Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Inspirational Thought

“My brothers and sisters, may we resolve from this day forward to fill our hearts with love. May we go the extra mile to include in our lives any who are lonely or downhearted or who are suffering in any way. May we ‘[cheer] up the sad and [make] someone feel glad.’ [Hymns, no. 223] May we live so that when that final summons is heard, we may have no serious regrets, no unfinished business, but will be able to say with the Apostle Paul, ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.’ [2 Tim. 4:7].”
Thomas S. Monson, Liahona, Jan 2002, 68–71

Monday, September 27, 2010

Today's Thought

“Our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are alsoperishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There aregifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved.”
Thomas S. Monson, Liahona, Jan 2002, 68–71

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Inspirational Thought

"Get on your knees and thank the Lord for his bounties. Cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving for the blessing of life and for the marvelous gifts and privileges you enjoy. The Lord has said, 'The meek shall inherit the earth.' (See Matt. 5:5.) I cannot escape the interpretation that meekness implies a spirit of gratitude as opposed to an attitude of self-sufficiency, an acknowledgment of a greater power beyond oneself, a recognition of God and an acceptance of his commandments. This is the beginning of wisdom" (The Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, p. 246).

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“Patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can—working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!”
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Continue in Patience,” Ensign, May 2010, 57

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Today's Thought

“Every kind word spoken gives you greater ability to speak another.”
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 139

Monday, September 20, 2010

Relief Society Dinner and Broadcast

Join us this Saturday, September 25th. We'll be meeting at the Fairfield Building and be joined by the Hamilton Ward and Miami River Branch.
Dinner will be at 6:30pm
The broadcast starts at 8:00pm
We hope to see you there!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Today's Thought

“We become so caught up in the busyness of our lives. Were we to step back, however, and take a good look at what we’re doing, we may find that we have immersed ourselves in the ‘thick of thin things.’ In other words, too often we spend most of our time taking care of the things which do not really matter much at all in the grand scheme of things, neglecting those more important causes.”
Thomas S. Monson, “What Have I Done for Someone Today?” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 85

Friday, September 17, 2010

Inspirational Thought

"Don't go through life with your lips sealed against words of kindness and encouragement, nor your hearts sealed against performing labors for another. Make a motto in life: always try to assist someone else to carry his burden. The true key to happiness in life is to labor for the happiness of others. "I pity the selfish man who has never experienced the joy which comes to those who receive the thanks and gratitude of the people whom they may have aided in the struggle of life" (Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, p. 161).

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Today's Quote

"If there is one principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ that goes directly to the very foundation of justice and righteousness, it is that great and glorious and God-like principle that every man will have to render an account for that which he does, and every man will be rewarded for his works, whether they be good or evil" (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 69).

Monday, September 13, 2010

Today's Quote

“Just as the Salt Lake Temple took 40 years to build, stone by stone, you are building a virtuous life, step by step. You have made covenants to be obedient. You have made some good choices. The patterns of virtue you develop now will help you to continually hold fast to the iron rod. You will never be alone on your journey because the Savior will always be with you, and you can repent. You have been blessed with the Holy Ghost to comfort and guide you. Look to the examples of the believers in your life, and seek to help others on their journey.”
Mary N. Cook, “A Virtuous Life—Step by Step,” Ensign, May 2009, 119

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Today's Thought

“It is a God-given law that in proportion to the service we give, in proportion to what we do in this Church and out of it—what we are willing to sacrifice for the Church and for those to whom we owe our loyalty outside of Church activity—we shall grow in the grace of God and in the love of God, and we shall grow in accomplishing the purposes of our being placed here on the earth.”
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 139

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Inspirational Thought

“The Lord never asks the impossible. Often the difficult, but never the impossible.”
David B. Haight, Ensign, May 1993, 23

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Today's Thought

"A striking personality and good character is achieved by practice, not merely by thinking it. Just as a pianist masters the intricacies of music through hours and weeks of practice, so mastery of life is achieved by the ceaseless practice of mechanics which make up the art of living. Daily unselfish service to others is one of the rudimentary mechanics of the successful life. . . . What a strange paradox this! And yet one needs only to analyze it to be convinced of its truth" (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 250).

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Inspirational Thought

“One can never tell what will be the result of faithful service rendered, nor do we know when it will come back to us or to those with whom we are associated. The reward may not come at the time, but in dividends later. I believe we will never lose anything in life by giving service, by making sacrifices, and doing the right thing. “
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 139

Friday, September 3, 2010

Inspirational Quote

"Prayer is something that humbles the soul. It broadens our comprehension; it quickens the mind. It draws us nearer to our Father in heaven. And any way you look at it, it is a benefit to us, not to him. We need his help, there is no question about that. We need the guidance of his Holy Spirit. . . . We need to have our minds quickened by the inspiration that comes from him, and for these reasons we pray to him, that he may help us to live so that we will know his truth and be able to walk in its light" (Joseph Fielding Smith, Take Heed to Yourselves!, p. 344).

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Today's Thought

“If a person understands the teachings of Jesus, he or she cannot reasonably conclude that our loving Heavenly Father or His divine Son believes that Their love supersedes Their commandments. . . . The effect of God’s commandments and laws is not changed to accommodate popular behavior or desires.”
Dallin H. Oaks, “Love and Law,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 28

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Today's Thought

"I am converted to the thought that the way to peace and happiness in life is by giving service. Service is the true key, I believe, to happiness, because when we perform labors like missionary work, all the rest of our lives we can look back upon our accomplishments in the mission field. When we preform any acts of kindness, they bring a feeling of satisfaction and pleasure into our hearts, while ordinary amusements pass away" (Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, p. 187).

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Stake Labor Day Picnic

Join us on Monday, September 6th for a Labor Day Picnic!

It'll be held at Harbin Park in Fairfield, in Shelters 1-4.
There will be soccer tournaments at 10:45 and 1:00, a Family Fun Run at 10:45 (starts at Shelter 1) and Cornhole and other fun activities for the kids from 1:00-2:30.

Food will be served at Noon.

Please bring a large dish to share based on your last name:
A-N Side dish or Salad
O-Z Dessert

Please invite friends, family and neighbors!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Today's Thought

“No man is at peace with himself or his God who is untrue to his better self, who transgresses the law of right either in dealing with himself by indulging in passion, in appetite, yielding to temptations against his accusing conscience, or in dealing with his fellowmen, being untrue to their trust. Peace does not come to the transgressor of law; peace comes by obedience to law, and it is that message which Jesus would have us proclaim among men.”
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, 205

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Stake Conference

This weekend is Stake Conference.
The adult session will be on Saturday at 7pm at the Liberty Building.
The general session will be on Sunday at 9am at the Montgomery Building.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Today's Quote

"Let us follow the Son of God in all ways and in all walks of life. Let us make him our exemplar and our guide. We should at every opportunity ask ourselves, 'What would Jesus do?' and then be more courageous to act upon the answer. We must follow Christ, in the best sense of the word. We must be about his work as he was about his Father's. We should try to be like him, even as the Primary children sing, 'Try try, try.' (Children's Songbook, 55.) To the extent that our mortal powers permit, we should make every effort to become like Christ---the one perfect and sinless example this world has ever seen" (Howard W. Hunter, That We Might Have Joy, p. 4).

Monday, August 16, 2010

Inspirational Message

"It is good to look to the past to gain appreciation for the present and perspective for the future. It is good to look upon the virtues of those who have gone before, to gain strength for whatever lies ahead. It is good to reflect upon the work of those who labored so hard and gained so little in this world, but out of whose dreams and early plans, so well nurtured, has come a great harvest of which we are the beneficiaries. Their tremendous example can become a compelling motivation for us all, for each of us is a pioneer in his own life, often in his own family, and many of us pioneer daily in trying to establish a gospel foothold in distant parts of the world. . . . "In the environment in which many of us live, there is need for reminders of lessons learned in the past. In our times of abundance, it is good occasionally to be taken back to earlier days, to have our minds refocused on the struggles of the early Latter-day Saints, to remind us of the necessity for labor if the earth is to be made to yield, of the importance of faith in God if there is to be lasting achievement, and of the need to recognize that many of the so-called old values are worthy of present application."Oh, how much is faith needed in each of our lives---faith in ourselves, faith in our associates, and faith in the living God" (The Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, p. 446-447).

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Today's Thought

"All that we possess is the gift of God. We should acknowledge him in all things. We sometimes talk about men having this right and the other right. We have no rights, only such as God gives us. . . . Our safety and happiness and our wealth depend upon our obedience to God and his laws, and our exaltation in time and eternity depends upon the same thing" (John Taylor, The Gospel Kingdom, p. 248).

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Today's Quote

"The skill of building up and establishing the Zion of our God on the earth is to take the people and teach them how to take care of themselves and that which the Lord has entrusted to their care . . . to take what we have and divide amongst or give to people, without teaching them how to earn and produce, would be no more nor less than to introduce the means of reducing them to a state of poverty. I do not wish for one moment to recognize the idea that in order to establish the United Order our property has to be divided equally" (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 18:353-354, as quoted in Working Toward Zion, p. 95).

