tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44562913207220848692011-09-27T13:23:07.010-04:00Ohio Cincinnati North Stakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10434707229553984642noreply@blogger.comBlogger3201100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-80515655958078380462010-09-29T06:00:00.000-04:002010-09-29T06:00:02.370-04:00“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].”<br />Thomas S. Monson, Liahona, Jan 2002, 68–71<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-8051565595807838046?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-21485588181918584042010-09-27T06:00:00.000-04:002010-09-27T06:00:01.978-04:00“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.”<br />Thomas S. Monson, Liahona, Jan 2002, 68–71<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-2148558818191858404?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-36651933183378545772010-09-25T06:00:00.000-04:002010-09-25T06:00:03.241-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-3665193318337854577?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-69522999248614477122010-09-23T06:00:00.000-04:002010-09-23T06:00:02.012-04:00“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!”<br />Dieter F. Uchtdorf, <a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&amp;locale=0&amp;sourceId=5317b73f64838210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&amp;vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">“Continue in Patience,” Ensign, May 2010, 57</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-6952299924861447712?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-54262202861951311332010-09-21T06:00:00.000-04:002010-09-21T06:00:06.907-04:00“Every kind word spoken gives you greater ability to speak another.”<br />Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 139<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-5426220286195131133?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-40570368719937880652010-09-20T10:43:00.003-04:002010-09-20T10:45:40.780-04:00Join us this Saturday, September 25th. We'll be meeting at the Fairfield Building and be joined by the Hamilton Ward and Miami River Branch.<br />Dinner will be at 6:30pm<br />The broadcast starts at 8:00pm<br />We hope to see you there!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-4057036871993788065?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-43106939503466245062010-09-19T06:00:00.000-04:002010-09-19T06:00:06.317-04:00“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.”<br />Thomas S. Monson, <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&amp;locale=0&amp;sourceId=f6ce56627ab94210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&amp;vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">“What Have I Done for Someone Today?” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 85</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-4310693950346624506?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-5681767698811965102010-09-17T06:00:00.000-04:002010-09-17T06:00:09.017-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-568176769881196510?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-67855881842714023442010-09-15T06:00:00.000-04:002010-09-15T06:00:02.739-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-6785588184271402344?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-12832773301406621972010-09-13T06:00:00.000-04:002010-09-13T06:00:08.481-04:00“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.”<br />Mary N. Cook, <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&amp;locale=0&amp;sourceId=9b1c230bac7f0210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&amp;vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">“A Virtuous Life—Step by Step,” Ensign, May 2009, 119</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-1283277330140662197?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-80053699617000174342010-09-11T06:00:00.000-04:002010-09-11T06:00:02.766-04:00“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.”<br />Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 139<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-8005369961700017434?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-41248343371063211912010-09-09T06:00:00.000-04:002010-09-09T06:00:01.848-04:00“The Lord never asks the impossible. Often the difficult, but never the impossible.”<br />David B. Haight, Ensign, May 1993, 23<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-4124834337106321191?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-19568875312400162062010-09-07T06:00:00.000-04:002010-09-07T06:00:08.392-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-1956887531240016206?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-88238066647933100002010-09-05T06:00:00.000-04:002010-09-05T06:00:04.846-04:00“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. “<br />Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 139<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-8823806664793310000?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-34238637917486887022010-09-03T06:00:00.000-04:002010-09-03T06:00:09.911-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-3423863791748688702?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-46735398988104415792010-09-01T06:00:00.000-04:002010-09-01T06:00:10.340-04:00“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.”<br />Dallin H. Oaks, <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&amp;locale=0&amp;sourceId=b02d56627ab94210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&amp;vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">“Love and Law,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 28</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-4673539898810441579?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-90619580699310867862010-08-31T06:00:00.000-04:002010-08-31T06:00:06.335-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-9061958069931086786?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-85003996201169923262010-08-29T06:00:00.001-04:002010-08-29T06:00:01.181-04:00Join us on Monday, September 6th for a Labor Day Picnic!<br /><br />It'll be held at Harbin Park in Fairfield, in Shelters 1-4.<br />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.<br /><br />Food will be served at Noon.<br /><br />Please bring a large dish to share based on your last name:<br />A-N Side dish or Salad<br />O-Z Dessert<br /><br />Please invite friends, family and neighbors!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-8500399620116992326?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-62703468117657485972010-08-27T06:00:00.000-04:002010-08-27T06:00:09.938-04:00“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.”<br />Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, 205<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-6270346811765748597?