June 2018 Kanesville Stake Relief Society Message

June 2018

“Ministering” is a term we have heard and said frequently since our most recent general conference.  When I think of ministering, I think about how I can more effectively love and care for those around me – my family, friends, and neighbors.  I strive to be sensitive to the whisperings of the Holy Ghost to guide me in how I might best serve.  My prayers include asking for direction about who I might serve.  I know many of you are doing the same as we adjust to a holier way of caring for each other through our assignments as ministering companionships and through individual opportunities to minister.  Our lives and the lives of those to whom we minister will be greatly blessed as we prayerfully participate in the Lord’s work.

There is another work of ministering that also brings great blessings.  Elder Dale G. Renlund said, “Family history and temple work is not only for the dead but blesses the living as well …. It is breathtakingly amazing that, through family history and temple work, we can help to redeem the dead…. as we participate in family history and temple work today we also lay claim to ‘healing’ blessings promised by prophets and apostles.”  He also said, “When we gather our family histories and go to the temple on behalf of our ancestors, God fulfills promised blessings simultaneously on both sides of the veil”.   In other words, as we minister for the dead through family history and temple work, they “minister” to us.  President Joseph F. Smith said, “When messengers are sent to minister to the inhabitants of this earth, they are not strangers, but from the ranks of our kindred [and] friends.”  Elder Renlund goes on to describe some of the promised blessings resulting from family history and temple work.  They include: Increased influence of the Holy Ghost to feel strength and direction for our own lives; Increased faith, so that conversion to the Savior becomes deep and abiding; Increased family blessings, no matter our current, past or future family situation or how imperfect our family tree may be; and Increased protection from temptation and the intensifying influence of the adversary.  Have you prayed for any of these blessings?  Family history and temple work is one way we can call these blessings down from heaven and enlist the help of angels – our ancestors and other loved ones – to help us with whatever we need!

I recently had an experience that caused me to reflect on our relationship and responsibility to those on the other side of the veil.  We cannot see them but they are near! had the privilege of being with a friend as she passed from this life to the next.  I held her hand and watched as her breathing shallowed and her heart slowed.  I was sad to watch her go – I will miss her! But, I was also happy as I imagined her free from her aged body and greeting loved ones who surely were waiting for her beyond the veil of this mortal life.  I reflected on the blessing of temples and the privilege to make sacred covenants and be sealed as families for eternity.  My friend was not a member of the church and had not received the gift of temple blessings.  Her death doesn’t take away her opportunity but she now must depend on us to perform those ordinances for her – to minister to her – and I believe she will have the opportunity to minister to us.

Sisters, I encourage you to accept President Nelson’s invitation to “prayerfully consider what kind of sacrifice – preferably a sacrifice of time – you can make [to] do more temple and family history work.”   As we do so, I testify we will be blessed in ways we never imagined! We will be sanctified, strengthened, and healed.

Love,
Michelle Holt
President


Resources for Study

•    Malachi 4

•    Dale G. Renlund, “Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing,” Ensign, May 2018, 46.

•    Taniela B. Wakolo, “Saving Ordinances Will Bring Us Marvelous Light.” Ensign, May 2018, 39.

•    Russell M. Nelson and Wendy W. Nelson, “Open the Heavens through Temple and Family History Work,” Ensign, Oct. 2017, 39.

•    FamilySearch.org

•    JustServe.org – There are currently 113 opportunities within 5 miles of Roy and 86 within 5 miles of Ogden

•    The Family: A Proclamation to the World

•    “Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple” – a church publication available at lds.org

May 2018 Kanesville Stake Relief Society Message

May 2018

Dear Sisters,

What do you think about all the changes that have come our way lately?  I have to say I’ve had a little grin on my face and a warm feeling in my heart since we witnessed first hand new revelation announced over the pulpit at General Conference, we truly are seeing a “hastening of the work.”  And we get to be a part of it!

As exciting as it all is, change is never easy and will take time before we can fully see the blessings in store for us.  But our Heavenly Father believes we can do it and that we are ready for these new challenges.  He has given us the Gift of the Holy Ghost to answer our questions, to give us inspiration for those we have stewardship over, and to help us personalize our “programs” to meet the needs of our ward members, our families, and us individually.

I would like to address some of the changes and things we individually can do to gain the blessings intended through these changes:

1st Sunday Council Meeting – We have been taught that “counseling (together) invites revelation, increases unity, and brings power” . . . as we “collectively seek the Lord’s will.”  What can you do to help make our council meetings a success?
1-    Remember that “each council member (you) has a vital role.”  Be prepared to participate and share your thoughts.
2-    Remember that “council members (you) should seek to add light.”  It is so important that we be open minded to all comments and never critical of others.  Joseph Smith taught that “before (we) make an objection . . ., (we) should be sure that (we) can throw light upon the subject rather than spread darkness, and that (our) objection can be founded in righteousness.”
3-    Remember that “council members (you) seek to be unified.”  We are all different and have different perspectives but when come together and are unified we are more able to receive revelation and have much more power.
4-    2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sunday “facilitated spiritual discussions” – We have been taught that we are no longer having lessons but “having opportunities to learn from each other as we discuss” current conference talks and a specific topic from the 1st Presidency.  What can you do to help our Sunday discussions be a learning experience?
1-    Remember that our teacher is there to provide a focus but is not the focal point.  Each member can be prepared to join in the discussion by reading the conference talk ahead of time and making notes of thoughts to bring up during the discussion.
2-    Remember to be a good listener.  When we are truly listening, we are more engaged and also more open to inspiration.
3-    Remember to speak up when a prompting comes to your mind.  Heavenly Father works through us to get His work accomplished.

