December 2017 Stake Relief Society Message

Sisters,
As we enter this Christmas season I want to share my testimony of the reality of the Savior. I hope you know He is YOUR Savior. I hope you KNOW Him. I hope you know that his Atonement was for YOU and that you never feel that you are the exception to the reaches of his love and sacrifice. I challenge you to do what you need to do to truly know him. There is a difference between knowing about Jesus Christ and knowing Jesus Christ.

Let me give some examples of what I mean:

Christ was born of Mary, but do you know that He chose to come, because He loves you so much that he couldn’t bear to not have there be a way for you to return to your eternal home? That He loves you so much that he was willing to suffer ALL things for you? Christ prayed in Gethsemane, but have you felt the depth and sincerity of those prayers on your behalf? Have you exercised, through the Savior, the power of His Atonement in your life? Do you believe, do you KNOW that His Atonement applies to you, no matter what? Christ died on a cross, but do you know that He allowed His life to be taken on a cross because he loves you? THE CROSS. The cross that you and I now don’t have to bear – if we will come to know Him and follow Him?

How can we come to know Him? Knowing Him comes through studying His word – learning about Him so we can come to know Him. Knowing Him comes through applying and likening the scriptures to our lives and praying to recognize His hand in our lives – for, once we know Him, we can become like Him. Knowing him comes through serving others and learning charity and long suffering. I encourage you to take time this month to study “The Living Christ”. Study the scriptures included there and pray about how you can liken them to your life. Pray for your testimony of the Savior to be strengthened and pray to know him versus only knowing about Him.
I know He lives! I hope he can be the Master we serve, that our thoughts are riveted on Him and His Gospel. Most of all, I hope you can feel and know his love for you!

Love,
Sis. Michelle Holt
President

March Relief Society Message

Sisters,

As I sit looking out my window pondering what I will write about today the song "I Stand All Amazed" comes to mind. The first verse reads.

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.

I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,

That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.

Oh it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me! Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

Jesus died for us because of the love He has for each one of us. With Easter just a few weeks away I invite you to draw closer to our Savior.

In President Henry B. Eyring states in his April Conference address "He is God, the Creator, and perfect. We are mortals subject to death and sin.

Yet in His love for us and our families, He invites us to be close to Him. Here are His words: "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently

and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (D&C 88:63). At this Easter season we are reminded of why we love Him

and of the promise He makes to His faithful disciples to become His beloved friends." He goes on to say "My promise to you who pray and serve the Lord

cannot be that you will have every blessing you may wish for yourself and your family. But I can promise you that the Savior will draw close to you and bless you

and your family with what is best. You will have the comfort of His love and feel the answer of His drawing closer as you reach out your arms in giving service to others."

Sisters today is a beautiful day! Our Savior loves us and knows us. He is there for us. If we seek Him, we will find Him. If we ask, He will answer. As we exercise faith

in Him, ponder the scriptures, repent, keep the commandments, and serve others, we will enjoy peace and true happiness.

Love,

Patty Mark- 2nd Counselor