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-40491235367270771512010-08-26T06:00:00.001-04:002010-08-26T06:00:08.951-04:00<div align="center">This weekend is Stake Conference. </div><div align="center">The adult session will be on Saturday at 7pm at the Liberty Building. </div><div align="center">The general session will be on Sunday at 9am at the Montgomery Building. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-4049123536727077151?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-62309780850879908962010-08-25T07:39:00.000-04:002010-08-25T07:40:29.054-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-6230978085087990896?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-18512445714482856932010-08-16T06:00:00.000-04:002010-08-16T06:00:00.635-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-1851244571448285693?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-65259602322607761162010-08-14T06:00:00.000-04:002010-08-14T06:00:05.077-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-6525960232260776116?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-12489218538541258532010-08-12T06:00:00.000-04:002010-08-12T06:00:03.089-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-1248921853854125853?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-81995719352661218942010-08-10T06:00:00.000-04:002010-08-10T06:00:07.883-04:00“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.”<br />Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 416<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-8199571935266121894?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-62533222750344667372010-08-08T06:00:00.001-04:002010-08-08T06:00:00.566-04:00“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.”<br />Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "You Are My Hands," Ensign, May 2010, 68-69<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-6253322275034466737?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-6078306698207578712010-08-06T06:00:00.000-04:002010-08-06T06:00:04.651-04:00“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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-607830669820757871?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-26858911129919654742010-08-04T06:00:00.000-04:002010-08-04T06:00:08.887-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-2685891112991965474?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-47115159729975440092010-08-02T06:00:00.000-04:002010-08-02T06:00:03.588-04:00“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.”<br />Hugh B. Brown, Conference Report, April 1968<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-4711515972997544009?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-87061366154478813902010-07-31T06:00:00.000-04:002010-07-31T06:00:01.732-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-8706136615447881390?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-10138049345467449132010-07-29T06:00:00.000-04:002010-07-29T06:00:06.265-04:00“To live greatly, we must develop the capacity to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and triumph with humility.”<br />Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Aug. 1987<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-1013804934546744913?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-33571799363882166022010-07-27T06:00:00.000-04:002010-07-27T06:00:09.548-04:00“You can describe a man in inches, pounds, complexion, or physique. But you measure a man by character, compassion, integrity, tenderness, and principle.”<br />Richard C. Edgley, New Era, May 2000<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-3357179936388216602?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-84124929532217324232010-07-25T06:00:00.000-04:002010-07-25T06:00:07.420-04:00“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!”<br />Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Jul 1978, 3<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-8412492953221732423?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-51086667671697703812010-07-24T09:11:00.000-04:002010-07-24T09:12:59.185-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-5108666767169770381?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-24311883252482245592010-07-18T06:00:00.000-04:002010-07-18T06:00:02.934-04:00"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. <br />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.<br />"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-2431188325248224559?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-89912521859377170012010-07-16T06:00:00.000-04:002010-07-16T06:00:07.879-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-8991252185937717001?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-80011876299597208152010-07-14T06:00:00.000-04:002010-07-14T06:00:11.324-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-8001187629959720815?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-16544063282176967852010-07-12T06:00:00.000-04:002010-07-12T06:00:08.346-04:00“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.”<br />Robert D. Hales, Ensign, Nov. 1993, 8<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-1654406328217696785?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-77213487382746417302010-07-10T06:00:00.000-04:002010-07-10T06:00:04.313-04:00“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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-7721348738274641730?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-59184327719636143782010-07-08T06:00:00.000-04:002010-07-08T06:00:09.482-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-5918432771963614378?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-32276419467551815582010-07-07T10:04:00.001-04:002010-07-07T10:10:39.149-04:00What comes to your mind when you think of Independence Day?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />What do you feel when you hear the word “force?” In comparison, what do you feel when you hear the word “choice?”<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.)<br /><br />Hearing that quote makes me feel so thankful to Heavenly Father for giving us such a wonderful gift!<br /><br />How would you complete this sentence? Agency is….. <br />Elder Bruce R. McConkie defined it as: Agency is the <strong>ability</strong> and <strong>freedom</strong> to choose good or evil.<br />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.<br /><br />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?<br />Why would such a situation go against Heavenly Father’s plan?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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,<br />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!<br />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.