can help. There are 60,000 refugees who live in our state, and our people were refugees as they came into this territory as pioneers, so we understand what it is like to be a refugee. We have an opportunity here with four projects. One is Days for Girls where women around the world, have their periods and have to stop working or gong to school when they have their periods. The project we're working on is a kit made out of felt fabric sewn into washable pads and clean underwear and soap and information to educate women about their menses. We need people. There is also a project to make quilts and teddy bears for children. We're working with Tabitha's Pantry to supply foods. We're trying to help these people simulate into our society. We are looking for donations for things they might need for people who are moving to Utah, such as cleaning supplies, cooking utensils, storage supplies, laundry supplies, personal care items, bicycles, art supplies, and other supplies. These people are like you and me with different experiences. This is our opportunity to love and serve. Emily said they understand that we cannot give everything, but the widow's mite is appropriate example. Andrea wants us to reflect on the power that we have as sisters. In America we are the most liberated women in the world. One of the powers that we have is chastity. Sheri Dew said she was invited to a World forum on women. She was able to speak to these women. She spoke about chastity and abstaining from all sexual relations outside marriage. She explained that she had never had to wonder about an abortion or a sexually transmitted disease or divorce. Women who don't have the gospel model in their lives dont have the assurance in their lives of men who want to be men with responsibility. We have a lot of influence in the family and a lot of power in society. Women can lead out to instigate activities and over our children's minds. Not all men and not all women understand the role of women. We understand that Eve was wise and far-seeing. If we want to change the world, it comes from the home. It is powerful to raise daughters and sons. To bear children is a power. To bear with children is another power. Even if you don't feel that they deserve it , we love them. Women have the power of love and long suffering. Moral authority is based on the gospel. We can back up our understanding of what is right or wrong with scripture and the words of the General Authorities. Temple power and the power of the endowment. We're armed with God's power. Joseph Fielding Smith said that all the blessings given to men are also given to women. We can be given strength beyond our own to face trials. Sheri Dew said that the moment we learn to unleash the full power of women in gospel territory, the landscape of the church will change. We're not just daughters of God, in the church we are women of God.

Lesson for August 27, 2017

Kristine Hansen gave our lesson today about President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk "Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear." Kristine started the lesson by telling the two main purposes: Contemplate the extent by which we use fear to motivate ourselves and others, and to find a better way. Fear is important to help us avoid danger, but it is necessary to know the right thing to fear. Have we ever told a child, "Just wait until your father comes home." It makes them fear their father and that's not what we want. It is true that ear has an influence, but it does not have the power to change our hearts. People who fear often say the right things, but they do not feel the right thing. Then they might behave the opposite of what we want. He said it grieves him that church members often exercise unrighteousness dominion, yet they cannot see it in themselves. When others don't obey arbitrary rules and then they are punished. The Lord wants us to show love unfeigned and showing forth more love. Do we cause ourselves to be afraid. We sometimes fear one thing in politics and economics, but we can prepare. It startled many of us that Earl Harding died suddenly last week. We wonder if it could happen to us. It can be a wake up call. We fear over our wayward children. We are fearful of health issues. We fear that we might die in our sleep. Lisa Anderson it's good to come to sacrament meeting every week so we only have seven days of sins we need to repent of. As our kids get older and make decisions we wonder if they will make the right ones. Satan wants to manipulate us by making us fearful, yet right now is actually one of the best times to be alive. Heavenly Father wants us to not be afraid. He does not condone bad behavior. He wants us to change more than o ur behavior--he wants us to change our hearts. He wants us to reach out and firmly reach out and grasp the iron rod. President Uchtdorf said God is our mentor and wants us to make better choices, but through love and staying positive and look to Christ. There are challenges and opportunities for us to experience. When Kristine hears about some things, she emails her sister and says, O isn't it awful and her sister says it is according to plan. We need to prepare ourselves to receive the Savior when he comes again. Does that change our perspective? He has given us an abundant number of things to help us overcome Perhaps as we age. Lori Freytag said when she found out she was pregnant with twins for a second time, she was told by doctors that there were risks. She relied on priesthood blessings and faith to help her turn her fears around and accept whatever would happen. One sister has a four-year-old child who has no stranger danger and she is fearful he will go up to the wrong person. She was in the shower and thought she should view thee people as Christ viewed them and from that moment her anxiety is gone. We do have to wary, but as a mom we can get feelings about what is wrong or that something is wrong. We should not see danger everywhere. Alana said she was reading the Book of Mormon and was assured that her children who served in the military would be safe. When one of her sons was on a mission, he was robbed and yet came out OK. President Uchtdorf read a string of scriptures about how obeying the commandments and looking to God can cast out fear through perfect love. God wants us to turn to him and love Him and he will protect us.

Lesson for August 13, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Charlene Farnworth about Jesus Christ, His Characteristics, His Actions, and His life. Charlene began by asking what do we think of Christ? She talked about songs of Christ. She talked about Elder McConkie's song, "I Believe in Christ." She said he wrote these words when he was battling cancer an he exemplified a follower of Christ What His characteristics and actions that gives us a relationship with Christ. Emily Campbell said that from Noriko Viramontes's talk, he spent time with sinners. She said, "God love token things." He is compassionate and accepting. He loves us unconditionally. He is patient with us. He performed miracles. His miracles were to benefit someone, not himself. He was perfectly obedient to his father in heaven, even though not always to his mother. He knew the plan in the pre-existence and he performed the plan perfectly. He was humble. He grieved for us. Even though he was busy, he gave one-on-one quality time to those who needed it. He had strong leadership, yet he was meek. He forgave everyone, including those who were wrong. Kristine Hansen said she has been going through the scriptures about Christ and she was struck by how powerful he is. Charlene said she enjoys the many paintings that have been painted recently that depict Christ in his power and glory. She suggested we go to see The Light of the World exhibit at Thanksgiving Point. He was sinless. He served others. He had perfect timing, even though some thought he was late. He is God. He healed--who else can make us whole. We need to acknowledge his power and that he is God and not treat him as if he is a common person who has no power to save. Do we ever avoid saying God bless because we are afraid of sounding preachy. In the scriptures, when Christ spoke to his disciples, he asked what they thought of Christ? The Pharisees said he was the son of David and Christ used logic to refute them. We discussed some comments that were distributed among the sisters about what the prophets have said about Christ. We decided he lives and he is the light of the world. Through faith we can gain a testimony. Joseph Smith's first vision can teach us so much about God. Everyone of us has had personal experiences dealing with things that could not be resolved except through the power of Jesus Christ.