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“We all need love in our souls, all the time: first, for God our heavenly Father, who is the giver of all good—love which encompasses our souls, our thoughts, our hearts, our minds, our strength, insomuch that we would willingly, if he required, give our lives as well as our time, talents, and substance in this world to the service of the living God who gives us all that we have. … We [should] have that love in our hearts, so much that we will love God more than business, more than money, more than earthly pleasures; that is, enjoy greater pleasure in the worship and love of God than we have in any other thing in the world.”
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 416

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Today's Thought

“I hope that we welcome and love all of God’s children, including those who might dress, look, speak, or just do things differently. It is not good to make others feel as though they are deficient. Let us lift those around us. Let us extend a welcoming hand. Let us bestow upon our brothers and sisters in the Church a special measure of humanity, compassion, and charity so that they feel, at long last, they have finally found home.”
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "You Are My Hands," Ensign, May 2010, 68-69

Friday, August 6, 2010

Today's Thought

“How fragile life, how certain death. We do not know when we will be required to leave this mortal existence. And so I ask, ‘What are we doing with today?’ If we live only for tomorrow, we’ll have a lot of empty yesterdays today.” Thomas S. Monson, Liahona, Jan 2002, 68–71

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Inspirational Message

"Be grateful. How thankful we ought to be. How comfortably we live. How very easy is life compared to what it once was. . . . We have it so easy, so pleasant, so delightful. We ride in cars that are warm in the winter and cool in the summer. . . . [We have] the miracles of medicine, the miracles of science, the miracles of communication, transportation, education---what a wonderful time in which to live. Of all of these wondrous, challenging things with which we live, I hope you regard it a blessing to be alive in this great age of the world. . . . I hope you walk with gratitude in your hearts, really. Grateful people are respectful people. Grateful people are courteous people. Grateful people are kindly people. Be grateful" (The Teachings of Gordon B.Hinckley, p. 250).

Monday, August 2, 2010

Today's Thought

“Keep in mind the challenging fact that your aim is not to get ahead of others, but to surpass yourself; to begin today to be the person you want to be.”
Hugh B. Brown, Conference Report, April 1968

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Inspirational Quote

"I am sure that I can say with you that the great power that will save us is the power of love" (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, p. 297).

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Today's Thought

“To live greatly, we must develop the capacity to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and triumph with humility.”
Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Aug. 1987

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“You can describe a man in inches, pounds, complexion, or physique. But you measure a man by character, compassion, integrity, tenderness, and principle.”
Richard C. Edgley, New Era, May 2000

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“Not only do we ‘find’ ourselves in terms of acknowledging divine guidance in our lives, but the more we serve our fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls. We become more significant individuals as we serve others. We become more substantive as we serve others—indeed, it is easier to ‘find’ ourselves because there is so much more of us to find!”
Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Jul 1978, 3

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Today's Thought

"The important consideration is not how long we can live but how well we can learn the lesson of life, and discharge our duties and obligations to God and to one another. One of the main purposes of our existence is that we might conform to the image and likeness of him who sojourned in the flesh without blemish---immaculate, pure, and spotless! Christ came not only to atone for the sins of the world, but to set an example before all men and to establish the standard of God's perfection, of God's law, and of obedience to the Father" (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 270).

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Inspirational Quote

"The parable of the Prodigal Son [Luke 15:11-32] typifies the condition of too many of our fellow men, who mistakenly feel that squandering their inheritance in riotous living will bring them happiness.
But it also portrays those who make another type of mistake---feeling that their righteousness makes them superior to their less-disciplined brethren. Both brothers in the parable desperately need the Lord to free them of their burdens. This is the message of the parable.
"We learn from this parable that all of us, regardless of our status or condition, have an absolute need of the Lord's saving grace. We are all dependent on him for peace in this life and for eternal life" (The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, p. 33).

Friday, July 16, 2010

Today's Thought

"Satan knows truth, but he has no intelligence, or he would yield obedience to that truth. Knowing the truth isn't the thing that saves us. I think that perhaps loving the truth is the only thing that can give one the capacity to avoid sin. The scripture doesn't say: 'If ye know me, you will keep my commandments,' but it says, 'If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments'" (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, p. 104-105).

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Inspirational Quote

"One of the greatest benefits derived from meeting together is the experiencing of new and uplifting thoughts and feelings. These thoughts and feelings are not always those expressed by the speaker. Words do not convey thoughts---they only call up thought; but those who, while listening, experience new thoughts or noble feelings always derive one of the greatest blessings that come to those who meet together" (David O. McKay, Gospel Ideals, p. 147).

Monday, July 12, 2010

Today's Thought

“Those who are taught when they are young to love God and believe He lives will more often continue their spiritual development and increase their feelings of love as they mature. However, a child, even one raised with great love and care and carefully taught, may choose, when an adult, not to follow those teachings for a variety of reasons. How should we react? We understand and respect the principle of agency. We pray that life’s experiences will help them regain their desire and ability to live the gospel. They are still our children, and we will love and care about them always. We do not lock the doors of our house nor the doors to our heart.”
Robert D. Hales, Ensign, Nov. 1993, 8

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“Emerson once made this meaningful statement: ‘Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is to you.’ How true! What wise counsel! We cannot get away from ourselves. We must continue to live with ourselves, and what we do every day and how we respond to life determines the kind of YOU we are going to be and live with and how successful and happy we will be with the YOU we are.” N. Eldon Tanner, Ensign, Feb. 1976

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Today's Thought

"To live greatly, we must develop the capacity to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and triumph with humility. You ask, "How might we achieve these goals?" I answer, "By gaining a true perspective of who we really are!" We are sons and daughters of a living God, in whose image we have been created. Think of that: created in the image of God. We cannot sincerely hold this conviction without experiencing a profound new sense of strength and power." (Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, June 2010, p. 4).

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Sunday's Lesson on Freedom/Agency

What comes to your mind when you think of Independence Day?

Although I have a very strong testimony of the blessings of freedom as they pertain to our country, with today’s lesson I’m going to focus on an even greater freedom that we all have.

What do you feel when you hear the word “force?” In comparison, what do you feel when you hear the word “choice?”

I think that these feelings show that there is something within us that recognizes that freedom of choice is a divine gift, one that we should treasure and hold sacred.

President David O. McKay has written, “Next to the bestowal of life itself, the right to direct that life is God’s greatest gift to man. … Freedom of choice is more to be treasured than any possession earth can give. It is inherent in the spirit of man. It is a divine gift to every normal being. … Everyone has this most precious of all life’s endowments—the gift of free agency—man’s inherited and inalienable right.” (Improvement Era, Feb. 1962, p. 86.)

Hearing that quote makes me feel so thankful to Heavenly Father for giving us such a wonderful gift!

How would you complete this sentence? Agency is…..
Elder Bruce R. McConkie defined it as: Agency is the ability and freedom to choose good or evil.
Ability means being able. To be able we need to have enough power and knowledge to do something. In Elder McConkie’s definition, freedom means being able to make choices without being forced or coerced.

How would you feel if your freedom of choice was suddenly taken away and you were no longer allowed to choose what you did or didn’t do?
Why would such a situation go against Heavenly Father’s plan?

Agency is a direct gift from God. Force, on the other hand, emanates from Lucifer himself. Satan is trying to keep us from individually achieving the great divine purposes for which we came to this earth, including the exercise of our free agency.

He can do it by destroying our freedom of choice, and he does this by enticing us to give up our right of free agency to other persons or to other institutions and allow them to make our choices for us,
He also does it by trying to encourage us not to come to a knowledge of our Heavenly Father by not listening to the prophets, by not studying the scriptures, and therefore by not knowing the consequences of our choices. He says to us, “The scriptures are irrelevant today. They were written a long time ago. Don’t pay any attention to them. There are no such things as prophets upon the earth; they ceased at the time of Christ.” Or he says that the heavens are sealed; there is no revelation today. He even says that God is dead!
Thus in one way or another he tries to entice us to become like him and to become subject to the misery and unhappiness that he now experiences.

Joseph Smith has said that if Heavenly Father or Satan forced us to do good or evil we would not have our agency. Listen to an account of what he said in a sermon on May 16, 1841:
“He commenced his observations by remarking that the kindness of our Heavenly Father called for our heartfelt gratitude. He then observed that Satan was generally blamed for the evils which we did, but if he was the cause of all our wickedness, men could not be condemned. The devil could not compel mankind to do evil; all was voluntary. Those who resisted the Spirit of God, would be liable to be led into temptation, and then the association of heaven would be withdrawn from those who refused to be made partakers of such great glory. God would not exert any compulsory means, and the devil could not” (History of the Church, 4:358).

Why can’t Satan make us do things we do not wish to do?
Why won’t Heavenly Father force us to do things we don’t want to?

Although we have many choices to make during our mortal existence, our test in life is to choose good over evil, as 2 Nephi 2:27 shows:
“Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.” (2 Nephi 2:27)

How do we choose liberty and eternal life?
What is the key to retaining our free agency?
How does obeying the commandments help preserve our freedom?

Our Father’s plan of happiness incorporates the exercise of agency, but it also, of necessity, incorporates accountability and judgment.
With the gift of agency also comes the responsibility to use it correctly. After all, we can make our own choices, but we can’t choose the consequences.

The psychologist Erich Fromm called the wish to escape the consequences of one’s actions a desire to escape from freedom. For being free requires being responsible. The very word freedom connotes the ability to judge rationally between alternatives and the willingness to accept the consequences of one’s decisions.

God has paid us the ultimate compliment: He holds us responsible and respects us as free, rational beings. He has given us this freedom through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The concepts of individual freedom and personal responsibility are at the very center of the Atonement.

Note this great truth: once we have accepted responsibility for our own actions, the grace of God is extended to us. For freedom implies not only accountability but also the ability to repent, and repentance, grounded upon faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, brings sanctification and holiness—the ability to transcend the consequences of our actions and to be restored as children of our Father in Heaven.

