Lesson Summary - "The Love of God" - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"The Love of God" - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

This is an absolutely beautiful talk, and I encourage you GREATLY to read it for yourself. He does a much better job of talking about it than I do. I promise!

He asks the question "Are there attributes above all others that should define us as members of His Church, even as disciples of Jesus Christ?" Ironically enough, he answers this question with other questions.

How do we become true disciples of Christ?

In our lesson today, several sisters said that keeping the commandments and loving and serving others was a great way to become true disciples. Christ told us in the New Testament that the greatest commandment is "thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Mark 12:30-31). If we follow the first commandment, then the second one should be a little easier.

Why should we love God?

Obviously, God has given us everything. He deserves our love. And even though he's commanded it, he doesn't need it. It is US that need to love him. I liked what someone said, "What we love determines what we seek." If we love God then we will seek to serve him and keep his commandments. If we love worldly things like money, then we will seek that which doesn't lead to happiness at all. Since we are God's children we have a great capacity to love as he does.

Why does He love us?

Good question, right? Sometimes I feel like such a huge screw-up, but for some reason God still loves me. I guess it's the same reason I still love my kids even when they disobey and drive me crazy. They're my kids, and I want them to succeed at life. I want what's best for them. Now, take that times a gazillion, and that's Heavenly Father's love for us. Our teacher said that this was her favorite paragraph:

"He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our resume but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God's love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked."

I liked this one: "Regardless of our current state, there is hope for us."

How can we increase our love of God?

One sister suggested engaging ourselves more when we do temple work. Another said we should also do that in our callings. I liked that one of the sisters said that doing service is HUGE! It's a great way to feel closer to Heavenly Father. There are opportunities for service all around. Today, actually, I had my baby with me. I conducted the meeting and while I was walking around trying to get announcements and such, one of the ladies offered to hold her for me. Later while I was trying to take notes, another wonderful lady just came and took her from me and kept her for the rest of the lesson. THAT was a great service to me! And what great examples they're setting for the rest of us in watching out for our fellow (wo)man). (Thanks, ladies! You're the best!)

How can we hear God's voice?

We've got to make the effort! Sometimes life gets so busy, we can't hear his voice. Our teacher explained how she is working and going to school and has maybe an hour home a day. It gets difficult for her to find time to do spiritual things sometimes! I know that most people can relate to that feeling. But I know that in my own life, when I take time to do spiritual things, my life runs so much smoother, and I am more able to recognize the Holy Ghost when he speaks to me.

Why is love the greatest commandment?

If we love God, we will WANT to follow his other commandments. I absolutely loved one sister's comment about how when we learn to love, it changes us. Other commandments we are asked to do, like paying tithing, may not change us. But learning to love like God loves will change our lives. Another sister pointed out that it's hard! It's hard to love some people some times. It's easier to just not like them! It requires more of us to love and accept people. Our teacher also told us that it's important to love ourselves. It can be difficult to love others if we don't love ourselves.

So going back to his original question of what's the most important attribute of all?

The answer is simple... Love. Love God. Love your neighbor. Just love!

The Christmas Spirit

I left early from church Sunday because of a sick baby, so I don't have a lesson summary. Perhaps someone else took notes... but I don't know. Until then, enjoy this video on what Christmas SHOULD be about.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!!

Lesson 45 - Summary

Joseph Smith's Feelings About His Prophetic Mission

I apologize for not doing a lesson summary last week. I forgot to take notes until the very end, and by that time it was too late. My memory's not good enough to just recall what I heard, either. So, again, my apologies for those who missed it.

This week, I had to make some announcements to the Young Women and the sisters in Primary, so I missed most of the lesson. HOWEVER, I did take notes once I got in there, and what little I heard was fantastic. Thanks to my wonderful teacher and the ladies who have the courage to make comments and share personal experiences with the rest of us. They touched my heart.

I'm going to only focus on the last part of the lesson that I heard, so if you would like to read the entire lesson, you can click on the link above.

Apparently, when I walked in, they were discussing this question:

"What experiences have you had in which God has helped you to fulfill your responsibilities in your family or in a Church calling?"

I heard testimony after testimony of how my fellow sisters have been strengthened because of their callings. One sister spoke of how she was terrible at remembering names, but when she received a calling where she needed to do so, she was able. Another sister said that when she got called to be a temple worker, she told the Temple President that she had trouble getting around sometimes because of pains. She said, though, that once she entered the temple to serve, the pain went away so she could do the Lord's work, and as soon as she stepped out the door it was back. Yet another sister said that as a mother she feels like she can't do enough and doesn't teach her children like she should, but when they get together for Family Home Evening, her son will say something profound. When she asks him where he learned that, he says, "From you, Mom."