Lesson for August 6, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Maggie Kopp on the Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley chapter 14 "Losing Ourselves in the Service of Others." Maggie started by reminding us of what she taught us a couple of weeks ago. She appreciates his optimism and how he encouraged us to make the world a little better. In a Presidency message in 1986, he told of Jesus Christ serving others. Andrea told of how Jesus healed the woman with the issue of blood. If you make your life a life of service, it will start ripping outward and others will be blessed whom you did not even know you did. Maggie told of Jesus healing the woman who was bent over and He healed her on the Sabbath. Vira told of Jesus who brought to life the son of the Widow of Nain. Another example was the woman who was taken in adultery and Christ showed compassion to her. Ultimately all of us are sinners, so we should e treating others compassionately. Heather Cantrell told of how Christ was chastised, but said he had to go about his Father's business. Paige Gibson said she remembered how Jesus washed the feet of his apostles. He descended below all things to lift us above all things. The story of Lazarus is memorable for his healing in the name of the Father. President Hinckley established the Perpetual Education Fund and other things that blessed those who didn't have much or who was struggling. Lisa Anderson told of how the door into the bride room was altered when President Hinckley said it was too narrow for bride's dresses. We're doing service as mothers and friends. It's not something we wouldn't do. What we do is serve each other. President Hinckley said to map out some of our lives to serve others without recompense. If not now, when? If not you, who? Lana Horrocks said that she is still being blessed for something that happened 40 years ago. Two women talking in the chapel were talking about problems. One said, "I don't know what you need, but I want to help you" and she didn't leave her friend, but helped the woman figure things out. Maggie said at work she is the go-to person who helps students understand about her profession. Maggie said she used to suffer from anxiety and depression and her second semester at BYU. The girl next door to her struggled even more and caused issues. Maggie didn't want to be that way, so she didn't have someone to talk to. So she thinks that when people struggle, we shouldn't push people away. You never know that someone you will be kind to years ago will remember you years later. Several sisters told of the kindnesses done for their loved ones. If we are willing, we can do wonderful things. Looking at those things gives us the motivation to serve others. It's a good idea to ask in morning prayers to help others. Andrea had a paradigm shift when she learned to trust the Lord, but then she wondered if the Lord could trust her, which is more important. Listening to the Spirit can help us know when others need help. President Hinckley said that when we help others, we find our true selves. Mary Ellen Smoot said when we are united in helping others, we can succor those in need. If you feel to help others, take advantage of all the opportunities to help others.

Lesson for July 23, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Kristine Hansen about a talk by Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "A Voice of Warning." She wanted to approach this lesson by asking the journalism questions who, what, why, when, who, how? What is the voice of warning? In the D&C it says it behoves every man to warn his neighborhood. Sister Horrocks said she felt like with her children, she was a steward and was suppose to warn them. Are we supposed to put on sackcloth and stand on a soapbox and warn people about their spiritual danger. Elder Christofferson said that the warning voice is supposed to be one of love. It needs to be firm and clear and rooted in love, such as the sacrifices made by our missionaries. To warn is to care. If we're going to warn neighbors about spiritual dangers, we do it by love, persuasion, and caring. Linda Campbell told of a story Elder Holland told at the missionary conference about a young man who left his family to join a motorcycle gang. Two missionaries stopped by his house and were not put off by his Doberman Pinschers and asked him where he came from. The man said he was from Pocatello and he admitted the family he came from and their name. One of the elders said, "That's my family, too, and God sent me to invite you to come home. Our parents have been praying for you every morning and every night." The man did come back and was eventually sealed in the temple. Lisa Merrill read some of her daughter's mission letter telling about a man's conversion and the change that has come over him as he has learned. She said she has been compared to Jesus and talking to them feels good. Love is reflected in kindness and ways we approach people. Heather Cantrell told of her cousins who showed up at her house yesterday to mend the rift in their family. Her cousin had been warned by her stake president that she needed to visit Heather. What a great surprise. We need to think of the parable of the Good Samaritan. Our neighbor is really anyone we come into contact with. Teaching and testifying of the gospel truth is important and especially the joys that can be had with faithfulness. Staying in touch with relatives and friends and showing them a way and a pattern to behave can benefit. It could be a stranger. Lisa Anderson had an experience with a home health care person who came to help take care of Lisa's unle and was very interested in a church magazine with President Hinckley on the cover. So you never know when you will have an opportunity. Heather Cantrell said she gave a Book of Mormon to several people who have joined the Church. Kristine told about going to Jerusalem and went to the Garden Tomb. It was shady and green and birds singing. The tour leader said they would now have a testimony meeting. One member of the group was Elder Martinez of the Seventy. He said it is our privilege to bear testimony. His son said, Whenever I think of Jesus, it just makes me smile." Then people felt comfortable bearing their testimony. Kristine said we need to be loving and kind and willing to be bold in sharing good news.

Lesson for July 16, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Maggie Kopp about Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley chapter 13 on "Peace and Contentment through Temporal Self-Reliance." Maggie asked us to write on temporal self-reliance--free association--what do we think about it. We talked about the things we wrote down. She asked us to talk about emotional and spiritual self-reliance. Lots of things are thrown at us by life. Being able to handle stress is important Having a good self-image and having resources that can help us. Having a support group. Spiritual self-reliance is being able to pray and get inspiration for themselves is important. We have to walk that fine line between being self-reliant and being willing to accept help. If we have our own self-reliance, we can help others. Having a relationship with the Lord and understanding the language of the Holy Ghost is something to develop that can be a resource. We'll be better equipped to handle adversity and life in general. When we think of when we are trying to seek answers or get guidance, if we have an understanding of what our own goals and strengths are, we can handle our problems better. Things that may be viewed as negative about can be obstacles. Sometimes when we feel judgmental if we think others ought to be more self-reliant. Sometimes were afraid of being taken advantage of. It's a good thing to help others, so we feel reluctant. Work can be a blessing or a curse. The world teaches us self-reliance differently by saying we should be proud of what we can do ourselves. We know we can't do anything without Christ. We're so dependent on Him for everything. Planning ahead is a service to your family, especially with wills and property allocation and everything else. Having things planned also means that we can serve others. Getting and education and knowing how to work can help us weather storms. People taking care of other people is paramount. You can help people become self-sufficient through serving them and teaching them. Being able to manage our responsibilities is helpful to us as well. The church has a new web site on self-reliance that has aids to building your own business to learning certain skills at https://www.lds.org/topics/per-self-reliance/live. Having a testimony of the gospel and reading the scriptures can help with emotional and temporal self-reliance as well. Having peace in our lives is related to having good personal resources and that is related to our relationship with God. Our self-reliance is related to our choice to be self-reliant. Knowledge we can gain, talents we have, Church resources, family resources, are all important to face life's challenges and receive the answers we need.