Adherence to divine commandments will protect us from those consequences that are most damaging to our quest for sanctification and exaltation. If we abide strictly by the commands of our Heavenly Father, we may not necessarily be protected from adversity, but we will be protected from that which is most deadly—the weakening of our integrity, alienation from God, the surrender of our divine destiny as children of God, and the destruction of our soul. Consequently, when we disobey the commands of God and the counsels of the living prophets, we always pay a price. No rationalization, no excuse, no complaining will alter the consequences.

Some people think that when we obey the commandments we give up our freedom. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
Why are we allowed to suffer the consequences of our actions? How would our mortal experience be diminished if God averted war, prevented crime, and destroyed poverty?
How do we lose freedom by making bad choices? How do we gain freedom by making good choices?
Why do you think the obedient are more at peace in this life?


“Obedience—that which God will never take by force—he will accept when freely given. And he will then return to you freedom that you can hardly dream of—the freedom to feel and to know, the freedom to do, and the freedom to be, at least a thousandfold more than we offer him. Strangely enough, the key to freedom is obedience” (Obedience, Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year [Provo, 7 Dec. 1971], pp. 3–4).

How is it different to obey God’s laws because of love rather than because of fear of punishment?

Just as following wrong alternatives restricts free agency and leads to slavery, so pursuing correct alternatives widens the scope of one’s agency and leads to perfect liberty. As a matter of fact, one may, by this process, obtain freedom of the soul while at the same time being denied political, economic, and personal liberty.

True liberty in individuals consists in the enjoying of every right that will contribute to one’s peace and happiness, so long as the exercise of such a privilege does not interfere with the same privilege in others. It consists not in doing what one likes to do, but in doing what one ought to do. It is the right of each individual to be master of his own time and actions consistent with fairness and justice to his fellow men and with harmony with the laws of God. … It is freedom of choice, a divine gift, an essential virtue in a peaceful society.
Let’s keep in mind what it says in 2 Nephi 10:23: Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves- to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.

I hope that we’ll all remember that Independence Day is not independent of God. It is because of His great gift to us that we are allowed such freedom. I pray that our hearts will be filled with gratitude today, and every day for the blessing of agency that He has given us.

Temple Trip

There will be a Relief Society Temple Trip next Thursday, July 15th, for an 11:00 am session. You must call and make your own appointment with the Temple and call Rita by this Sunday if you'd like to carpool.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Inspirational Thought

"Do you want to be happy? Forget yourself and get lost in this great cause. Lend your efforts to helping people. Cultivate a spirit of forgiveness in your heart against any who might have offended you. Look to the Lord and live and work to lift and serve His sons and daughters. You will come to know a happiness that you have never known before if you will do that" (The Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, p. 597).

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Today's Thought

“Agency, or the power to choose, was ours as spirit children of our Creator before the world was. (See Alma 13:3; Moses 4:4.) It is a gift from God, nearly as precious as life itself.
“Often, however, agency is misunderstood. While we are free to choose, once we have made those choices, we are tied to the consequences of those choices.
“We are free to take drugs or not. But once we choose to use a habit-forming drug, we are bound to the consequences of that choice. Addiction surrenders later freedom to choose. Through chemical means, one can literally become disconnected from his or her own will!”
Russell M. Nelson, “Addiction or Freedom,” Ensign, Nov. 1988, 6

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“Jesus spoke frequently of having hearts that could know and feel, ears that were capable of hearing, and eyes that could truly see… Each of us knows those who do not have sight. We also know many others who have their eyesight but who walk in darkness at noonday. These in this latter group may never carry the usual white cane and carefully make their way to the sound of the familiar ‘tap, tap, tap.’ They may not have a faithful seeing-eye dog by their side nor carry a sign about their neck which reads, ‘I am blind,’ but blind they surely are. Some have been blinded by anger, others by indifference, by revenge, by hate, by prejudice, by ignorance, by neglect of precious opportunities. Of such the Lord said, ‘Their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.’ [Matt. 13:15]” Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 1999, 54

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Today's Quote

“Faith and knowledge without practice are of no value. All the knowledge in the world would not amount to anything unless we put that knowledge into actual practice.” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 33

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Relief Society Meeting this Thursday!

Work on some "loose ends!"
Come join us on Thursday, July 1st at 7:00pm.
There will be several projects going on at once- pick one or split your time.

1. Quilt tying- help us tie a quilt, and enjoy chatting with the other women while you work! (Please bring sewing scissors if you have them.)
2. Sewing for Dummies- experts will be on hand to help with your sewing needs and to answer questions. Learn how to tie the perfect knot, sew on a button or zipper, hem pants, etc. Bring whatever you'd like to work on; we'll supply the help. Several sewing demonstrations will be showcased.
3. Glass etching

Or... bring your own project to work on!

Childcare will be provided.

Inspirational Quote

"The Lord is anxious to do us good, to enlighten our minds, to inform our judgment, to unfold unto us His will, and to strengthen us and prepare us for the great events that must transpire in these last days. He is desirous to show us how to save ourselves, how to bless ourselves temporally and spiritually, intellectually, morally, physically, politically and in every possible way that He is capable of bestowing His blessings upon fallen humanity" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, p. 178).

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Today's Quote

"If any of you are struggling with contention in your homes, you can change this. Talk with your family. Ask for their help. Tell them you don't want a contentious spirit in the home anymore and discuss what each family member can do to prevent it." M. Russell Ballard, "The Sacred Responsibilities of Parenthood," Ensign, Mar. 2006, 32

Friday, June 25, 2010

Today's Quote

“Some Church members feel weighed down with discouragement about the circumstances of their personal lives, even when they are making sustained and admirable efforts. Frequently, these feelings of self-disappointment come not from wrongdoing, but from stresses and troubles for which we may not be fully to blame. The Atonement of Jesus Christ applies to these experiences because it applies to all of life. The Savior can wipe away all of our tears, after all we can do…The Savior’s atonement is…the healing power not only for sin, but also for carelessness, inadequacy, and all mortal
bitterness. The Atonement is not just for sinners.” Bruce C. Hafen, Ensign, Apr 1990, 7

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“One of the big things that [the adversary] has to work on is the fact that we are all poor, weak mortals and fully appreciate our own weakness, and he tries to take advantage of our knowledge on this point to inspire us with the idea that we are no good and what we are doing is not worth the time that we are taking to do it.” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 33

Monday, June 21, 2010

Today's Quote

"Mingle together as opportunity affords. It is important that we do so. We need others to talk with, to share our feelings with, with whom to share our faith. Cultivate friends. Begin by being a good friend to others" (The Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, p. 429).

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Today's Quote

“By the assistance of our Heavenly Father there is no obligation and no law in the Church that we cannot fulfill. The Lord will give us the strength and the ability to accomplish every duty and labor that rests upon us in an acceptable manner in his sight. The only question is, have we the disposition?” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 33

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“Let us trust the Lord, trust ourselves, and trust each other that we are trying to do the best we can. We need all the strength we can find for our daily trials. Let us not add our disapproval to [another’s] burdens. And as we struggle with our own burdens, let us not diminish our strength by accepting the perhaps thoughtless judgments of others.”

Chieko N. Okazaki, Ensign, Nov 1994, 92

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Today's Quote

"Why should it be so hard for rich men to enter the kingdom? Wealth should give a man independence, time and opportunity to serve others and worship his God. It should give him a chance to alleviate suffering, teach righteousness and further all good works.

"But frequently it seems to accentuate selfishness, encourage aloofness, create class distinction, and it too often blinds its possessor to the opportunity of uncompensated service to those who cannot reward him. . . . [The rich young man's] sins were of omission and not so much of commission" (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 356-357).

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Today's Quote

"Not all truth is of the same value or importance. Some truths are greater than others. The greatest truth, or the greatest truths, we find in the fundamentals of the gospel of Jesus Christ. First of all, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world, who came into this world to die that men might live. That truth we should know. It is far more important to know that Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, that he has given unto us the principles of eternal life, than it is to know all that can be obtained in secular education" (Joseph Fielding Smith, Take Heed To Yourselves!, p. 158).

Friday, June 11, 2010

Today's Quote

“We should learn to be patient with ourselves. Recognizing our strengths and our weaknesses, we should strive to use good judgment in all of our choices and decisions, make good use of every opportunity, and do our best in every task we undertake. We should not be unduly discouraged nor in despair at any time when we are doing the best we can. Rather, we should be satisfied with our progress even though it may come slowly at times.” Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Patience, a Key to Happiness,” Ensign, May 1987, 30

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Today's Quote

“I believe that we can accomplish any object that we make up our minds to, and no boy or girl ought to sit down and say, because they cannot do as well as somebody else, that they will not do anything. God has given to some people ten talents; to others, he has given one; but they who improve the one talent will live to see the day when they will far outshine those who have ten talents but fail to improve them.” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 33

Monday, June 7, 2010

Today's Quote

"Religion is the most potent power in life. Spiritual development and moral integrity are fundamental in the lives not only of the Latter-day Saints but of all who would build a community that will contribute to the safety and advancement of our republic or of any other nation" (The Teachings of David O. McKay, p. 99).

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Today's Quote: Being Teachable

"By being teachable, we activate the full force and blessings of the Atonement in our lives. We become sensitive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit so that the righteous principles taught by the prophets and the truths from the earth can place Christ deeply into our lives. We become His true disciples." Robert R. Steuer, “Being Teachable,” Liahona, Jul 2002, 34–36

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Today's Quote

"In our homes, brethren and sisters, it is our privilege, nay, it is our duty, to call our families together to be taught the truths of the holy scriptures. In every home, children should be encouraged to read the word of the Lord, as it has been revealed to us in all dispensations. We should read the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, not only read it in our homes, but explain it to our children, that they may understand the dealings of God with the peoples of the earth. Let us see if we cannot do more of this in the future than we have done in the past" (The Teachings of George Albert Smith, p. 127-128).