<br /><br />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:<br />“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).<br /><br />Why can’t Satan make us do things we do not wish to do?<br />Why won’t Heavenly Father force us to do things we don’t want to?<br /><br />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:<br />“Wherefore, men are <a title="Gal. 5: 1; Hel. 14: 30 (29-30); Moses 6: 56." href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/2/27a"><span style="color:#000000;">free</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> according to the </span><a title="TG Mortality." href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/2/27b"><span style="color:#000000;">flesh</span></a><span style="color:#000000;">; and </span><a title="2 Ne. 26: 24; Jacob 5: 41; Alma 26: 37." href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/2/27c"><span style="color:#000000;">all</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> things are </span><a title="Alma 29: 8; TG Talents." href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/2/27d"><span style="color:#000000;">given</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to </span><a title="TG Initiative; TG Opposition." href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/2/27e"><span style="color:#000000;">choose</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> </span><a title="TG Liberty." href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/2/27f"><span style="color:#000000;">liberty</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> and eternal </span><a title="Deut. 30: 15." href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/2/27g"><span style="color:#000000;">life</span></a><span style="color:#000000;">, 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 </span><a title="D&amp;C 10: 22." href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/2/27h"><span style="color:#000000;">miserable</span></a> like unto himself.” (2 Nephi 2:27)<br /><br />How do we choose liberty and eternal life?<br />What is the key to retaining our free agency?<br />How does obeying the commandments help preserve our freedom?<br /><br />Our Father’s plan of happiness incorporates the exercise of agency, but it also, of necessity, incorporates accountability and judgment.<br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><strong>Note this great truth</strong>: 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Some people think that when we obey the commandments we give up our freedom. Do you agree or disagree? Why?<br />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?<br />How do we lose freedom by making bad choices? How do we gain freedom by making good choices?<br />Why do you think the obedient are more at peace in this life?<br /><br /><br /> “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).<br /><br />How is it different to obey God’s laws because of love rather than because of fear of punishment?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br />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.<br /><br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-3227641946755181558?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-28873408505011209602010-07-07T10:02:00.002-04:002010-07-07T10:04:15.802-04:00There 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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-2887340850501120960?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-2387988906592950922010-07-06T06:00:00.000-04:002010-07-06T06:00:06.260-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-238798890659295092?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-913177719931301832010-07-04T06:00:00.000-04:002010-07-04T06:00:01.053-04:00“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.<br />“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.<br />“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!”<br />Russell M. Nelson, <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&amp;locale=0&amp;sourceId=17a7d7630a27b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&amp;vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">“Addiction or Freedom,” Ensign, Nov. 1988, 6</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-91317771993130183?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-37854130393886413492010-07-03T06:00:00.000-04:002010-07-03T06:00:05.401-04:00“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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-3785413039388641349?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-88749293088130592982010-07-01T06:00:00.000-04:002010-07-01T06:00:03.275-04:00“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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-8874929308813059298?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-67022489858375501442010-06-29T09:57:00.003-04:002010-06-29T10:02:02.258-04:00Work on some "loose ends!"<br />Come join us on Thursday, July 1st at 7:00pm.<br />There will be several projects going on at once- pick one or split your time.<br /><br />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.)<br />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.<br />3. Glass etching<br /><br />Or... bring your own project to work on!<br /><br />Childcare will be provided.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-6702248985837550144?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-64310449853104311072010-06-29T06:00:00.000-04:002010-06-29T06:00:04.213-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-6431044985310431107?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-56064899223186125682010-06-27T06:00:00.000-04:002010-06-27T06:00:02.876-04:00"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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-5606489922318612568?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-19358620084594755332010-06-25T06:00:00.000-04:002010-06-25T06:00:04.649-04:00“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<br />bitterness. The Atonement is not just for sinners.” Bruce C. Hafen, Ensign, Apr 1990, 7<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-1935862008459475533?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-87069525231812780402010-06-23T06:00:00.000-04:002010-06-23T06:00:08.907-04:00“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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-8706952523181278040?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-51971580562697062902010-06-21T06:00:00.000-04:002010-06-21T06:00:07.429-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-5197158056269706290?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-864894053583122192010-06-19T06:00:00.000-04:002010-06-19T06:00:04.804-04:00“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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-86489405358312219?