Lesson for July 9, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Camille Maynard on Chapter 12 of the Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, "Obedience: Simply Live the Gospel." Camille started by saying that simple doesn't necessarily mean easy. President Hinckley said when he was fourteen, he heard President Heber j. Grant who quoted that great scripture by Nephi about whatever the Lord commands, He gives a way. In his first talk in Church when he was called to be a General Authority, he talked about the necessity to understand the purpose of the Churhc and to be obedient to the commandments, be courteous, and be more Christlike. It's a season to reach out with love and acceptance. We shouldn't judge others or their actions. Chelsea Jolley said, Let those with the right authority do what they need to do and the rest of us should just be nice. President Hinckley also talked about being a covenant people. The Restoration was to bring back that covenant with God and His people. "We are a covenant people, and great are the obligations which go with that covenant. We cannot be ordinary people. We must rise above the crowd. We must stand a little taller. We must be a little better, a little kinder, a little more generous, a little more courteous, a little more thoughtful, a little more outreaching to others." We have to put off the natural man and not be swayed by what is popular. We are suppose to be steady, which makes us not ordinary. One sister said that if she were not a member of this Church, life is much different from her siblings. Camille said her friend has left the Church and how different her life is now. Her day-to-day life is different without the gospel. Jayne Galloway said that once we make those covenants and make the decision to honor them, it makes life a whole lot easier. Seeing the way people dressed just gong into the mall or going into the distribution center gives us an idea of how peculiar we are. We have to make the choice to stick with our convictions. Virginia Roundy said that when we only see the world as it is we lose the bigger picture. We have to put off carnal pleasures and wait for eternal rewards. Understanding that you are a child of God and who you are helps you make decisions that you should. You can get really lost by thinking things are important that are valued by the world, but it might not be part of the gospel at all. The way of the gospel is really quite simple, even though it might not seem to be. One sister said she went with a friend who asked her to come into a bar with her and she wouldn't have to do anything, but sit there. She did and she met a man who asked her out and she ended up marrying him. For example, the type of entertainment we watch or where we like to be. Really small decisions in your life can have big consequences. Elijah went and did according to the word of the Lord. There was no arguing or waffling. He simply did what the Lord wanted. There are strict rules for every mission and some differences, but what a time in their lives is it that they learn how to be strictly obedient. Heavenly Father is so smart to ask young men to go on missions at that age. We should all try a little harder to the divinity in is and be better than what we are. We are religious 24 hours a day, not just on Sunday. We should be living our beliefs all the time. The whole story of the Book of Mormon is a story of how when people are righteous, they are blessed. When they are not righteous, there is war, famine, and sin. The Church will not dictate the way someone should go, but it will point out the way and leave it up to them. When President Hinckley was a college student, he thought the president of the church had overstepped his bounds. His father said the president always sought the guidance of the Lord and has no personal agenda, but only want the Lord's agenda. There is no selfish desire no matter what the issue. There is no desire to teach anything other than what the Lord would teach in the same circumstances. We need to sustain him. He is not perfect, but he is who the Lord has chosen, so our job is to sustain him. There is a principle we should follow: Keep the faith. A promise is that if you keep the faith, you will receive happiness. He told of a train with a baggage car that got lost because a switch point had been moved 3", making the baggage car move from SLC to New Orleans. A small movement may create a great gap. Actions may be magnified over time, so make the actions good actions. If we simply live the gospel as it has been laid out for us, we will receive blessings.

Lesson for July 2, 2017

Today our lesson was given by our president, Suzy Sullivan. She taught us about talks, one by Elder Simmons "Let Us Not" and Elder Bednar and how we should say Thy Will Be Done. We need to trust that God loves us and has the big picture in mind. You have to let go of trying to counsel the Lord. You have to keep doing what you can, but even if you don't know what is next in store for you, you need to trust that God knows best and has the big picture in mind. You do know that Heavenly Father can give us extra grace and strength to handle what we have to go through. If we dont get what we want, we can still trust in our Heavenly Father and have peace that His will happens. You try to understand what is happening and why it is His will. What should be learn from the situation and not become bitter or angry. Suzy played part of Elder Bednar's talk about a couple who went through adversity. The husband was diagnosed with bone cancer with nodules in his lungs. He felt he had failed as a husband. His wife said it changed her perspective. She said it was the worst day of her life, but she was grateful for their temple marriage. Chemotherapy affected his health and psychology. They would sometimes wonder what Heavenly Father had in store for them. They found that prayer was their savior. The husband had surgery on one of the tumors. They found that the eternal principles they learned were invaluable. They had to find the faith to not be healed. They had to accept that the blessing they needed was contingent on not being healed. They recognized a principle that strong faith in the Savior must take into account the timing and purpose of Jesus Christ as a child submits to its father. What seemed to be perplexing questions, came to be seen as major principles to learn, such as "He that shall find his life shall lose it. Lots of paradoxes seemed to present themselves to the couple. They submitted their will to the will of the Father. True faith is to trust the Lord. The important thing is that they exhibit that true faith. None of us are going to escape challenges, so we'd better be strong. The time we have together with our families is a blessing, even if there are problems. Those who are made stronger can help others. Suzy told of how her husband wanted to go get a PhD and did not get accepted. They were puzzled, but then they started their own business and they got what they wanted, but a different way from what they thought they would get. Fear not, but believe. See what you do have as a gift. Sometimes we are blessed by some of our most painful experience. Sometimes when you plan things out, they do not turn out as great. We do our best with what we know and then accept what God gives to us. Elder Bednar said that if all maladies were removed, the plan of the Lord would be frustrated. He loves us and we are in his hands.