How blessed we are to be aided by the Lord in our weaknesses!

When I was called to be in the Relief Society Presidency, I felt more than inadequate. I'm only 25 years old (24 at the time), so I felt way too young to be responsible for women who were older than me and knew way more than me. I had never really been in Relief Society, so I didn't know the first thing about it. I assumed I was getting called as a counselor because the Lord thought I needed humbling. The Bishop said to me that he felt like whenever he felt good about his calling and that he was doing well, he got called to do something else. That was exactly how I felt.

I can tell you that even though I still feel under-prepared and basically stupid (for lack of better word) about what I'm doing, the Lord has helped me tremendously. Somehow, our Relief Society activities have come together because I know that HE wants them to happen. Somebody there needed it, and so He works through me to make it happen. I know that others have had similar experiences, and I would love to read them if you care to share.

I really liked one sister's comment about how sometimes we don't know why we're directed to do certain things, but God has reasons. For example, she didn't know why she was supposed to move here because she's been unable to find work, but she now feels like she's here to help her brother's family in their time of need. I wish my words could do her comments justice.

I'm sorry that I wasn't able to get more of the lesson today. I hope that what I've written will help those who were unable to attend Relief Society. Feel free to leave comments about anything I've written.

5th Sunday - Lesson Summary

Relief Society: A Serious Work

I wasn't in town this Sunday due to Thanksgiving, so I asked my step-mother to take notes for me in Relief Society so that I could do this. What a sweet lady, eh? :) She took fantastic notes about sacrament meeting, too, but I'm just going to stick with Relief Society.

Thank you SO much for doing this for me! <--Directed to my step-mom :D

Normally, on fifth Sundays we combine with the Priesthood, but I was informed that they didn't do that this time, so the presidency had to come up with something quick. Our Relief Society President actually called me while I was several states away telling me what she wanted to teach about and how we would do it, and I'm like, "Uhhh... I'm not there." Fun times.

I'm hoping that most of you know that the enrichment program has changed since the Relief Society Broadcast. They are no longer called Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment meetings--just Relief Society meetings. Sister Julie B. Beck, General Relief Society President, elaborated further on the changes to the Church News which is where the link above will take you. Our Relief Society President wanted to use this extra Sunday to explain to the sisters about these changes.

It's too bad I wasn't there because this involves MY calling directly. Oh, well.

So, enough of my rambling... these are my step-mom's notes... in her own words:

• It impressed me that she said we can't write policy for one culture or place. We must be mindful of what our area needs and can do. RS activities should be under priesthood direction. Goes back to keys and revelation for our ward and our sisters and our families.
• We have more flexibility.
• We need to teach women their role in the gospel and improve understanding. (what YSA can do, help Young mothers know what they can do, etc.)
• Emphasized we should not ask sisters to do things costing money.
• Time is also a key factor. The Lord is hastening His work and RS can't require things that weaken our lives and homes.
• Weekday meetings are not mandatory.
• We must make decisions based on what is essential for our family.
• Be careful about what RS asks sisters to do in relation to time.
• We don't need to go outside our ward for ideas and teachers.
• We had several comments and discussion. It seems that the groups will not be organized by RS anymore. If someone wants to teach or learn something, it can be announced, but not put on the church calendar.
• I think it is great that our leaders have reminded us of the times we live in. We do need times together, but as Sis. Beck said anytime two RS sisters are together it is fun. ;-)

If you have any more questions about the new Relief Society meeting guidelines, feel free to message me or comment on this entry. I'll answer your questions the best I can.

Stake Conference - Sunday Session

Today was kind of a crazy day for my family at Stake Conference. I watched my father-in-law be released as Stake President after serving for 9ish years only to watch my father get called in his place. I was kind of suspicious last night, but when I saw my sister at stake conference that doesn't even live in our stake boundaries, I got nervous! It wasn't even me receiving the calling, but I was nervous all the same.

My father-in-law was Stake President when I started dating his son 7 years ago. He is a great man with a great love of the gospel. I have seen him answer phone calls and go to meetings and I, honestly, don't think I ever heard him complain. He complains about other things, but never about his calling. I admire him so much. His wife bore her testimony today, and I was reminded how amazing my mother-in-law really is. I don't know how she does all that she does. She told about how when she started dating her husband, he was not a member. I imagine it took a lot of guts for her to say, "I can never marry you," because she knew that her goal was to be married in the Temple. What an example she is! And because of her courage and testimony, he was baptized and has served in numerous callings in the church faithfully, and they've raised a beautiful family together. I am rather partial because I married one of their sons. :) But I think most people would agree that they are wonderful people. I am grateful for their example and for his service as Stake President.

