Sept 2014 - Thoughts - Being kind, not only then, but now

The overwhelming message I received from the book Beginning of Better Days was to be kind.  The prophet Joseph Smith spoke to the sisters of the early church often about love, charity, compassion, and kindness.  I was impressed by how applicable his message is to each and every one of us in Relief Society today.  He urges us to strive to be more gentle and patient with not only those sisters within our sphere of influence, but with ourselves as well.  The insights and testimonies provided by Sister Pearce and Sister Dew were truly inspiring and reinforced the principles taught by Joseph Smith.  I loved the book so much; I bought both my mother and my mother-in-law a copy for Mother's Day.  I could think of no better gift than the opportunity to learn about true sisterhood from a prophet of God. 

Dianna F  Prairie Crossing Ward

Jul 2014 - Sisterhood - Putting your trust in God

This is Cindy M.'s story . . .

July 2009 I was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer with lymph node 

involvement. I was devastated to learn that I had cancer. That wasn’t part 

of my life’s plan!

After the mammogram, ultra sound, and biopsy I met with a surgeon to get 

the final pathology report. The appointment lasted two hours because she 

discussed all the findings and all the treatment options with my husband and 

me. It didn’t sound good. I had to have surgery for a port inserted in my 

chest, chemotherapy, breast surgery, radiation, periodic heart tests, etc etc. 

There were decisions to be made such as whether to have surgery first or 

chemo first and what kind of surgery to have. I left the appointment totally 

overwhelmed and in shock. I was in a daze the remainder of that day. 

When I went to bed that night I couldn’t sleep. About 2:00 am I got out 

of bed. I was very anxious and scared. It had finally hit me...I had breast 

cancer! I was experiencing some strange emotions I had never felt before. 

I was so anxious that I just paced back and forth. It finally dawned on me, 

“I need to pray.” I got on my knees and told my Heavenly Father that I 

knew a lot of people had faced harder trials than what lay ahead of me, but 

I was really scared. I told Him I couldn’t do it alone and I needed His help. 

Immediately I felt peace. The dark feelings went away and were replaced 

with God’s overwhelming love and a calm reassurance that all would be 

well. I spent some time talking to Heavenly Father and sharing my fears 

with Him. When I went back to bed I was able to go right to sleep.

I was given many tender mercies during that year of cancer treatment; I 

knew that God was watching over me. I came to know how near He is, how 

much He loves me. I learned to put trust in God and the Lord, and my faith 

in His atoning power grew. With their help, and the support of my husband, 

I was able to get through this challenge. I know that God our Father knows 

us personally and reaches out to help us. I know that I can access the Lord’s 

power to bless and deliver me in any of life’s challenges.

Cindy is a member of the Prairie Crossing ward.

Jul 2014 -Thoughts on The Beginning of Better Days

July: Thoughts, Feelings or Insights from Andrea B, Prairie Crossing

Thoughts on the Book The Beginning of Better Days

What an inspiring book! For me, Sister Dew and Sister Pearce helped define what the Priesthood actually is and how we as sisters can share it. Personally, I have never found myself worried that I have not been ordained to hold the Priesthood. However, I have contemplated how I can better use it in my life with or without my husband who is a Priesthood holder. This divine instruction helped me understand the need for humility, faith and gratitude while on the path in utilizing Heavenly Fathers Priesthood's powers and blessings and to not make light of them. I enjoyed the part where Sister Dew emphasized that women are blessed with the keys of knowledge, intelligence and power to discern falsehoods.  How much better off would we as sisters be if we would not covet or be jealous of one another's intelligence or knowledge and be open-minded to their wisdom.  This book also helped me realize on a larger scale just how important the Lord's Temple is and that I too had better re-think my attendance. I had no idea the temple was based on the Priesthood. Thank you for that revelation. As far as Joseph Smith's sermons, they each had a few concepts that opened my eyes. Joseph talked a lot about women back-biting, gossiping and self-righteousness. As much as I hope to attain the innocence and righteous behaviors in this "make-believe" world. I realize I'm human and that Heavenly Father knows my heart and my intentions, even though sometimes my example says otherwise. One last thought, I loved the story of the sister who was having a bad day and stormed out of a meeting and how her friendly associates came over to her house not only to give her dinner, but to show that they cared. I loved that example of charity. Overall, this book was wonderful and I recommend it to everyone!

 Andrea B