Friday, June 4, 2010

Inspirational Thought: Healing

Individuals struggling to heal may be led to talk to a bishop or stake president. They may be inspired to trust a friend. The Holy Spirit may impress upon them the importance of attending Church meetings or going to the temple. Daily scripture study becomes an anchor of stability and a source of inspiration. When necessary they are often helped in finding a counselor or therapist who will prayerfully help them on their journey.

One sister was inspired to become more fully involved in Relief Society, and she found exactly what she needed from loving sisters in her ward. “For me, Relief Society has all that any recovery group has to offer, with the added advantage of living in the great association of Latter-day Saints and with the benefit of values and friendships that Heavenly Father would want for me,” she wrote. “What I had to do was take an active part and appreciate the opportunities I found there.”

Another woman found Church attendance to be crucial. “For me, consistent Church attendance was absolutely necessary,” she said. “If it is hard to pray, it seems impossible to even think of attending church, especially if you have a family. But as I partook of the sacrament, I felt the Holy Spirit. My children learned about reverence and felt the spiritual atmosphere in the meetinghouse. Consistency was crucial; it brought close friendships and a positive influence on my children.”

In April 1994 general conference, Elder Richard G. Scott spoke of healing, testifying that “the surest, most effective, and shortest path to healing comes through application of the teachings of Jesus Christ in your life”

“The Journey to Healing,” Ensign, Sep 1997, 19

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“No woman who understands the gospel would ever think that any other work is more important or would ever say, ‘I am just a mother,’ for mothers heal the souls of men." Sheri L. Dew, Ensign, Nov 2001, 96

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

RS Meeting this Thursday

Come join us at the church this Thursday evening at 7pm. We'll be working on beautifying the landscaping (weeding, etc.) and also learning about Dutch-oven cooking. Even if you aren't physically able to help with the weeding, come and lend your moral support!

Today's Quote

"How I admire men, women, and children who know how to work! How the Lord loves the laborer! He said, 'In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread' (Genesis 3:19), and 'The laborer is worthy of his hire' (D&C 84:79). He also gave a promise: 'Thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you' (D&C 31:5). Those who are unafraid to roll up their sleeves and lose themselves in the pursuit of worthwhile goals are a blessing to their families, communities, nations, and to the Church." Dieter F. Uchtdorf,, Two Principles for Any Economy, Ensign, Nov. 2009, 56

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Inspirational Quote

"Strive to be righteous, not for any speculation, but because righteousness is lovely, holy, beautiful, and exalting; it is designed to make the soul happy and full of joy, to the extent of the whole capacity of man, filling him with light, glory, and intelligence." (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 428).

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Today's Quote

“After all, to do well those things which God ordained to be the common lot of all man-kind, is the truest greatness. To be a successful father or a successful mother is greater than to be a successful general or a successful statesman.” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 381

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Today's Quote: Service

“Service changes people. It refines, purifies, gives a finer perspective, and brings out the best in each one of us. It gets us looking outward instead of inward. Righteous service is the expression of true charity, such as the Savior showed.”
Derek A. Cuthbert, Ensign, May 1990

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Inspirational Quote

"Many of our temples are still underused, except on weekends. Much work remains to be done, and we continue to encourage you to attend the temple as often as is feasible. Stronger marriages, more attentive parents, and more faithful children will come as a result of following this counsel" (The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, p. 241).

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Today's Quote

“This is our labor, our business, and our calling— to grow in grace and in knowledge from day to day and from year to year” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 193

Friday, May 21, 2010

Today's Quote

"There are blessings in being close to the soil, in raising your own food, even if it is only a garden in your yard and a fruit tree or two. Those families will be fortunate who, in the last days, have an adequate supply of food because of their foresight and ability to produce their own" (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 266).

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“When you feel worthless, ‘remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.’ Refrain from repeatedly thinking or saying negative words about yourself—there is a clear difference between humility and humiliation. Identify and use your unique talents rather than dwelling on your weaknesses.” Anthony D. Perkins, Liahona, Nov 2006, 76–78

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

RS Meeting: Gardening 101

Come learn the basics about gardening at our next Relief Society Meeting! It's this Thursday (May 20th) at 7pm at Heather R.'s house. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. We will meet rain or shine.. we'll just move inside if it's wet.

Today's Quote

"You show me a people who 'have a mind to work,' to keep out of the bondage of indebtedness, and to work unitedly together in an unselfish service to attain a great objective, and I'll show you a people who have achieved the greatest possible security in the world of men and material things" (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, p. 313).

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Today's Uplifting Thought

"Work is an antidote for anxiety, and ointment for sorrow, and a doorway to possibility. Whatever our circumstances in life,... let us do the best we can and cultivate a reputation for excellence in all that we do. Let us set our minds and bodies to the glorious opportunity for work that each new day presents."
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Two Principles for Any Economy," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 56

Monday, May 10, 2010

Uplifting Quote

“We may pass through the fiery furnace; we may pass through deep waters; but we shall not be consumed nor overwhelmed. We shall emerge from all these trials and difficulties the better and purer for them, if we only trust in our God and keep His commandments.”

George Q. Cannon, “Freedom of the Saints,” in Collected Discourses, comp. Brian H. Stuy, 5 vols., 1987–92, 2:185; emphasis added

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Today's Quote

"We know that faith is a gift of God; it is the fruitage of righteous living. It does not come to us by our command, but is the result of doing the will of our Heavenly Father. If we lack faith let us examine ourselves to see if we have been keeping his commandments, and repent without delay if we have not" (The Teachings of George Albert Smith, p. 81).

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“No matter how serious the trial, how deep the distress, how great the affliction, [God] will never desert us. He never has, and He never will.”

(George Q. Cannon, “Freedom of the Saints,” in Collected Discourses, comp. Brian H. Stuy, 5 vols., 1987–92, 2:185)

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Today's Quote

“Sin creates disharmony with God and is depressing to the spirit. Therefore, a man would do well to examine himself to see that he is in harmony with all of God’s laws. Every law kept brings a particular blessing. Every law broken brings a particular blight. Those who are heavy-laden with despair should come unto the Lord, for his yoke is easy and his burden is light.” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Oct. 1986)

Monday, May 3, 2010

Gardening 101

Our next ward RS meeting will be on Thursday, May 13th at 7pm at Heather R.'s house. Come learn all about the basics of gardening. (Or come to share some of your expertise about gardening!) Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on.

"Even if the tomato you eat is a two-dollar tomato, it will bring satisfaction anyway and remind us all of the law of the harvest, which is relentless in life. We do reap what we sow. Even if the plot of soil you cultivate, plant, and harvest is a small one, it brings human nature closer to nature as was the case in the beginning with our first parents" (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 377).

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Inspirational Quote

"When we enjoy the Holy Spirit, when we are trying to live our religion here on the earth, we are the happiest people on God's footstool, no matter what our circumstances may be. I do not care whether we are rich or poor, whether in happiness or affliction, if a man is living his religion and enjoys the favor and Spirit of God, it makes no difference to him what takes place on the earth. There may be earthquakes, war, fire or sword in the land, but he feels that it is all right with him" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff, p. 51).

Friday, April 30, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“…Let the spirit of this gospel be so embedded in my soul that though I go through poverty, through tribulation, through persecution, or to death, let me and my house serve God and keep his laws.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 416)

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Today's Quote

"It is our privilege to say, every day in our lives, 'That this is the best day I ever lived.' Never let a day so pass that you will have cause to say, 'I will live better to-morrow,' and I will promise you, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that your lives will be as a well of water springing up to everlasting life. You will have his Spirit to dwell in you continually, and your eyes will be open to see, your ears to hear, and your understanding to comprehend" (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 90).

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Stake RS Meeting This Saturday, May 1st

Come to the Stake Spring RS Meeting this Saturday! It'll be from 9:30 to 1:00pm at the Liberty Building. The theme is "Stand Ye In Holy Places"
Sister Christensen, the Columbus Temple Matron, will be addressing "Blessings of the Temple." Classes are: Make Your Home a Holy Place, Personal Holiness, Getting Started with New Family Search, Preserving Your Family Treasures. Lunch will be served. Church dress is requested. Please come even if you didn't sign up for any classes.

Today's Quote

"It is the parents who can give children the kind of love and security which can come from no other source. A child who understands who he is, and who has the kind of home where he feels wanted and loved, has no need to go wandering off to try to find his identity and to search for a happiness he will not find outside the so-called 'establishment.'"The happiest people I know are those whose life-style centers around the home. Work is very important, and success in one's profession or business is also essential to happiness, but remember what we say so often: 'No other success can compensate for failure in the home.' "
N. Eldon Tanner, "Happiness Is Home Centered, Ensign," June 1978, 2

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“You will experience greater joy in life as you eradicate adult-onset pessimism and substitute childlike optimism.
Optimism is a virtue that allows us to see God’s loving hand in the details of our life.”
Anthony D. Perkins, Liahona, Nov 2006, 76–78

Friday, April 23, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“When our wagon gets stuck in the mud, God is much more likely to assist the man who gets out to push than the man who merely raises his voice in prayer—no matter how eloquent the oration.
President Thomas S. Monson put it this way: ‘It is not enough to want to make the effort and to say we’ll make the effort. . . . It’s in the doing, not just the thinking, that we accomplish our goals. If we constantly put our goals off, we will never see them fulfilled.’”
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Two Principles for Any Economy,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 55

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Today's Quote

"A moment's reflection with reference to the Master's statement in regard to these two greatest commandments will be a realization that the first five of the Ten Commandments could be obeyed if men were to observe the first of the two great commandments . . . Likewise, if the second of the Master's greatest commandments were obeyed, men would honor their fathers and mothers; there would be no murders, no adultery, no stealing . . .
"Thus declared is the profound truth that if men would love God and their neighbors as themselves there would be order---there would be peace" (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, p. 84-85).