Lesson for June18, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Camille Maynard about Chapter 11 of the Teachings of Gordon B Hinckley, Chapter 11 "Home--The Basis o Righteous Life." Camille started by telling about President Hinckley and the Proclamation on the Family. There is a story about their home where their children grew up and how sad they were when they decided to move closer to Church headquarters He called the Proclamation asa a clarion call to strengthen the family and home. We all want to have strong homes. Camping together can strengthen a family. Family dinners can help families to bond. Extended family dinners are important to because everyone needs good relationships and people they can lean on. Prayers for each other can strengthen bonds. Going through hard times together can give a bonding experience. Having some available time together is important for feelings of closeness. Even if you have a very healthy family, investing in the one you love the most makes a big difference. Family councils helps a family to counsel together and to plan the year for the family. Family council can give children a voice We have to know and have to plan so time is apparent to us when we can spend time together. We want to be part of our grown children's lives, so social media can be a good way to stay in touch. President Hinckley said a home is the basis for a righteous life where we teach gospel principles. We can love our wayward family members and bless them through our examples and love. Family Home Evening, scripture study, and temple attendance, and even church pageants can help the family to be stronger. Church pageants are a way to be immersed in the gospel. Starting the day with a family devotional can help gospel principles be normalized. The roles of fathers and mothers are in viewing children as gifts of the Lord an a residue of affection that will guide love and respect for each other and for their parents. Single parents can allow leaders in the church or friends in the church to help their family. Never forget that Heavenly Father is there for us. He ways He will come to us even though we cannot go to Him. President Hinckley said he built his first home and the landscaping. He planted a honey locust tree right where the wind blew. When it grew, it grew in the direction of the wind. He tried to correct the tree by cutting off a branch that leaned too far, which was a drastic remedy. Remember to train up a child when he is young and when he is old he will have grown the right way. It doesn't take as much effort when children are young as it will when they are grown. One sister said that one-on-one outings with parents can help children know they want to be good, go on a mission, go to the temple, and other good things. It does take time. Having expectations can also be good. These expectations can be useful to guide children. They can be something to talk about between family members. Play and pray for your little ones. They are growing up in complex times that will require a greater strength than we have to have now. Pray that they will have that source of strength that will sustain them in any situation. Family prayer can be opportunities to express love for each other and be a special time to express gratitude for each of them. Saying nice things about other family members can bring a glow to their faces. Be careful not to be too critical. Help our children to know why we are grateful for the gospel and each other and help to strengthen their testimonies. President Hinckley said that when he was 5 years old, President Smith started Family Home Evenings. His family tried to do what President Smith wanted and even though their efforts were funny sometimes, something wonderful grew out of their efforts. Many times a FHE can be an opportunity to discuss gospel principles that are confusing. Sometimes FHE gives us a break from the world and can be a relief from stress If you have any doubt about FHE, try it for a while. Not every evening will be successful, but continuous efforts will bear fruit. Even if there are members who go astray. Keep at it. Never give up. Pray for them and love them and never give up. If we have those relationships in place, we could be non-judgmental so they want to be close to us. We can't take away someone else's free agency. If we have that relationship, then there may be times when we can offer some gentle comments. Raising a family may not be the easiest, but love can make the difference. With mastery over anger and Heaven's help we can be patient and encourage our family

Lesson for June 11, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Maggie Kopp on "Nurturing the Eternal Partnership of Marriage." She said marriage lessons are not her favorite because there are issues that hit close to home. President Hinckley said the early years were not that hard but he did learn that there has to be a little give and take. He said to lose a long-time companion is very hard but he has the assurance that death is not the end and as surely there is a separation, there is eternity. He also said of his wife that she had always given him wings to fly and he has loved his wife for it. It is important let each other grow. Some sisters commented on the need to compromise and not to think you will change the other person. What is so good about President Hinckley and his wife Camille is that they acknowledge that there are problems, but they are so supportive of each other. Some of the things we need to take into consideration are unselfishness, supporting each other, . We do believe that our marriages will continue after death. It's a big deal to be sealed to each other and continue that relationship after death. Having divorce in the mix is scary. If you both continue and stay committed to the Lord. One sister thought she would never get married and had a hard time hearing about marriage, but she learned that even if she had those expectations, she learned that those good qualities can affect your relationship with every relationship you have. She said when she did meet her husband and he eventually wanted to go to the temple, it changed him and their relationship. Once they did get sealed, that mantle came onto their marriage and it was such a blessing. The deeper meaning of a Temple marriage can bring a closeness. In the marriage companionship there is no superiority, but a partnership of equals and each encouraging each other. If you're speaking to your spouse of should or ought, then you have a parent/child relationship and not a marriage. Do the job that needs to be done, even though some people do things differently from you. It's important to know why someone does something so you can come to an understanding. Resolving conflict is important. Contention comes easily and we need to know who we are and who our loved ones are. Lack of commmunication can lead to misunderstandings. A competitive spirit Differing cultural values. All these things need to be discussed and worked out. We can be a lot like our spouse but the family cultures from the families we come from can be very different. You are trying to mesh two different things to make your own cultural family unit. It is good to identify things to work on. The Holy Ghost can have a huge influence on your marriage if you are both trying to stay close to the Holy Ghost. If every husband or wife is doing what is necessary to make the other spouse comfortable, most problems will disintegrate. It goes back to being flexible and not seeking an argument. Not expecting our spouse to read our minds. As women, we're very hormonal, so we need to understand when our physical condition makes us more combustible. Ask yourself if there are things that are making you or your spouse grouchy. There must be respect for the wants and needs of each other. It all falls back on selflessness. If you make the effort for your spouse to accomplish or grow in talents, then you will grow closer. Marriage teaches you to be humbled and broken and formed into a different person. How do you balance that support so you don't feel burdened. It helps to be loving to them first and then their hearts will be softened. We shouldn't count instances or saying what is fair or not. Sometimes a role has to change to help the couple work things out. God loves us no matter who we are.