Now, my Dad is Stake President. I listened to his testimony today, and it was so weird... I knew he was my Dad, but he looked like my Stake President. The mantle has been passed. I could tell. I had the opportunity to be present as he and his counselors were set apart, and the Spirit was there. I am grateful to my Dad for shouldering this huge responsibility. I am excited to see where our Stake goes under his leadership.

One thing the visiting authorities really pointed out today was how the system of calling new leaders works. It is a wonderful process. Elder Carlson told of how when he was a member of another faith long ago, their preacher retired, and it took months and months to find a new one that everyone was happy with. Yet when it's time for a new leader in our Church, it is all done in one day of interviews, and the congregation accepts him because that's who the Lord calls. It is an amazing process.

One of Dad's new counselors said that he's noticed two types of members in the church when a new leader is called. The first kind is the member who gets behind him and is ready to work and follow. The second kind is the kind that says, "We'll wait and see if he's any good, and then we'll follow him." He said that being the second kind is a waste of time because the Lord knows what he's doing and knows who he wants to call. Why should we not trust the Lord's judgment?

The visiting authorities also emphasized the importance of rescuing those who may be lost. Every soul is precious, and we need to reach out to the inactive members. Of course, we want to continue with missionary work, but there seemed to be a lot of emphasis on helping those who may have lost that fire they had right after baptism.

And, finally, one comment that I really liked was that if I was the only person that Christ's Atonement saved, he still would have suffered all those pains... just for me. He loved me that much. And he would have done the same exact thing for each of us. Christ's love is baffling to me. How could he love us so much when we're so imperfect? I am so very grateful for his atoning sacrifice.

I hope that you were all able to go, but if you weren't I hope this made you feel like you were there... sort of... through my eyes.

Stake Conference - Adult Session

Stake Conference was this weekend, and I wanted to do a special post especially for the Adult Session Saturday night because I know that a lot of sisters are unable to go because of distance, children, and whatnot. We are blessed to have family that live in town so we have a place to stay and someone to watch our kids for us. So I thought that I should give those ladies who were unable to attend the opportunity to read a little bit of what happened. :)

I think this is the first time I have EVER taken notes at a stake conference. This blog is definitely good for me! I think to keep this concise, I will do a bulleted list of some things I heard or thought about.

• It is such a blessing to know that the prophet is not the only one who can pray and receive answers. WE are able to get down on our knees, talk to Heavenly Father, and receive revelations for our own lives. In fact, we're required to. How else are we going to know the things we are taught are true?
• How can we exercise charity in our lives? First, we need to start with our thoughts and feelings. Avoid being judgmental. Be forgiving and patient. Then, we need to watch our words. There is NO NEED to verbalize every thought we have. This is often most difficult in our own homes where we're off our social guard. Finally, we need to watch our actions. To find happiness in our own lives, we must lose ourselves in the service of others.
• When promptings come, ACT!! It doesn't matter if it's the Spirit or your own thoughts. This really hit home for me because sometimes I don't do things because I think it's ME and not the Spirit. Just do it!
• I really liked this quote: "Somehow forgiveness with love and tolerance, accomplishes miracles that can happen in no other way." - Gordon B. Hinckley "Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice: Be More Forgiving"
• Our visiting authority asked us to reread the New Testament and focus on the simple things Jesus Christ said.
• There was a lot of emphasis on being united. We cannot do the Lord's work if we are going against one another. We must be a united people! I don't know how many times I heard the phrase "Be United." It must be pretty important.
• One of the visiting authorities talked about the story of the Prodigal son. It is one of my favorites. I love how when the son was a long way off, his father ran to him. Our Heavenly Father is the same way. It doesn't matter how far off the path we are, if we turn to him, he welcomes us back with open arms. He loves his children so much.

This wasn't everything, but it was the best I could do under the circumstances (ie: wiggly baby). :)

What Matters Most

This video is a beautiful reminder about what should matter most in our lives. Don't let the small things get in the way of those you love.

Enjoy!

Lesson 44 - Summary

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith: Lesson 44 - The Restoration of All Things: The Dispensation of the Fullness of Times

I was actually slightly nervous today in Relief Society because I knew I'd be coming home to write a summary of today's lesson. I felt like I was in school taking notes for an important test. I mean, all of zero people are going to read this, so I shouldn't be that nervous, right? :)

I've wondered how I'm going to do this, and I think since this is my "personal" journal, I'm going to share insights that I had about the lesson today. You can read the actual lesson if you click on the link above. It would be kind of redundant of me to just repeat what it says when it explains things a gazillion times better than me, so I'm just going to stick with what I know, and that's my OWN thoughts and feelings.