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-39994671807245677552010-06-17T06:00:00.000-04:002010-06-17T06:00:02.072-04:00“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.”<br /><br />Chieko N. Okazaki, Ensign, Nov 1994, 92<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-3999467180724567755?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-45319992980908312752010-06-15T06:00:00.001-04:002010-06-15T06:00:02.791-04:00"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.<br /><br />"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-4531999298090831275?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-85621106803630263182010-06-13T06:00:00.000-04:002010-06-13T06:00:02.966-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-8562110680363026318?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-37270730909380433192010-06-11T06:00:00.000-04:002010-06-11T06:00:00.987-04:00“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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-3727073090938043319?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-19585145959117741962010-06-09T06:00:00.000-04:002010-06-09T06:00:05.091-04:00“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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-1958514595911774196?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-91858429140334843382010-06-07T06:00:00.000-04:002010-06-07T06:00:09.937-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-9185842914033484338?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-34947844251989401452010-06-06T06:00:00.000-04:002010-06-06T06:00:03.422-04:00"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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-3494784425198940145?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-1180208889704727982010-06-05T06:00:00.000-04:002010-06-05T06:00:00.377-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-118020888970472798?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-75536945504381234522010-06-04T06:00:00.000-04:002010-06-04T06:00:01.151-04:00Individuals 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.<br /><br />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.”<br /><br />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.”<br /><br />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” <br /><br />“The Journey to Healing,” Ensign, Sep 1997, 19<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-7553694550438123452?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-33458747647360510242010-06-03T06:00:00.000-04:002010-06-03T06:00:02.475-04:00“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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-3345874764736051024?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-53274238221764510032010-06-01T13:04:00.003-04:002010-06-01T13:10:46.924-04:00Come 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!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-5327423822176451003?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-9172016811103895782010-06-01T06:00:00.000-04:002010-06-01T06:00:09.062-04:00"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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-917201681110389578?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-49738251502333372032010-05-29T06:00:00.000-04:002010-05-29T06:00:01.108-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-4973825150233337203?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-57972846865159712512010-05-27T06:00:00.000-04:002010-05-27T06:00:06.966-04:00“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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-5797284686515971251?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-75231883975349420502010-05-25T06:00:00.000-04:002010-05-25T06:00:06.706-04:00“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.”<br />Derek A. Cuthbert, Ensign, May 1990<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-7523188397534942050?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-13596706774398226432010-05-23T06:00:00.000-04:002010-05-23T06:00:00.114-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-1359670677439822643?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-13722153000594732312010-05-22T06:00:00.000-04:002010-05-22T06:00:04.379-04:00“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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-1372215300059473231?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-11546470328490677752010-05-21T06:00:00.000-04:002010-05-21T06:00:00.886-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-1154647032849067775?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-84151871663392469402010-05-20T06:00:00.000-04:002010-05-20T06:00:07.327-04:00“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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-8415187166339246940?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-15678751368011717062010-05-18T15:01:00.001-04:002010-05-18T15:03:01.175-04:00Come 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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-1567875136801171706?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-1523210800345425702010-05-18T14:41:00.001-04:002010-05-18T14:41:58.582-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-152321080034542570?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-14967094354678837342010-05-12T06:00:00.000-04:002010-05-12T06:00:02.174-04:00"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." <br />Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Two Principles for Any Economy," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 56<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-1496709435467883734?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-58489160418448911832010-05-10T06:00:00.000-04:002010-05-10T06:00:01.781-04:00“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.”<br /><br />George Q. Cannon, “Freedom of the Saints,” in Collected Discourses, comp. Brian H. Stuy, 5 vols., 1987–92, 2:185; emphasis added<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-5848916041844891183?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-65811440268129380302010-05-08T06:00:00.000-04:002010-05-08T06:00:04.971-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-6581144026812938030?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-25121630250112821942010-05-06T06:00:00.000-04:002010-05-06T06:00:03.816-04:00“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.”<br /><br />(George Q. Cannon, “Freedom of the Saints,” in Collected Discourses, comp. Brian H. Stuy, 5 vols., 1987–92, 2:185)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-2512163025011282194?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-69828058709095384752010-05-04T06:00:00.000-04:002010-05-04T06:00:06.719-04:00“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)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-6982805870909538475?