Lesson for June 4, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Andrea Gerber of our Relief Society presidency. The lesson is on forgiveness. Andrea started by saying that she has been thrust into a master class on forgiveness. She set some base rules about what forgiveness is not. Forgiveness is not accepting people who has harmed them. It does not require us to ignore the wrong we see, but we must not treat others in anger. Forgiveness is not necessarily reconciliation. It doesn't mean rationalizing bad behavior. It doesn't mean that trust is restored automatically. Some things don't require restoring trust in any situation. When Andrea moved into the ward, some ugly accusations were made against them and they ended up in court. She had never had anyone try to harm her before. All the rules she knew suddenly were not working anymore. The judge saw through the accuser's claim and declared Andrea and her husband were innocent. During this situation, she felt close to the Lord and it was sweet. She felt humbled by her situation She contrasts that what she felt as she developed a sense of anger and self-righteousness and that was harder than being sued. Joseph B. Wirthlin spoke about the law of compensation: It may not come right away, but every tear will be recompensed. Andrea found that taking revenge could heal what happened to her heart. She had to turn to the Lord. The law of compensation is key. In Isiaiah 6:3 he says that Christ will give beauty for ashes. In Luke 6:38 it says give and it shall be given to you, for with the same measure you use will be given to you. She used an analogy of buying rice in a market and the seller won't shake the basket to give you more when it settles, but the Lord will let the rice settle, fill your basket again, and let it run over it's so full. President Uchtdorf says that means we should have kindness. Some sisters told of times when they have been healed and compensated. Emily Campbell told of losing one daughter three years ago and how it was the worst. She said that her other daughter has the same disease and is getting worse, so her experience is a holy and a sacred thing. She feels like her experience happened for a reason. Several sisters went through hard experiences in divorce and yet they feel like they have been compensated and have closer relationships with their current husbands. Andrea told about her little brother who has Down Syndrome and autism and what a blessing he is. Sometimes the compensation is not being trapped like some are by bad experiences. Hopefully the joy of living better is compensation. Maggie Kopp said that our culture needs outrage right now. Sometimes this outrage makes us do good things, like MADD or something like that. But moving beyond being outraged is the better course. If you're always campaigning against something is not as good as campaigning for something. Campaigning against can develop into a form of pride. If you can pray for someone, you can perhaps move beyond that bad experience. At one point Andrea felt it was unsafe to forgive. When someone hurts us, they have stolen from us. She feels like it makes little holes in her soul. What she fills those holes with are things like hurt and anger and the memory of that experience. So she felt like should remember to have something to keep. We have to give up those things to allow the Lord to fill our holes with love and more than we had before. One sister said she had an unjust bill, but as soon as she paid it, it was no longer in her life. Ask yourself if you are enjoying victimhood. You get to feel sorry for yourself. We're talking about score keeping. In a marriage, keeping score is harmful to a marriage and to a life. The gospel doesn't allow us to keep score. We can allow the Lord to have things under control and take care of the situation Then He can fill our souls with light and love. Open your heart. Soften your heart. As we open our hearts to the glowing dawn of the gospel the dark of anger and revenge disappears. We can pray for people. If you can pray for someone you can feel love in your heart. It's important to remember that everyone is suffering. We should never project our anger onto anyone else. Andrea says she believes in the power of prayer and doesn't want karma to not happen, but you should pray that that they get what they need to become a different kind of person. Sometimes you need help from the Lord to take it as far as it should go. He gives us the love to forgive. Turning to the Lord can heal us. Fill our days with uplifting church programs and scriptures and service and our healing can begin. The Lord's conditions are that we forgive other so He can forgive us. The commandment to forgive is for our good. You don't have to be a Victim twice by being victimized by your own hate.

Lesson for May 28, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Kristine Hansen on Russell M. Nelson's conference talk, "Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives." Kristine also spoke briefly in sacrament meeting on this lesson. She does believe that if we draw this power into our lives it helps us with everything. Christ never intended for us to go through the troubles in this life alone. He intended for us to get power for help. There are six ways to draw this power into our lives. The first is to learn about Him She is taking the challenge of reading about everything in the Topical Guide about Jesus Christ. She asked five sisters to take the challenge with her and keep track of their feelings and insights and how it influenced. It helped these sisters to love Him more and understand who He is. Using technology of computer or paper and pencil helped the sisters understand the scriptures better Jayne picked uplifting parts of Christ's ministry. She found that if you don't take notes, you don't remember what you read. Then go back and see what you learned. What Jayne learned that in the OT there was nothing about Christ being an exemplar, but there was about Him being a Good Shepherd Jayne was led on a scripture hunt, such as going from being the Word to being the Light. She found many great and powerful words with the most important being to rejoice. McKenzie said she took the challenge as she tried to wean her baby. She found that all the scriptures helped her in many aspects of her life. One of her favorites was the Atonement and it was beautiful. She read the part about how Christ is the Advocate and the Comforter. One verse John 14:8 said I will not leave you comfortless. She felt Christ'S help all week. Heavenly Father is the perfect example to us as He was a perfect parent. She loved that Heavenly Father introduced Christ by saying He was well pleased by Christ. So, positive things all around. Lisa Anderson said she apppreciates the opportunity to read through by topic. She chose those things that help her remember the Savior. She loved that all things are created in the Spirit first. She was comforted that Christ did not give in to temptation. Jeanette said she has been doing it for some time now. It has reflected her whole month. In the temple, the matron challenged them to do what Elder Nelson wanted them to do. She said in the temple, she had a witness of the Holy Ghost that there were angels in the room assisting people who needed help and blessings in that session. She felt she was a witness that angels do come when we need them. Learning about Christ helps us broaden our understanding and deal with our lives. The Lord is there to strengthen us.Elder Nelson also encourage us to study "The Living Christ" and see how it affects us. Elder Nelson also said to put the Savior at the center, not his deeds or teachings, but the Savior himself. It is doctrinally incomplete to talk of the Atonement without saying the Atonement of Jesus Christ because it is the Savior who delivers us from physical death and our sins. His atoning sacrifice shows his commitment to Him. We should get into that habit so He is who we look to for our help. The third thing he recommended is to have faith and then act on it--to follow him. Do you have the courage to speak up when someone badmouths the Church. Lana said she went to college and had to stand up to her English professor who wanted her to read something inappropriate. We need to find a way to do it with kindness and love, especially on Facebook. When we act on that faith, we get more power. Finally, keep covenants. People slack off on keeping their covenants. They feel they can become casual and maybe life would be easier. These decisions make us go inactive We need to put Christ at the center of our lives and remember we made our covenants with Jesus Christ. We will. Less prone to slacking off. When we are given the ordinances, we are given access to great power. Ask, why you would remove yourself from the blessings? We might pray to recognize what we receive and to avoid confusion. There is so much deception all around us and not be deceived. We can also stay unspoiled from the world. It's not true that we are not good enough, or pride, or cynicism, and we need to understand what our standards are and how it should be enacted in our lives. Justification of our beliefs is important. We need to remember what is normal and what is OK to be normal and what is not. We need to reach out to Christ for help and know how to handle our problems. If the Lord's power is in our lives it is as if a drowning person reaches out for safety If Christ knows we are sincere we can draw the power of Christ into our lives. We can feel optimism and strength and happiness.