I really liked the first section when we talked about the Nauvoo Temple. Apparently, Joseph Smith and I have something in common--we were both very anxious for the temple to be built. The Nauvoo Temple holds a special place in my heart. For two weeks when I was 16, my parents and I stayed in a little tiny camper and volunteered in Nauvoo. The temple was under construction at the time, and my Dad worked on it. My step-mom worked in the sewing room making costumes for their shows, and I worked in Pioneer Past-Times playing with little kids. It was a wonderful two weeks, and I just fell in love with the place. I couldn't wait for it to be finished so I could go inside. Later, my family and I went there to perform work for our ancestors. It was amazing to know that these were my ancestors that we were helping. The feeling of peace there was so overwhelming. I feel so blessed that I was able to go in that beautiful temple because, unfortunately, Joseph Smith never got the chance. However, it is because of him that we are even able to use the many temples we have today. Like our lesson manual says, "Each of these temples is a symbol that the fulness of God's blessings to his children, living and dead, has been restored in this last dispensation" (509). If he had not restored the gospel, the Priesthood, the Book of Mormon, and the temple ordinances, we would not be able to do the important work that can only be done in the Temple.

One sister in Relief Society pointed out that it is such a beautiful thing that our church is ever changing. Because of modern revelation, we are able to receive guidance and doctrine from our living prophet to help us when we need it. She pointed out that sometimes it's hard when things change, but we also have the blessing (and free agency) to pray about these changes to find out for ourselves if they are true. What a wonderful feeling it is to know that the same things that have been revealed to our Prophet can be confirmed in our hearts if we only ask! The Lord is never going to leave us in the dark if we but seek for answers and ask sincerely.

I really liked this quote:

"This final dispensation is of such vast importance that it requires the complete, unselfish dedication of the Saints"(512).

Our teacher asked us why it is so important that we be "unselfish." I find that in my own home, when I stop thinking of myself and start thinking about my husband and children, we're all happier and things run more smoothly. I can only imagine that if everyone did that all the time in the church, the results would be like that times ten! But like some sisters pointed out, we are inherently selfish. It takes a lot of work to think of others, but, ultimately, it's going to be worth it.

One last thing I'd like to point out from today's lesson (I know... another thing? I promise I'm almost done!) is a question our teacher asked us.

What abilities and talents do we have that we can use to contribute to the building up of the Kingdom of God?

We are all blessed with different talents and abilities and for very good reason. If we all did the same thing, nothing would get done! Think about what talents YOU have that can help build the Kingdom. It can be singing, public speaking, cooking, sewing, organizational skills, leadership skills, your friendly personality, or even your beautiful smile. :) You have a gift, and we want to see it!

Well, that's all, I suppose. Be sure to check back often for updates! Oh, and click that little comment button below and tell me what you think! :D

First Post! Yay!

WELCOME!!!

You're probably not as excited as I am about this, but thanks for reading this anyway. My hope in starting the blog is to get other women, especially those who live in my area, excited about what we do in Relief Society.

In my own ward, I am the 2nd Counselor in the Relief Society Presidency. I help plan the RS meetings formally known as "enrichment."

Honestly, before I was called to be a counselor, I had never spent much time in the Relief Society. I spent most of my time during that third hour of church in other callings far, far away from Relief Society. I was okay with that, too, because from what I had seen of Relief Society, it was for old women. I had no place there. It was boring--plain and simple. We had visited Relief Society a few times while I was in the Young Women's program, but all I got from it was that their announcements included who had died and who was sick--not quite as exciting as what dances and activities were coming up.

When I was asked by my Bishop to accept this calling in Relief Society, I wasn't excited about it at all, but I accepted because I never turn down a calling. I felt very inadequate in my abilities. I didn't know the first thing about Relief Society. About that time I heard this beautiful song that said, "He is calling you even in your weakness. He is calling you to come as you are." That was the ONLY thing that helped me feel better about what I was about to do. We are called no matter what our weaknesses are.

Over the last year, my dislike of Relief Society has turned into an intense love. As I have striven to plan activities that include my fellow sisters, I have seen what wonderful talents and attributes that they have. As a young mother with very rambunctious children, the third hour of church seems to be the only one that I really get to pay attention in. Whenever I am having a bad Sunday morning, I can always count on my lovely sisters in Relief Society to uplift me and bring me back to the spiritual place I want to be. It's a chance for all of the women to be themselves and share experiences. It is truly a blessing to be part of this wonderful organization.

I hope, sincerely hope, that those of you who read this will one day realize the love that you can enjoy by being a part of Relief Society. I especially want those Young Women who will soon be joining our ranks to know that it's not just a place for old women like I once thought. (I mean, please, I'm not old yet!) True, we all have a little crazy in us, but that's what makes it fun. :)

Keep checking in periodically for lesson summaries, spiritual thoughts, and a few announcements for activities in our area. Thanks for reading!