Monday, April 19, 2010

Today's Quote

“We have got to meet opposition as it presents itself, battling against it with the weapons of truth which God has placed in our hands. And we must make up our minds that this world with all its pleasures is as dross compared with the excellency of the knowledge of God.”
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 416

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Today's Quote

“Put your trust in God and rely on His promises, living up to the light and knowledge you possess; and all will be well with you whether living or dying.”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff, 217

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Today's Quote

"We have been seduced into believing that borrowed money has no penalty, that financial bondage is an acceptable way to live. I suggest that it is not. We would do well to look to the condition of our personal finances, to be modest and prudent in our expenditures, to discipline our purchasing and avoid debt to the extent possible, to pay off debt quickly, and to free ourselves from the bondage of others.

"May we set our houses in order. If we have paid our debts, if we have a reserve, even though it be small, then should storms howl about our heads, we will have shelter for our families and peace in our hearts" (Standing for Something, p. 87).

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Richard Paul Evans Fireside

Come listen to author Richard Paul Evans as he presents "The Five Doors to Reaching Your Greatest Potential" at 6:30pm on Sunday, April 18th at the Liberty Building (7118 Dutchland Parkway, Liberty Township, 45044.) All are welcome!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Inspirational Quote

"It is not costly paintings, tapestries, priceless bric-a-brac, various ornaments, costly furniture, fields, herds, houses and lands which constitute the ideal home, nor yet the social enjoyments and ease so tenaciously sought by many; but it is rather beauty of soul, cultivated, loving, faithful, true spirits; hands that help and hearts that sympathize; love that seeks not its own, thoughts and acts that touch our lives to finer issues---these lie at the foundation of the ideal home" (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 303-304).

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Today's Quote

"I feel in my heart that we grow financially, spiritually, and in every way, as Latter-day Saints, by doing our duty. When we are obedient to the commandments of the Lord and generous with our time and our means, we grow in the spirit and testimony of the gospel, and I do not believe that we are ever poorer financially. I am a firm believer that the Lord opens up the windows of heaven when we do our duty financially and pours out upon us blessings of a spiritual nature, which are of far greater value than temporal things. But I believe He also gives us blessings of a temporal nature" (Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, p. 297).

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“If you want to give a light to others, you have to glow yourself.”
Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 1999, 54

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Today's Quote

"The Lord doesn't expect us to work harder than we are able. He doesn't (nor should we) compare our efforts to those of others. Our Heavenly Father asks only that we do the best we can—that we work according to our full capacity, however great or small that may be."
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Two Principles for Any Economy," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 56

Friday, April 2, 2010

Today's Quote

"Occasionally discouragement may darken our pathway; frustration may be a constant companion. In our ears there may sound the sophistry of Satan as he whispers, 'You cannot save the world; your small efforts are meaningless. You haven't time to be concerned for others.' Trusting in the Lord, let us turn our heads from such falsehoods and make certain our feet are firmly planted in the path of service and our hearts and souls dedicated to follow the example of the Lord" (Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 1994, p. 62).

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Today's Quote

“He [the Savior] knows how to estimate and put a proper value upon human nature, for he, having been placed in the same position as we are, knows how to bear with our weaknesses and infirmities, and can fully comprehend the depth, power, and strength of the afflictions and trials that men have to cope with in this world. And thus understandingly and by experience, he can bear with them.”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, 49

Monday, March 29, 2010

General Conference

General Conference will be held this weekend, Saturday, April 3rd and Sunday, April 4th. Sessions will be at Noon and 4pm on both days. There will also be a Priesthood Session at 8pm on Saturday. You can watch the Conference at the church, online (at http://www.lds.org/broadcast/gc/0,5161,9080,00.html), or on BYU-TV.

If you would like activities for children to help them benefit from Conference, visit: https://beta.lds.org/general-conference/children?locale=eng

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Inspirational Quote

"Remember that when you help another up a mountain, you are a little nearer the top yourself. Try to look at your brother or your sister in the right perspective.
One man said, "I looked at my brother through the microscope of criticism, and I said, 'How coarse my brother is.' I looked at my brother through the telescope of scorn, and I said, 'How small my brother is.' Then I looked into the mirror of truth, and I said, 'How like me my brother is.'"

"An attitude of love characterized the mission of the Master. He gave sight to the blind, legs to the lame, and life to the dead. Perhaps when we make face-to-face contact with our Maker, we will not be asked, "How many positions did you hold?" but rather, "How many people did you help?" In reality, you can never love the Lord until you serve Him by serving His people" (Thomas S. Monson, BYU Devotional, January 11, 2009).

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“He [Heavenly Father] is our perfect Father. He loves us beyond our capacity to understand. He knows what is best for us. He sees the end from the beginning. He wants us to act to gain needed experience: “When He answers yes, it is to give us confidence. When He answers no, it is to prevent error. When He withholds an answer, it is to have us grow through faith in Him, obedience to His commandments, and a willingness to act on truth.”
Richard G. Scott, “Learning to Recognize Answers to Prayer,” Ensign, Nov. 1989, 30

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“In the ideal home the soul is not starved, neither are the growth and expansion of the finer sentiments paralyzed for the coarse and sensual pleasures. The main aim is not to heap up material wealth, which generally draws further and further from the true, the ideal, the spiritual life; but it is rather to create soul-wealth, consciousness of noble achievement, an outflow of love and helpfulness.“
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 381

Monday, March 22, 2010

Inspirational Quote

"It is a God-given law that in proportion to the service we give, in proportion to what we do in this Church and out of it---what we are willing to sacrifice for the Church and for those to whom we owe our loyalty outside of Church activity---we shall grow in the grace of God and in the love of God, and we shall grow in accomplishing the purposes of our being placed here on the earth" (Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, p. 186-187).

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Inspirational Quote: Happiness

"So many people have lost the proper sense of values and have sought peace and happiness in vain in the acquisition of wealth at the expense of spiritual growth.

"Wherein then does the secret of happiness lie? The Savior gives us the key to it when he says: 'The kingdom of God is within you.' The power is within man to choose the right or to choose the wrong. Happiness is not an external condition, it is a state of the spirit and an attitude of the mind"
(David O. McKay, Gospel Ideals, p. 495-496).

Friday, March 19, 2010

Today's Quote: Stand Up!

“Let us take upon ourselves the name of the Lord and then with faith go forth to share with relevance that which will affect the lives of mankind and bring peace and joy to the world. The world needs a generation of men and women of learning and influence who can and will stand up and in sincerity and without equivocation declare that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ.”
Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Aug 1988, 2–5

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Inspirational Quote: Be Happy!

“...Enjoy the journey. The people of God are a joyful people. We understand there are times for sobriety, reverence, and devotion; we also understand that we possess the joyful principles of eternal life. We have so much to smile about, be happy about, yes, even to laugh about.”
Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, Dec 2000, 7

Monday, March 15, 2010

Today's Thought

“There is no more compelling motivation to worthwhile endeavor than the knowledge that we are children of God, the Creator of the universe, our all-wise Heavenly Father! God expects us to do something with our lives, and He will give us help when help is sought.”
Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Aug1988, 2–5

Emergency Preparedness Fair

This Saturday, March 20th is the Emergency Preparedness Fair at the Fairfield Building. It runs from 10am to 1pm. There will be many booths with great information. Please join us and check out all the great resources!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“Do you think you can use the money you have earned in this life as currency in the next? Put your Heavenly Father first in your life. Commit to follow Him and obey His commandments and strive every day to become more Christlike. Focus your efforts on obtaining heavenly riches. To do otherwise will ultimately end in disappointment and sorrow.”
Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, Dec 2000, 7

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Today's Quote

"Work is an antidote for anxiety, an ointment for sorrow, and a doorway to possibility. Whatever our circumstances in life, let us do the best we can and cultivate a reputation for excellence in all that we do. Let us set our minds and bodies to the glorious opportunity for work that each new day presents."
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Two Principles for Any Economy," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 56

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Today's Quote

“Passive acceptance of the Lord is not enough. Vibrant testimony comes of anxious seeking. Strength comes of active service in the Master’s cause.”
Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Aug 1988, 2–5

Monday, March 8, 2010

Sunday's Lesson on Steps to Having Joy in Your Life

How many of you are happy today? Shouldn’t we be happy? After all, we have the fulness of the gospel! And the gospel is good news! Not the kind of depressing news we see on tv every night, but GOOD news that lightens our hearts and brings joy to our lives!

I think we all want to have lives filled with joy. But first we need to understand what joy is. Is it just feelings of happiness or pleasure? It may include elements of these, but from what I’ve found it’s much more.
One of the greatest of all God’s revelations is Father Lehi’s teaching that “men are, that they might have joy.” Joy is more than happiness. Joy is the ultimate sensation of well-being. It comes from being complete and in harmony with our Creator and his eternal laws. (Dallin H. Oaks, “Joy and Mercy,” Ensign, Nov 1991, 73)

I’d like to know… what do you do in your life to experience joy? What makes you happiest?