Lesson for May 21, 2017

Our lesson today is given by Camille Maynard on "The Precious Gift of Testimony," chapter 9 in the Teachings of Gordon B Hinckley Camille asked about events that solidified our testimonies. Some sisters too of times when they were younger and realized tha they have testimonies. It is good to know that we have that gift. President Hinckley tells of his first memory of spiritual things when he had an ear infection at age 5 and heard his father giving him a blessing and felt the Spirit. He also remembered saying his prayers as a teenager and getting into bed and recognizing the gift he had received of knowing he had a testimony. We all had those first feelings of knowing a testimony. How can our testimony contribute to the worl-wide church. Like little drops of water we fill up the lamps of the church. How we fulfill our callings also contributes. We carry a light with us that influences others. Some people are more able to reach people in the way that speaks to them and it's different for each person. We have become a great family in different circumstances, but we have common testimonies.President Hinckley said: This thing which we call testimony is the great strength of the Church. It is the wellspring of faith and activity. . . . It is as real and powerful as any force on the earth. The Lord described it when He spoke to Nicodemis and said, "Yhe wind Bowery where it listens, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit" (John 3:8). This thing which we call testimony is difficult to define, but its fruits are plainly evident. It is the Holy Spirit testifying through us. It has the power to change lives and actions. He also said that personal testimony is what motivates us to sacrifice for the gospel and make change in our lives. It is heard from all factions of members in the Church. Life is purposeful and we are on a common journey of achieving security in the fact that God lives and we have places and things to go and do. Camille had us read five stories about testimony and its effects. One story was but David Casteneda and his poor farm and walking in poverty until the elders contacted them and baptized them. They grew in prosperity and as a family. Over 200 people have joined the church because of them. Another story was about a naval officer from another country. He was being trained in the USA an he was attracted to some other officers who had light. The Spirit touched his heart as they taught him and he joined the Church. He knew his family would cast him out and he thought he might lose his career. He said "It's true, isn't it, then what else really matters?" Lisa Merrill taught a man on her mission and when he returned home from going to school he found that his family had joined the Church. The third story is about an engineer whose wife wante to join the Church and he grew angry about time and money it woulD cost. He walked the street swearing and angry, but a voice came to him and said, "It' true" and peace came to him. He went home to find his wife praying. The things he was upset about were no longer a problem to him. Some people who look up the Church do so academically, but others are not concerned with costs and want the truth, so the things that academically are barriers are no problem with the right attitude The fourth story is about an intellectual woman, major in the Army, who spoke to a military group in Berchtesgaden about when the missionaries came to see her. They were so impressive she offered to buy anything they were selling. They told her of the gospel and her testimony is now the most precious thing her life. Now she just wants to serve others. President Hinckley said it is the same with hundreds of people a over the world, no matter their economic status or education. We all have our own stories of how we have to stand on our own feet. Suzy said on her mission she met a combative man who complained about Joseph Smith. She said that by testifying about Joseph Smith, she gained a certainty of Joseph Smith. Camille said she had a similar experience hearing a missionary testify of Joseph Smith. When we have fears, we can pray to be reassured. As parents, we can teach our children to ray to overcome their fears. Our children may lean on our testimonies until they are sure of their own. How has your testimony sustained you in your life and influenced others? Did your mother help you pray? Remember the parable of the 10 virgins and fill your lamps with oil by going to the temple and praying and studying scriptures so we can be grounded in the gospel. In the New Testament when Jesus fed the 5,000 and telling the people the gospel, but some people thought it was too hard. Some left, but some disciples said, "You have the truth. Where could we find it elsewhere?" The gospel gives us the chance to have a testimony. What a blessing.

Lesson for May 14, 2017

Lesson for May 14, 2017 Today our Mother's Day lesson was given by Bishop Greg Jolley on "We Look to Christ." Bishop Jolley drew a tree and called it a specimen tree that is the ideal for that kind of tree, the perfect tree. Because it is Mother’s Day and women everywhere like to feel they are perfect, so he is going to describe the perfect woman. Listed were Christ-like, courageous, nurturing, loving, patient, kind, there, prayerful, loves children unconditionally, clean house, great cook, forgiving, flexible, involved, listener, (righteous anger), respectful. We’re all working on the kind of person that we are. Bishop Jolley said the lesson felt more like an Easter lesson than a Mother’s Day lesson. But there could be something helpful for each of us. Bishop Jolley had Megan Williams read a story about the Mesa Arizona Temple as local clergymen visited. A Protestant minister asked about the absence of the cross. President Hinckley said the cross is the representation of the dying Christ and we worship the living Christ. He said that our symbol for Christ is our lives as we live the commandments of Christ. The take away from this message is that the lives of our people must become a meaningful expression of our faith. We can do this through visiting teaching as a way to serve. If everyone would do their teaching as it should be, it would lighten the load of the bishop. Bishop Jolley recognizes the good work of the sisters. Sisters who live their religion to the best of their ability actually look different from other people. The light shines through them and it is unmistakable. It doesn’t mean that we are all the same, but we can be that expression of what our Heavenly Father wants us to be. Being Christlike is something we work toward. Some of the accounts of what Christ did have special meaning, such as the story of Mary and Martha, the woman taken in adultery and forgiven by Christ without condemning her, woman who had the issue of blood and touched Christ’s hem and was healed, a Greek woman who asked for Christ to heal her daughter and said even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall, the daughter of Jairus, the Samaritan woman at the well and he was compassionate. Bishop Jolley said he’s lost a few family members over the last year. He realizes that our natural man makes us judgmental and critical. Perhaps we lose the understanding that people are struggling. When our bodies separate from our spirits, we become less judgmental because we are no longer the natural man who tends to judge others. How do we take these stories and make them change us. When we repent and gain humility, we try to do what we should do, we can teach others to repent. The idea is that the way Christ taught with an extension of love and boldness, it had an impact on individuals. It is almost impossible to attain all of Christ’s attributes, but we can choose one and work on that one, then choose another one and work on that one until we gain more Christlike attributes. We read those passages of scripture about Christ and we can come to recognize the traits we have, good and bad, and know what to work on. If we search for what we need, we can find it. A lot of the stories are connected to faith and the idea that Christ is seeking after all of us, so he doesn’t seem so far away. When we try to emulate him, Christ will be familiar to us. President Hinckley said although he experienced terrible things, but Christ was still able to say as he died, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” He said that even though he suffered tremendously. How many times do we think about that? Do we think that our problems are because of someone else or do we own our problems. Bishop Jolley told of his experience playing soccer for BYU. For the first game, his friend was jealous of the bishop’s starting position and purposely made him late to the game, so the bishop lost his starting position. He didn’t find out until much later. He found out when he was ready to forgive and not blow up at the young man. One of those attributes is to forgive and we need the time to learn that. Bishop Jolley asked when was the last crisis of faith each of us had, when things are difficult. Those crises of faith are more often than we might think. We think we have to be a perfect person, but in reality God only expects us to try. The acquisition of understanding and motivation to be better come from three things: (1) read the word of the Lord, (2) serve, (3) pray. This is the invitation and the promise is sure. We know not what is ahead of us. We live in a world of uncertainty. There is accomplishment, disappointed, good health, sickness, sorrow, but we do know there is the Redeemer of the world, and the Rock of our Salvation. If Christ is the focus of our lives, we can get through anything.

