January 2017

January 2017

Baby Steps

As we start the New Year, we usually start by making resolutions and thinking of the things in our lives that we can change for the better. We do a quick, or sometimes lengthy, review of the previous year and see how we have done over the year. At times, we may be overly critical and dissect our lives with a sharp knife until we feel pain as we fall short of perfection. We forget that only the Savior was perfect.

As our lives become more and more chaotic and overwhelming, we often become even more judgmental of ourselves, leaving us feeling depressed, frustrated, or at least unsure of how to prioritize correctly and become the people we know we should be. At these times, we may hear in our minds the constant reminders of what we should be or see the lives of others as super-heroic and how we fall short. It is time to STOP, be still, and know that he is God.

As we make our resolutions, we don’t need to see ourselves as we think the world sees us. We need to see ourselves as the Lord sees us. He doesn’t see us as overweight, too thin, out of shape, not enough talents, un”Pinterest”like, or lacking. He sees us as his family members who are trying so hard to become like him and are unsure of how to do it. He knows our hearts. He knows our pains. He knows our weaknesses and loves us anyway. He does want us to be the best “us” we can be, but he is not so concerned with what shape that is, how big your house is, whether you can run faster or farther than others or not, how much you make, or whether you handmade your Christmas ornaments or use a creative display for your lesson. He cares for us. He wants us to improve. He wants us to “Come unto him.” He wants us return to him. These desires from him are meant to uplift us. Not bring us down as the world often does.

So, as you make your resolutions this year. Stop focusing on things that may be unachievable, undesirable, or depressing. Use baby steps. Make small, achievable goals more often. Celebrate victories. Find ways to uplift yourself and others as we all climb together. Want to be in better shape? Find friends to exercise and discuss the Gospel and how to improve your families with. Involve your family in meal preparations and eat healthier. Want to be better financially? Pay your tithing first. Trust the Lord. Become better educated and more creative in ways to help your family. Want to travel? Take weekend trips with your family. Save monthly for a larger trip, so that it doesn’t go on a credit card. Want to be less stressed? Put the Lord first. Find small moments throughout your day to pray and meditate. Listen to conference talks. Read your scriptures and focus on the meanings therein and how you can use them in your life. Attend all of your meetings, even if you have young kids who can’t sit still. You are the example to them of the importance of church. It will make a difference in their future.

You make a difference in many lives, just by improving yours, but stay positive, seek the Lord and you will be amazed at the Spirit you will feel in your life. We love you all and pray for you daily!

Love,

Valyn Tucker
Kanesville Stake Relief Society 1st Counselor

Increasing Your Spiritual Strength through Scripture Study

This year, we want to focus on ways that we can improve ourselves by focused scripture study. There are many ways to study the scriptures and we want you to find what works for you. We will be having a monthly thought and scripture study idea page. Please take the time to study the topics, read the suggested scriptures, and write answers to the questions and thoughts that may come to you in a scripture study journal. Really focus on coming closer to Christ through your time spent learning of him and his teachings. You will be blessed more than you could ever imagine!

Abundant Life

In President Monson’s message “Living the Abundant Life", he talked about undertaking “a personal, diligent, significant quest” for the abundant life. As we focus on goal making at this time, we would like to review his “ABCs”.

A – Attitude. “The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment.”

What can you do in your life to help you choose to be happy? How can you obtain joy? What does the Lord say about joy and happiness? Here are some scriptures to help you get going in your search on Joy.  

2nd Nephi 2:25
Zephaniah 3:17
Alma 27:18 
Alma 36:20
D&C 101:36
3 Nephi 28:10 
Alma 26:11
Psalms 30:5
D&C 18:16

B is for believe—in yourself, in those around you, and in eternal principles. “Don’t limit yourself and don’t let others convince you that you are limited in what you can do. Believe in yourself and then live so as to reach your possibilities. You can achieve what you believe you can. Trust and believe and have faith.”

What does it mean to truly believe? What do YOU believe? Do you truly believe in yourself and others?

Mormon 7:9
John 14:1
John 3:12 
Articles of Faith 1:9
John 14:11
Mosiah 4:9 
1 John 5:13
Ether 4:12
Alma 7:17

C is for courage. “Courage becomes a worthwhile and meaningful virtue when it is regarded not so much as a willingness to die manfully but as a determination to live decently.”

Alma 46:11–27
1 Chronicles 19:13
Psalms 27:14 
Alma 56:45
Helaman 5:24
Joshua 10:25 
Isaiah 41:6
Joshua 1:9
1 Chronicles 22:13

What experiences in your life have you had to use great courage? How did you handle it? How could you improve in the future or make your life such that you are more prepared for events that require courage? How can you teach your family members to have courage or prepare them for future events?


Enjoy your scripture study and learn of the Lord and he will give you understanding and strength.