What experiences have you had when you felt the kind of joy that Elder Oaks referred to?

How did those experiences differ from everyday moments of happiness?

It’s good that we have so many sources of happiness and joy in our life. Now I’d like to talk about the one source of ultimate joy. Dallin H. Oaks has given us some great counsel on this:

“Despite all we can do, we cannot have a fulness of joy in this world or through our own efforts. Only in Christ can our joy be full. This is why the angel proclaimed: “I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
“For unto you is born this day … a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10–11.)
We are able to have a fulness of joy only when spirit and body are inseparably connected in the glorious resurrection to celestial glory. That joy, of course, comes only through the mercy of the Holy Messiah, whose resurrection broke the bands of death and whose atonement unlocks the reservoir of mercy by which we can be cleansed of our sins and come into the presence of God to receive the fulness of the Father.
We joyously proclaim that “there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah.” (2 Ne. 2:8.) God’s mercy is the only source of the ultimate and eternal joy, which restores every loss, dries every tear, and erases every pain. Eternal joy transcends all suffering.

Now we know that ultimate joy can only be obtained through the mercy of God and our Savior’s atonement. But how exactly does that happen? And what do we actually DO to have joy in our everyday lives?

I think it’s a great blessing that we have God’s own words to help us understand this. Let’s turn to the scriptures to see what God has said about joy.

D&C 42:61 If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things- that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.

What does this scripture say brings joy?
What are the mysteries and peaceable things?
How do we receive revelations and knowledge?

John 15:10-11
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

What did the Savior say is key to having a fulness of joy?

The Lord, speaking through King Benjamin, reminded us: “I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness” (Mosiah 2:41).

“In order to have joy, you need to understand that, as a child of your Heavenly Father, you inherited divine traits and spiritual needs—and just like a fish needs water, you need the gospel and the companionship of the Holy Ghost to be truly, deeply happy.

Because you are the offspring of God, it is incompatible with your eternal nature to do wrong and feel right. It cannot be done. It is part of your spiritual DNA, as it were, that peace, joy, and happiness will be yours only to the degree you live the gospel.” (James E. Faust, “Our Search for Happiness,” Ensign, Oct 2000, 2)

The gospel of Jesus Christ is, in fact, the only “great plan of happiness.” If you opt for any other way of life or try to live only the parts of the gospel that seem convenient, such a choice will cheat you of the full, resplendent joy and happiness for which you were designed by our loving Father in Heaven and His Son.
In general, the more faithfully we keep the commandments of God, the happier we will be. Obedience is the first step on our path to ultimate joy.

If we are living the commandments then the next step, repentance, should come naturally.

Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can receive forgiveness for our sins through sincere and complete repentance. Sinfulness brings suffering and pain, but the Lord's forgiveness brings relief, comfort, and joy. We can experience this miracle, whether we need to repent of serious sins or day-to-day weaknesses.
In this life and in the life to come, a fullness of joy comes about through the Resurrection and the remission of sins.

Isaiah 51:11 says: Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

When we repent and are forgiven we become the redeemed of the Lord, and we are filled with joy.

Can you recall how you’ve felt when you’ve been forgiven? What did it feel like?

This brings us to our last step… having the Spirit of God with us.

The joy that follows the remission of sins comes from the Spirit of the Lord. It is a fulfillment of the Lord’s promise in Doctrine & Covenants 11:13: “…I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy.” The Apostle Paul also taught in Galatians that, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace.” (Gal. 5:22.)

President Faust said: “I believe the Spirit of the Holy Ghost is the greatest guarantor of inward peace in our unstable world. It can be more mind-expanding and can make us have a better sense of well-being than any chemical or other earthly substance. It will calm nerves; it will breathe peace to our souls. This Comforter can be with us as we seek to improve. It can function as a source of revelation to warn us of impending danger and also help keep us from making mistakes. It can enhance our natural senses so that we can see more clearly, hear more keenly, and remember what we should remember. It is a way of maximizing our happiness.” (James E. Faust, “The Gift of the Holy Ghost—A Sure Compass,” Ensign, Apr 1996, 2)
Each of us is eligible to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost in our lives through repentance. As we have the Spirit’s constant companionship we are more likely to be filled with joy.

We’ve gone over the steps of having greater joy in our lives and the equation seems so easy: Obedience + Repentance + Holy Ghost = JOY!

So why are many of us unhappy so much of the time? Why do we struggle to feel joy in our lives? Why do you think God allows us to be miserable?

I love what Reed Smoot had to say about opposition to joy:
“Be not dismayed at the trials of life; they are sent for our good. God knows what keys in the human soul to touch in order to draw out its sweetest and most perfect harmonies. These may be the strains of sadness and sorrow as well as the loftier notes of joy and gladness.
Think not that uninterrupted joy is good. The sunshine lies upon the mountain top all day, and lingers there latest and longest at eventide. Yet the valley is green and fertile while the peak is barren and unfruitful. Life that is all sunshine without shade, all happiness without sorrow, all pleasure without pain, were not life at all, at least not human life. Take the life of the happiest. It is a tangled yarn. It is made up of joys and sorrows, and the joys are all the sweeter because of the sorrows.” (Reed Smoot, “Joy,” Ensign, Oct 1972, 16)

What affects could it have on us and on our families if we constantly focus on our problems and trials instead of on God’s mercy and love?

I love what Richard G. Scott said about focusing on our challenges:
“A pebble held close to the eye appears to be a gigantic obstacle. Cast on the ground, it is seen in perspective. Likewise, problems or trials in our lives need to be viewed in the perspective of scriptural doctrine. Otherwise they can easily overtake our vision, absorb our energy, and deprive us of the joy and beauty the Lord intends us to receive here on earth. Some people are like rocks thrown into a sea of problems. They are drowned by them. Be a cork. When submerged in a problem, fight to be free to bob up to serve again with happiness.” (Richard G. Scott, “Finding Joy in Life,” Ensign, May 1996, 24)

We all need to strive to be corks!

How can we overcome feelings of discouragement and unhappiness?

Do we have a responsibility to live the gospel joyfully?

How does living joyfully help us fulfill our roles as women and disciples of Christ?

How might others perceive our religion if we come across as depressed, discouraged, and overwhelmed?

You are here on earth for a divine purpose. It is not to be endlessly entertained or to be constantly in full pursuit of pleasure. You are here to be tried, to prove yourself so that you can receive the additional blessings God has for you. The tempering effect of patience is required. Some blessings will be delivered here in this life; others will come beyond the veil. The Lord is intent on your personal growth and development. That progress is accelerated when you willingly allow Him to lead you through every growth experience you encounter, whether initially it be to your individual liking or not.

When you trust in the Lord, when you are willing to let your heart and your mind be centered in His will, when you ask to be led by the Spirit to do His will, you are assured of the greatest happiness along the way and the most fulfilling attainment from this mortal experience. If you question everything you are asked to do, or dig in your heels at every unpleasant challenge, you make it harder for the Lord to bless you.

Your agency, the right to make choices, is not given so that you can get what you want. This divine gift is provided so that you will choose what your Father in Heaven wants for you. That way He can lead you to become all that He intends you to be. That path leads to glorious joy and happiness. (Richard G. Scott, “Finding Joy in Life,” Ensign, May 1996, 24)

Your faith in Jesus Christ gives life enduring meaning. Remember you are on a journey to exaltation. Sometimes you have experiences that yield more happiness than others, but it all has purpose with the Lord.

I enjoyed having the opportunity to focus on what joy is over the last few weeks. I thought that it was interesting that as I started to prepare this lesson I was overcome with some of the worst feelings of depression and discouragement that I’ve felt in years. It felt as though all the sadness, fears, and troubles of the world had come to settle on my shoulders. It was hard reading about and pondering joy in the midst of this. But as I struggled through and continued to study and pray about it, I was blessed with a great testimony of the need to experience each end of the emotional spectrum. I was able to grasp God’s hand and be pulled out of the dark hole I was in, and I could better appreciate the daily joys He brought into my life. I can’t say that I’m feeling happy all the time, or that those feelings don’t creep back at times, but I have a greater reassurance now of God’s desire for me to have joy in my life and the reality of His ability to give it to me. And I know that He has the same desire for each of you. God wants us to be happy. He wants us to feel that “ultimate sensation of well-being.” We are here that we might have JOY! This is my prayer for each of you.


Many of the quotes were from the following talks:
James E. Faust, “Our Search for Happiness,” Ensign, Oct 2000, 2
Marcus B. Nash, “The Great Plan of Happiness,” Liahona, Nov 2006, 49–50
Dallin H. Oaks, “Joy and Mercy,” Ensign, Nov 1991, 73
Richard G. Scott, “Finding Joy in Life,” Ensign, May 1996, 24
Reed Smoot, “Joy,” Ensign, Oct 1972, 16

Inspirational Quote

"I want to say that the only way to happiness is the pathway of righteousness. There is no other way. We refer to them as commandments, though I have always looked upon them as the loving advice of a kind Heavenly Father who, knowing all things, has pointed the way that his children might be happy" (The Teachings of George Albert Smith, p. 6).