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-100859109732782672010-05-03T06:00:00.001-04:002010-05-03T14:04:39.400-04:00Our 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.<br /><br />"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-10085910973278267?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-62448674744713842672010-05-02T06:00:00.000-04:002010-05-02T06:00:02.981-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-6244867474471384267?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-68819113971204004372010-04-30T06:00:00.000-04:002010-04-30T06:00:01.252-04:00“…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)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-6881911397120400437?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-47756192955692417372010-04-28T06:00:00.000-04:002010-04-28T06:00:05.754-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-4775619295569241737?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-18762560004218290242010-04-27T14:00:00.002-04:002010-04-27T14:04:37.228-04:00Come 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"<br />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.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-1876256000421829024?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-48250969879946140592010-04-27T06:00:00.000-04:002010-04-27T06:00:07.390-04:00"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.' " <br />N. Eldon Tanner, "Happiness Is Home Centered, Ensign," June 1978, 2<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-4825096987994614059?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-53640790077594776312010-04-25T06:00:00.000-04:002010-04-25T06:00:02.999-04:00“You will experience greater joy in life as you eradicate adult-onset pessimism and substitute childlike optimism.<br />Optimism is a virtue that allows us to see God’s loving hand in the details of our life.”<br />Anthony D. Perkins, Liahona, Nov 2006, 76–78<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-5364079007759477631?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-89803642487800338072010-04-23T06:00:00.000-04:002010-04-23T06:00:02.231-04:00“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. <br />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.’” <br />Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Two Principles for Any Economy,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 55<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-8980364248780033807?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-60206403291764177462010-04-21T06:00:00.000-04:002010-04-21T06:00:03.269-04:00"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 . . . <br />"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-6020640329176417746?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-52363887236377164762010-04-19T06:00:00.000-04:002010-04-19T06:00:01.905-04:00“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.”<br />Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 416<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-5236388723637716476?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-35276387732738013992010-04-17T06:00:00.000-04:002010-04-17T06:00:01.257-04:00“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.”<br /><br />Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff, 217<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-3527638773273801399?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-56432892205279206802010-04-15T06:00:00.001-04:002010-04-15T06:00:01.274-04:00"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.<br /><br />"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-5643289220527920680?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-50575754811150247452010-04-14T10:03:00.002-04:002010-04-14T10:05:16.783-04:00Come 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!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-5057575481115024745?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-28716456141672010952010-04-08T06:00:00.000-04:002010-04-08T06:00:00.731-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-2871645614167201095?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-2993203674501777282010-04-06T06:00:00.000-04:002010-04-06T06:00:00.525-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-299320367450177728?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-59178930805039161202010-04-04T06:00:00.000-04:002010-04-04T06:00:07.390-04:00“If you want to give a light to others, you have to glow yourself.”<br />Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 1999, 54<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-5917893080503916120?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-14262269541204839952010-04-03T06:00:00.000-04:002010-04-03T06:00:04.907-04:00"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." <br />Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Two Principles for Any Economy," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 56<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-1426226954120483995?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-52950894960775829082010-04-02T06:00:00.000-04:002010-04-02T06:00:11.972-04:00"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-5295089496077582908?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-80439843317706128422010-03-31T06:00:00.000-04:002010-03-31T06:00:06.053-04:00“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.”<br /><br />Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, 49<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-8043984331770612842?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-70872556281133988622010-03-29T08:30:00.000-04:002010-03-29T08:30:00.812-04:00General 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 <a href="http://www.lds.org/broadcast/gc/0,5161,9080,00.html">http://www.lds.org/broadcast/gc/0,5161,9080,00.html</a>), or on BYU-TV. <br /><br />If you would like activities for children to help them benefit from Conference, visit: <a href="https://beta.lds.org/general-conference/children?locale=eng">https://beta.lds.org/general-conference/children?locale=eng</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-7087255628113398862?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456291320722084869.post-48891069404101333182010-03-27T06:00:00.000-04:002010-03-27T06:00:01.641-04:00"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. <br />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.'"<br /><br />"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).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4456291320722084869-4889106940410133318?l=fairfieldohioward-rs.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pattynoreply@blogger.com0