Lesson for May 7, 2017

Lesson for May y, 2017 We had a spotlight on Jennifer Atwood. Then there was a visiting teaching spotlight by Lisa Merrill with a video from lds.org. . Today our lesson was given by Charlene Farnwortrh as a member of the Relief Society presidency. It was on visiting teaching messages we are asked to take to our sisters. One of her favorite parts of visiting teaching is the discussion part. She wonders why we are asked to take specific messages. The reason we go visiting teaching is to become closer to Christ. She went through the messages we had so far this year. How does Relief Society prepare women for their divine roles?--January. She asked how does Relief Society help women fulfill Heavenly Father’s divine role for women? Inspiration. Strength. Knowing who we are. Purpose. Influence. Worth. Covenants. Connection. Unity. Then we had a discussion. Claudia Laycock said she’s glad she’s a woman. She has worked in a man’s world all her career and did a lot of firsts. Charlene handed out a sentence with blanks: “I will organize the women after the order of the priesthood” by Joseph Smith. She also used videos from mormon.org to illustrate certain points. How can we express our love for Jesus Christ’s Atonement? We know that all shall be made alive through Christ’s Atonement. Discussion came up with the message, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Charlene called on sisters. One said we could focus on the Savior during the sacrament Barbara Aldredge said at Women’s Conference at BYU they talked about accepting callings and asking for help from Christ to do those callings. Others mentioned serving. Others said to share what we know. March was about the enabling power of Jesus Christ to help our weaknesses become strong. We can help to lift the burdens of others. Christ can heal us. He sees us as glorious beings who can achieve great things. For the gospel to be effective in our lives, we need to be firmly attached to Christ. Christ invites us to come unto him and be transformed. Our faith can make us whole. Jesus said, I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left. Chelsey Jolley said that Greg made a commitment before he went to graduate school he said he wouldn’t do homework on Sunday. He kept his callings. He often woke up early to do his homework, but he did not break his commitments to the gospel and he was blessed to become good at his academic work. In April the message was about the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood. We need to know what it is. In D&C 84:33-44 is the oath. It is about the priesthood power used by Christ to create the worlds. Those who hold the priesthood become the sons of Abraham. He that receives Christ receives his father and receive the benefits of everything our Heavenly Father has. The love of Jesus Christ is our guide, if we are to become aware of those in need we can help.

Lesson for April 16, 2017

Lesson for April 16, 2017 Today our lesson was given by Maggie Kopp about chapter 6 in the manual about “How Great is a Thing of Prayer?” Maggie asked us if there is a person in our lives who is easy to communicate with. Why is that person that easy to communicate with? They assume the best about us. They listen without judging. They are interested in what we say and in us. They are good listeners. They are trustworthy. Not only are they good listeners, they have good things to say. Related to prayer, we need to think of what we need to do. We need to draw near to God and maintain a close relationship. We need to be grateful. We need answers and comfort. President Hinckley mentioned praying for protection, for help for our loved ones, for strength to do what we need to do. It is personal and individual. Ask for what you need and the important things we need in our lives. How do we prepare ourselves to pray? Have enough time to pray and receive an answers. Don’t be so worried about finishing quickly, for example, to go to bed. Think beforehand about what there is to pray about to avoid those vain repetitions. Getting rid of distractions so we can pray—leave the phone in another room, turn off the television, and make sure kids are in a state where they are calm. Pretend that when we kneel down, that we are held by our Heavenly Father. Mary Jane Woodger said her prayers are more meaningful by remembering the attributes of Heavenly Father and who he is. During family prayer we have to remember that the blessings may not be readily apparent. It is a time to be loving and not require that we or our children need to be perfect. We need to be flexible and change according to the age of our family. Small children are not the same as teenagers. We may have to change the time when family prayer takes place, even having it in shifts. The scriptures say that fervent prayer avails us much. A fervent prayer is a passionate prayer and can be work. We can combine meditation and prayer so we can focus on what is covered in a prayer. One thing that can make our prayers more fervent is to really ask that the Lord will forgive our sins, and that opens us up to the Spirit. A barrier could be being embarrassed to admit failures to Heavenly Father, rather than treating Him like our closest friend. We can admit how we’re feeling, because isn’t that what Jesus did in His prayers. Humility, and sincerity could be admitting that we cannot do some things on our own without His help. Sometimes it’s hard to figure out if what we want is just what we want but is not what our Heavenly Father wants for us. It is a wrestle to know what His will is. We are not informing God, but we are figuring things out for ourselves and hoping for inspiration. Sometimes the changes it makes in ourselves can make us more open to becoming better and making our prayers more meaningful. As we listen to the Spirit, we can be more open to our Heavenly Father and the influence of the Spirit. Prayer can help us and change our hearts. Lesson

Lesson for 26 March 2017

Today our lesson was given by Kristine Hansen on “Am I Good Enough?” by Elder Cornish. Kristine asked all of us to visualize a place we want to visit and a benefactor would pay for the trip. This is analogous to the Atonement because Christ wants to offer us a free trip to the celestial kingdom. We can go there to live forever. You don’t earn the celestial kingdom. We go there by the grace of Jesus Christ and we have to do our part so we can qualify. Elder Cornish has a formula we can follow--formula R: Don’t rationalize. Don’t rebel. Do repent. Do rely on the grace of Christ. Do really try. We need to understand that the Atonement is for sinners. It is also for saints. It is through the grace of the Lord that individuals gain the strength to do the good to qualify for the celestial kingdom. All we have to do is ask for it and do what we are supposed to do. Grace can help us do righteous things. Emily Campbell said through the death of her daughter, her divorce, and all her troubles, she feels she is strengthened. Dorothy Francis said we all notice that Emily has come to church throughout her troubles and told the Lord that she is ready and worthy. Suzy Sullivan said she feels strengthened to serve the sisters of our ward. Andrea Gerber said she sees people in her family who claim to be too broken to go to church, but others who allow the grace of the Lord to lift them and heal. Kristine said she was called to serve in a young married ward to be the wise older person. When she was set apart, the man said she needed to move out of her comfort zone and make herself available to those people. She said it became a wonderful calling. We can remain in our victim status or we can access the atonement and triumph through gratitude. We might also think we’re not good enough or too good and those judgments prevent us to be humble and victorious. Sometimes we are lazy. Sometimes we feel like we have such big goals we may be discouraged, or too comfortable to try to improve. Sometimes we are distracted or too busy to think of formula R. Our faith gets weak or we don’t have the knowledge of the gospel we should. Camille read a piece that said we can always repent no matter how many chances we have thrown away before. There is no sin that is worse than what Christ atoned for. Kristine has been a teacher of college-aged students for 41 years. In the last few years, she’s seen more students debilitated by depression and anxiety. It is a real handicap. More and more she sees students using this as excuses for not performing. A psychologist came to the English Department about what is being seen for serious distress, suicidal thoughts, psychotic episodes and worse is rising so high that students have to wait 3-4 weeks for counseling. The top reasons are depression, relationships, suicide, perfectionism, and alcoholism. One thing that struck her is that students are constantly comparing themselves to others and keep their cell phones with them at all times. They will spend hours crafting a Facebook image of themselves. People just need to unplug. We need to enjoy the process. We need to rely on the grace of Christ. Have the right foundation for your life like sleeping, eating right, trusting in the Lord. There is a life clinic in Provo. They say you should not sleep with electronics within 3 feet of your body. The electronic fields can affect our bodies. The internet is a good tool, but it can be used incorrectly. Elder Cornish said “We must stop comparing ourselves to others We torture ourselves needlessly by competing and comparing. We falsely judge our self-worth by the things we do or don’t have and by the opinions of others. If we must compare, let us compare how we were in the past to how we are today--and even to how we want to be in the future. The only opinion of us that matters is what our Heavenly Father thinks of us. Please sincerely ask Him what He thinks of you. He will love and correct but never discourage us; that is Satan’s trick.” Emma Campbell said she actually downloaded and app that encourages her to stay off her phone and it helps her. We need to put our relationship with Christ first, repent, and we will eventually be good enough to return to the celestial kingdom. Heavenly Father wants to work with us to help us qualify.