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“As the showdown between good and evil approaches with its accompanying trials and tribulations, Satan is increasingly striving to overcome the Saints with despair, discouragement, despondency, and depression. Yet, of all people, we as Latter-day Saints should be the most optimistic and the least pessimistic. For while we know that ‘peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion,’ we also know that ‘the Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in their midst.’ (D&C 1:35–36.)”
Ezra Taft Benson, Tambuli, Mar 1987, 2

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“Let us … realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that power to work is a blessing, that love to work is success”
David O. McKay, Conference Report, Oct. 1909, 94 as quoted by Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, Dec 2000, 7

Friday, March 5, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“Why is it that as humans we tend to emphasize the negative when there is so much to be positive about? We not only constantly criticize our children and each other, find fault, are very judgmental, and often seek out and build up people’s weaknesses and failings rather than their strengths and successes, but in our own personal life-styles there are those of us who are incessant, chronic worriers. We worry about all the negative things that could happen, but usually don’t, rather than positively trying to face problems with some amount of faith and hope of success.”
Paul H. Dunn, Ensign, May 1987

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Today's Quote

"[God] loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our résumé but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God's love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked."What this means is that, regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us."
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Love of God," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 22–23

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Inspirational Quote

"All of us live in the world. Of course we do. We cannot live a cloistered existence. But we can live in the world without partaking of the unseemly ways of the world.

"The pull gets ever stronger. The adversary is clever and subtle. He speaks in a seductive voice of fascinating and attractive things. We cannot afford to let down our guard. . . . We need not run the wrong way. The right way is simple. It means following the program of the Church, bringing into our lives the principles of the gospel, and never losing sight of what is expected of us as sons of God with a great inheritance and a marvelous and eternal potential" (The Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, p. 708).

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“Happiness does not consist of a glut of luxury, the world’s idea of a ‘good time.’ Nor must we search for it in faraway places with strange-sounding names. Happiness is found at home.”
Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Oct. 2001

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Inspirational Quote

"What causes some men in a declining morality to shun evil and wrongdoing and to follow the course of righteousness in their temporal, moral, and spiritual lives? In my mind, there are three reasons for this phenomenon . . .

"The first is fear. . . .

"The second reason for men to shun evil, pursue righteousness, and serve their fellowmen is duty. . . .

"Now I come to the third reason, which in my opinion ought to be the objective of all men everywhere. The greatest motivating influence for righteousness and for service to one's fellowmen is the divine principle of love. . . .

"We must strive to obtain this virtue if we are to serve the Lord without faltering or growing weary in our pursuit of eternal life. We will do this not because of fear, nor merely because it is our duty, but because we have sought for and obtained the greatest of all virtues, love" (The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, p. 98).

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Inspirational Quote

“We cannot simply sit around and do nothing and expect to be successful in spiritual or temporal things. We need to do all that is in our power to accomplish our goals, and the Lord will make up the difference.”
Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, Dec 2000, 7

Friday, February 19, 2010

Inspirational Quote

"The Lord doesn't expect us to work harder than we are able. He doesn't (nor should we) compare our efforts to those of others. Our Heavenly Father asks only that we do the best we can—that we work according to our full capacity, however great or small that may be."
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Two Principles for Any Economy," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 56

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Inspiring Quote

"The true end of life is not mere existence, not pleasure, not fame, not wealth. The true purpose of life is the perfection of humanity through individual effort, under the guidance of God's inspiration.

"Real life is response to the best within us. To be alive only to appetite, pleasure, pride, money-making, and not to goodness and kindness, purity and love, poetry, music, flowers, stars, God and eternal hopes, is to deprive one's self of the real joy of living" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, p. 16).

Inspiring Quote

“Hope helps us to walk by faith, not by sight. This can actually be safer.
When unaided spiritually, natural sight often shrinks from the odds (see 2
Cor. 5:7). It is immobilized by improbabilities. Mauled by his moods and
intimidated by his fears, the natural man overreacts to, while hope
overrides, the disappointments of the day.”
Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, Nov 1994, 34

Monday, February 15, 2010

Inspiring Quote

“One of the differences between true joy and mere pleasure is that certain
pleasures are realized only at the cost of someone else’s pain. Joy, on the
other hand, springs out of selflessness and service, and it benefits rather
than hurts others.”
Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Jul 1978, 3

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Inspiring Quote

“God does not look on the outward appearance. I believe that He doesn’t care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely.”
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Love of God,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 22

Friday, February 12, 2010

Inspiring Quote

"The Latter-day Saints, by being wise and prudent, can make this life a tolerably happy one. We need not live in misery; we need not feel that we are sacrificing all the time, but that what we call sacrifices prove a blessing to us, which we would not receive were it not for this experience. Everything that transpires affecting us individually may be made a blessing, and will be a blessing to us if we act wisely and prudently" (The Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, p. 121-122).

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Inspiring Quote

“Work is our blessing, not our doom. God has a work to do, and so should we.
Retirement from work has depressed many a man and hastened his death. It has
been said that even the very fiends weave ropes of sand rather than face the
pure hell of idleness. We should work at taking care of the spiritual,
mental, social, and physical needs of ourselves and of those whom we are
charged to help.”
Ezra Taft Benson, Tambuli, Mar 1987, 2

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Inspiring Quote

"The biggest business of any life is making decisions. While one of the greatest gifts of God to man is free agency or the right of choice, He has also given man responsibility for these choices. We may choose between good and evil. We put our own lives in the direction of success or failure. We may not only choose our ultimate goals, but we may also determine and decide for ourselves, in many cases, the means by which we will arrive at those goals, and by our industry or lack of it determine the speed by which they may be reached. This takes individual effort and energy and will not be without opposition or conflict" (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 385-386).

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Inspiring Quote

“The passport to peace is the practice of prayer. The feelings of the heart,
humbly expressed rather than a mere recitation of words, provide the peace
we seek.” Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 1993, 59

Friday, February 5, 2010

Inspiring Quote

“Many of us today have a tendency to seek instant strength, instant pleasure
instant acceptance, instant relief, instant answers, instant change,
instant success, instant knowledge, instant wealth, omitting day-by-day
effort and work. We become discouraged and get more feeble-kneed if goals
are not reached immediately. Work is a necessary pattern in the solid life.”
Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, Nov 1991, 70

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Join Us Tonight!

Come to the Fairfield Ward's Food Storage Cafe tonight at 7:00 pm.

1st Course: 3 unique ways of doing food storage
2nd Course: Q&A session
3rd Course: Sampling of cannery items
4th Course: Refreshments

Leave full of knowledge, yet hungry to get your food storage in order.
Nursery provided.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Inspiring Quote

"Your own life, our own lives, are precious ones. We can satisfy ourselves with mediocrity. We can be common, ordinary, dull, colorless, or we can so channel our lives to be clean, vibrant, progressive, colorful, and rich.
"We can soil our records, defile our souls, trample underfoot virtue, honor, and goodness, or we can command respect and admiration of our associates and the love of the Lord. . . .
"Your destiny is in your hands and your all-important decisions are before you"
(The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 161).

Monday, February 1, 2010

Inspiring Quote

“I close with the words of a revered prophet, even President Harold B. Lee: ‘Life is God’s gift to man. What we do with our life is our gift to God.’ May we give generously to Him, as He has so abundantly given to us, by Living and loving as He and His Son have so patiently taught” Thomas S.Monson, Ensign, May 1993, 59

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Inspiring Quote

“Having ultimate hope does not mean we will always be rescued from proximate problems, but we will be rescued from everlasting death! Meanwhile, ultimate hope makes it possible to say the same three words used centuries ago by three valiant men. They knew God could rescue them from the fiery furnace, if He chose. ‘But if not,’ they said, nevertheless, they would still serve Him! (Dan. 3:18.)” Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, Nov 1994, 34

Friday, January 29, 2010

Coming Soon... Food Storage Cafe!

February 4th at 7:00 p.m.
1st Course: 3 unique ways of doing food storage
2nd Course: Q&A session
3rd Course: Sampling of cannery items
4th Course: Refreshments
Leave full of knowledge, yet hungry to get your food storage in order.
Nursery provided.

Inspiring Quote!

“...Choose life even though the forces of death seem strong! Choose hope even though despair seems close! Choose to grow even though circumstances oppress you! Choose to learn even though you must struggle against your own ignorance and that of others! Choose to love, even though ours are days of violence and vengeance. Choose to forgive, to pray, to bless another’s life with simple kindness... I promise that you will feel the abundant love of The Savior.” Chieko N. Okazaki, Ensign, Nov 1996, 89

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Inspiring Quote

"One of the big things that [the adversary] has to work on is the fact that we are all poor, weak mortals and fully appreciate our own weakness, and he tries to take advantage of our knowledge on this point to inspire us with the idea that we are no good and what we are doing is not worth the time that we are taking to do it. But we can be assured that if we press on in the little duties which are from day to day resting on us, we will be on hand for greater ones, when, in the kind providences of the Lord, there will come to us greater work to do in the interests of his work" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, p. 39).

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Stake Conference! Come Join Us!

Stake Conference is this weekend, January 30th & 31st.
The Adult Session is on Saturday at 7pm at the Liberty Building.
The General Session is on Sunday at 2pm at the Montgomery Building.
We hope to see you there!

Great Quote

"This, then, should be our aim and object: to learn to make ourselves useful---to be saviours to our fellowmen, to learn how to save them, to communicate to them a knowledge of the principles that are necessary to raise them to the same degree of intelligence that we have ourselves.
"Men may be very good, and yet they may not be very wise, nor so useful as they might be; but the gospel is given to make us wise, and to enable us to get those things in our minds that are calculated to make us happy" (The Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, p. 60).

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Great Quote

“The major work of the world is not done by geniuses. It is done by ordinary people, with balance in their lives, who have learned to work in an extraordinary manner” Gordon B. Hinckley, “Our Fading Civility,” BYU Commencement address, 25 Apr. 1996, 15

Great Quote

“The major work of the world is not done by geniuses. It is done by ordinary people, with balance in their lives, who have learned to work in an extraordinary manner” Gordon B. Hinckley, “Our Fading Civility,” BYU Commencement address, 25 Apr. 1996, 15

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Great Quote

“Thomas P. Malone said: ‘Almost every emotional problem can be summed up in one particular bit of behavior: it’s a person walking around screaming, ‘… Love me.’ Love me, that’s all. He goes through a million different manipulations to get somebody to love him. On the other hand, healthy people are those who walk around looking for someone to love... It’s hard to learn, But it’s good when you learn it.’” Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, Feb 1993, 64

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Quote

"The power of choice is a God-given gift, and the purpose of life is happiness. Things which pertain to the physical nature are so easily obtained and the pleasure so immediate that many spend most of their time seeking them and neglecting the permanent joys of the spirit" (David O. McKay, Gospel Ideals, p. 345).

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Sunday's RS Lesson

A big "thank you" to Erin for sharing this lesson with us:


My body is ______________________. Media technology is ____________________.

Share what is your body? What are your thoughts when posed with that question? What should you think? What do you think? Is there a discrepancy? Why? What can you do to get what you do think, closer to what you should?

Now let’s look at technology in the media. What did you say? How do you respond? There are of course marvelous aspects – list. And the problems – list.

Keep these things in mind throughout the lesson, and we’ll see what Elder Bednar has to say about both topics. Last May, Elder Bednar gave a powerful talk at a CES young adult fireside. The intended audience was primarily the 20-somethings – but our stake RS presidency has asked that we study and discuss it today. Inspite of the fact that the majority of us are not 20-somethings, this is our opportunity to “liken” his words unto us – and feel exceedingly young in our efforts. J I know that all of us, wherever we are in life, can find depth, meaning, and personal application on some level, from his talk.

Elder Bednar prefaces the body of his talk by explaining that we must seek out and acknowledge the truth – or, in the words of Jacob, “things as they really are,” beginning with the doctrine of our destiny.

Who has #1? As she reads, it please look for what we must obtain as part of our progression towards our divine destiny.

In “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles declare that as spirit sons and daughters of God we “accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize [our] divine destiny as heirs of eternal life” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102; or Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49).

So what must we obtain if we want to progress? A body. Why are our bodies so important? What is it about them that made us shout for joy in the premortal existence, at the mere prospect of obtaining them? DISCUSS

Obtaining, caring for, and finding joy through use of a body is part of our Heavenly Father’s plan for us. Let’s go back to what you wrote. My body is _____________. Anyone say a temple? A place where the Spirit of God may dwell within us? How about an empowering gift which allows us to have joy? Not me… but I should have. J

Elder Bednar taught that our bodies are necessary because they give us experiences which we could not have had solely as spirits. Number 2?

“…our relationships with other people, our capacity to recognize and act in accordance with truth, and our ability to obey the principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ are amplified through our physical bodies. In the classroom of mortality, we experience tenderness, love, kindness, happiness, sorrow, disappointment, pain, and even the challenges of physical limitations in ways that prepare us for eternity. Simply stated, there are lessons we must learn and experiences we must have, as the scriptures describe, ‘according to the flesh’.”

We also know that Satan does not have a body. That is his punishment for rebellion. In the New Testament, we read about Satan being cast out of a body which he possessed – and moving into a herd of swine. Bodies are so important, that Satan finds it preferable to be in a pig’s body – than in none whatsoever. Because he does not have a body, his eternal progress is literally damned. He can not progress eternally. He may not have the experience made possible through a body. And so, he works against the Father’s plan, striving to make us miserable, and thereby continuing his rebellion.

How does Satan provide opposition to our Father’s plan in relation to our bodies? DISCUSS

Elder Bednar says there are two main attacks which the adversary uses to beguile us: he tries to influence us to misuse our bodies, and he tries to minimize the importance of our bodies.

In regards to misusing our bodies, he gives the following examples – Number 3?

“When any of Heavenly Father’s children misuse their physical tabernacles by violating the law of chastity, by using drugs and addictive substances, by disfiguring or defacing themselves, or by worshipping the false idol of body image, whether their own or that of others, Satan is delighted.”

We hear about those things often, yes?

But what about minimizing the importance of our bodies? Elder Bednar say this attack of Satan’s is most subtle and diabolical…it is anything that encourages us to put at risk the earthly learning experiences. What does he mean – what could threaten our earthly learning experiences which we obtain through our bodies? DISCUSS

The example he discusses in depth, and the main point of Elder Bednar’s talk, is about technology and the media. He says, “some young men and women in the Church today ignore ‘things as they really are’ and neglect eternal relationships for digital distractions, diversions, and detours that have no lasting value.” He defines digital distractions, diversions, and detours, as excessive video gaming or online socializing.

Who has #4?
“You may now be asking yourself, ‘But Brother Bednar, you began today by talking about the importance of a physical body in our eternal progression. Are you suggesting that video gaming and various types of computer-mediated communication can play a role in minimizing the importance of our physical bodies?’ That is precisely what I am declaring.”
RESPONSE?

Elder Bednar talks about the good aspects of technology which replicates reality – creating, in effect, a virtual reality. He discusses the benefits of surgeons practicing complicated surgeries via computer enhanced “virtual surgery” – where a doctor may learn without actually touching a real patient…or a pilot practicing emergency landings in a flight simulator. Engineers and other professionals might use similar virtual technology. Sometimes, it is a blessing that we have the technology to create extremely realistic “virtual worlds”. It can, and does, save lives.

However, highly realistic virtual representations are NOT always beneficial. What examples can you think of? DISCUSS

If Satan came down and personally asked any one of us to murder, rob, rape, or plunder another sister in this room, would any of us leap at the opportunity? Of course not – so he uses plan B – he gets us to disconnect from reality. It’s only a game, it’s just fun, a way to relax…it’s not real. #5?

“If the adversary cannot entice us to misuse our physical bodies, then one of his most potent tactics is to beguile you and me as embodied spirits to disconnect gradually and physically from things as they really are. In essence, he encourages us to think and act as if we were in our premortal, unembodied state. And, if we let him, he can cunningly employ some aspects of modern technology to accomplish his purposes.”

How can technology encourage us to think and act as if in our premortal, bodiless – state? DISCUSS

When we pursue our online or other technological activities, it is easy to lose balance and perspective, and find ourselves spending too much time on activities which distort, confuse, or cause us to forget our Heavenly Father’s plan for us to obtain bodies and experience a person-to-person communication. Elder Bednar even cautions against casual use of ‘pixels, texting, ear buds, twittering, online social networking, and potentially addictive uses of the media and the Internet.’ Who has #6?
“Initially the investment of time may seem relatively harmless, rationalized as a few minutes of needed relief from the demands of a hectic daily schedule. But important opportunities are missed for developing and improving interpersonal skills, for laughing and crying together, and for creating a rich and enduring bond of emotional intimacy. Progressively, seemingly innocent entertainment can become a form of pernicious enslavement. To feel the warmth of a tender hug from an eternal companion or to see the sincerity in the eyes of another person as testimony is shared—all of these things experienced as they really are through the instrument of our physical body—could be sacrificed for a high fidelity fantasy that has no lasting value.”
Anyone want to respond? Has anyone had an experience with this that they’d like to share? DISCUSS

Is technology and the media inherently bad? Of course not – we already discussed the simulations; Elder Bednar reminds us we can do even more – we can learn, communicate, lift and brighten lives, even share the gospel. He says we can – and should – do those things. “But,” Elder Bednar warns, ”I am raising a warning voice that we should not squander and damage authentic relationships by obsessing over contrived ones.”

What helps you stay connected and engaged in our physical world? How have you helped your children understand this concept? DISCUSS

He gives us the following tools for us to consider as we ponder the concepts in this lesson:
Does the use of various technologies and media invite or impede the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost in your life?
Does the time you spend using various technologies and media enlarge or restrict your capacity to live, love, and to serve in a meaningful way?

Our bodies are a blessing, designed to help us progress toward our divine destiny as resurrected beings living with our Heavenly Father. Anything which causes us to detach from this part of being human is not of God. Quote #7.

“I repeat and affirm the teaching of the Prophet Joseph: ‘All beings who have bodies have power over those who have not. The devil has no power over us only as we permit him’.”

We are so blessed to be on the earth at this time – to have bodies, and to take advantage of all the good technology can afford us. Elder Bednar says we must not fail to be true to the Lord’s plan. He says that we must recognize and remember that at the same time our leaders are asking us to “raise the bar,” Lucifer is striving “…to ‘lower the bar’ by coaxing us to misuse and minimize the importance of our physical bodies’.” He quotes George Q. Cannon. Quote #8:

“God has reserved spirits for this dispensation who have the courage and determination to face the world, and all the powers of the evil one, visible and invisible, to proclaim the Gospel, and maintain the truth, and establish and build up the Zion of our God, fearless of all consequences. He has sent these spirits in this generation to lay the foundation of Zion never more to be overthrown, and to raise up a seed that will be righteous, and that will honor God, and honor him supremely, and be obedient to him under all circumstances.”

We are able to recognize truth – we have known it for a long time, and as we pray, search for answers, and seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost as we earnestly strive to be obedient to the commandments of God, that we will see – and embrace – things as they really are. I am grateful for the Lord’s plan for us to have bodies, and pray we will all work to honor our bodies – and in so doing, honor the Lord. And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.