Lesson for March 19, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Maggie Kopp on chapter 5 of the Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, “Daughters of God.” Yesterday, Maggie went to a funeral of a family friend--in-laws--she always made the family feel welcome and stepped in to help. It was fun to see how big an impact she made. Maggie asked about women we admire. Some of them we can be like and some not, but we can always try to be like them Some sisters talked about a mother or grandmother who had positive attributes that we can look up to. This week is the 175th anniversary of the Relief Society. The General Presidency invited us to think of our eternal role as a daughter of God, to know we are valued, and that we are sisters. So, our identity, our purpose, our examples of other female disciples, and our value. The women in our lives who inspire us. How have they helped us to become a better disciple. Diana Barker said that as she grew up she knew a woman who went on a mission and it inspired her to go on a mission. Lisa Anderson said she had a missionary companion who always believed Lisa was the best she could be and it inspired her to be better. Our identity as a daughter of God is basic. We sing I am a Child of God and it is explained in Church, but how does it give us strength. Emily Campbell said that she knows that if she is here and has things to do, so she will be able to do them. Another sister said it makes her feel special that she has qualities from someone who is so great. There is so much more to us than people think We have a spark of divinity. It helps us to treat others different from how we would otherwise. We should remember who we are at all times and who others are. It helps us not beat them up. If Heavenly Father loves them, too, then maybe we can, too. We can reflect on being patient, agreeable. We can know that Heavenly Father can take care of our loved ones, so we don’t need to be as worried about them. Joseph Smith said that if we live up to our promises, we can expect blessings The Relief Society reflects the relief we can receive if we are ill or need help. We are all each others’ blankets and the sisters wrap you up. It is the place where you can learn life skills. The community we have that enfold us. We can move anywhere in the world and go to Church and have friends and even babysitters. In our history, we learned that Godhood also meant womanhood, so our history is that we can do great things. We can take care of others, get an education, teach others, build cities, take care of our families, and a knowledge of people on the other side who are interested in us. In this life, we are the ministering angels in our spheres. President Hinckley said tremendous is our faith and great is our work. Rise to the great potential in us and don’t nag ourselves or beat ourselves up with our failures. How does that help us become more like our Savior? As we serve others and do our visiting teaching, we become more Christlike. The Relief Society is there to assist us, teach us, love us.

Lesson for March 5, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Andrea Gerber on Fasting. It has always seemed archaic and to indicate sorrow associated with sackcloth and ashes. But the fasting part is one of the most important principles to commit to. Andrea said that she had not done it well before because of blood sugar issues. But she decided to try it and found that after 18 hours, she really felt inspired and chastised herself for missing out. Trying to set up the fast so that the sacrament meeting is in the final hour of the fast, was an important part of her fast. When one sister was on her mission, she learned the value of fasting. She remembers a moment of truth in her mission when she needed to fast. She could feel more of the Spirit that very day and she was able to share referrals and share her testimony. She found benefits and miracles happened when she fasted. Heather Cantrell told about a military travel trip that they fasted and prayed for and got bumped, but were able to go the next day. It turned out that there was very bad weather. Miracles are brought about by fasting and sincere prayer. Lorenzo Snow on his mission in Italy stayed with a family who had an ill three year old. He fasted and prayed to be able to bless the child. A few hours later, the child was much better. He told the parents that the God of Heaven had done that for them. A family had a child who had fits and Joseph Smith said that if a head of the house would fast three days, the child would be healed. The father fasted and the child was healed. Sometimes, though God has a different plan and we need to recognize that God has His own plans. Perhaps praying to know what the plan is. Remember that those who are appointed to death are not to be healed. We do have a great power of faith and blessings. Andrea said that she prayed to know if she should marry her husband. Her mother told her that marriage is hard and life is hard so getting that answer is what can carry her through the hard times. So Andrea decided to fast and pray and the next day she would eat and then do it again. On the very first day with the very first prayer, she got a burning unmistakable answer She felt that the answer came with fasting and prayer combined. Other comments came about times when putting off the natural man and rising above the physical body would help. However much we can do to fast, God notices. We have to be willing to accept how God works and make the sacrifice of our wills. Andrea feels like fasting is a secret weapon. Prophets have mentioned the when and the why we should fast. For example, blessings of health, answers to prayers, inspiration, finding jobs or on a job, gaining confidence, for gratitude. One sister remembers her ward fasting for rain during fires and it rained the next day. Scientists are now recognizing the benefits for our bodies in fasting. If we are humble, God gives us the confidence we need to do hard things or guide our families. Fasting gives us the courage to do something hard so we know we can do something else that is hard. Fasting also gives us clarity of mind. Fasting can help us know the lord is on our side. In Isaiah 58:6-11 has many promises that come from fasting. It can do many wonderful things for us. In our homes,it can strengthen marriage bonds, lessen conflict between siblings, and strengthen our character and control of our appetites. The greatest promise is that then the Lord shall come when we call and comfort us. She challenges us to experiment with fasting and its blessings.