We are told that “with this new curriculum comes an era of new commitment. . . This step forward in our Sunday meetings isn’t about just having a lesson about the work; rather we ‘sit in council’ to promote righteous action . . . A council is incomplete without plans to act on revelation received.  (We) should be invited to make specific commitments that (we) will act upon. . . and report back on. . .”  Sister Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society General President, says, “The most important work happens between meetings.”

Following this counsel is how we will grow individually, in our families, and in our wards.  We are told, “It is our responsibility and privilege to seek for His guidance and do His work. This step forward in our Sunday meetings . . . will ‘push many people to Zion with songs of everlasting joy . . .”

I am excited to join with you all, my sisters, and grow together!

love,
Sis Dana Call
Stake RS Sec

April 2018 Kanesville Stake Relief Society Message

April, 2018

Dear Sisters,

What a blessing it is to be a member of the Relief Society! As a newly called member of the Stake Relief Society Presidency I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to visit several wards in our stake. During each visit I have felt an outpouring of sisterhood. I’ve been touched and inspired by your love and concern for each other and your sincere desire to serve and care for the sisters and families in your wards and neighborhoods.

As I’ve reflected on my visits with you I’m reminded of the selfless love described in the story of Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth. Naomi’s husband and sons had died. She loved her daughters-in-law very much and knew that as widows their future with her would be extremely difficult. Naomi exhibited great courage and selflessly released the women from the tradition which required that they remain with her. She encouraged them to return to their families enabling them to remarry or be cared for by their kinsman.

Ruth understood the hardships that lay ahead but she loved Naomi and she loved her Heavenly Father, and so she stayed. When a grief-stricken Naomi decided to return to her own country, Ruth demonstrated her faith and love by leaving behind her home to serve and care for Naomi all her days. Although these women came from very different cultural and religious backgrounds, a sisterhood was formed. Despite hardship they were faithful, they supported each other in righteous living and they worked together to overcome the trials of life. Both Ruth and Naomi exhibited charity and compassionate service, even though the circumstances of life were bitter.

Bitter experiences come into the lives of us all. Fortunately, the Lord understands how difficult it is to meet life’s trials on our own. That is why he gave us the gospel—and that’s why he gave us each other!  Loving service as Ruth exhibited is the hallmark of true sisterhood.  Like Ruth, as we follow the example of the Savior continually reaching out in tenderness to those around us we can recognize quiet opportunities to love and serve one another.

As we pray daily for Christ-like compassion and opportunities to serve we will be led to sisters who may be lonely and isolated, to those longing for acceptance and friendship. We will be guided to others who simply feel they don’t belong or who believe that their physical, emotional, or spiritual burdens block them from full sisterhood and the blessings of the gospel. As sisters in Christ we must draw our friends and neighbors nearer to us.  Through humble service and sincere love, we can help all our Heavenly Fathers precious daughters feel welcome and wanted.

I am thankful for Relief Society and the opportunity it provides to demonstrate love in action.  I pray that we will follow the wise counsel of Sister Lucy Mack Smith who taught that “We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together.”  (Lucy Mack Smith, in Relief Society Minute Book Nauvoo Illinois, Mar.24, 1842)

Love,

Jill Merritt

2^nd Counselor

March 2018 Kanesville Stake Relief Society Message

March 2018

How many of you at the end of the day say : “Where did the time go? I didn’t get done what I needed to do. I need more hours in a day!” I think we all wish we had more hours in the day and could accomplish more with what precious time we have. As we review our days, we may need to take note of things that may be stealing our precious time that are inconsequential, time-wasting things that are not bringing us closer as a family and to the Lord. We all need downtime, but we need to make sure that we prioritize well and start removing things from our lives that we truly don’t need.

As we think about our time, we can think of many things that may or may not detract from the spirit, but don’t improve us and/or our family. We not only need to review our lives, but those of our family and those around us as well.

Elder Donald L. Staheli of the Seventy has warned: “Distractions and discouragement are some of Satan’s most effective tools. He finds ways to help us make excuses about why we can’t do this or that. He gets us involved in wasting our time and resources in things that lead us away from improving our lives and developing our talents. He blurs our focus by diverting our attention. This can happen to the very best of you.”

Elder M Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated: “One of the ways Satan lessens your effectiveness and weakens your spiritual strength is by encouraging you to spend large blocks of your time doing things that matter very little.”

Our lives are surrounded and inundated with time-wasting activities. Without a review of our lives, it is so easy to just go along in our busy lives thinking that there is no way to change or fit one more thing into our lives. It is amazing, though, how we can find/make time to do certain things that come up that we really want to participate in, but we can’t fit time into our schedule for things that the Lord wants us to do. Some items we participate in can even become addictions and take over our lives without us even noticing.

Elder M Russell Ballard also reminded us, “We need to limit the amount of time our children watch TV or play video games [including smartphones] or use the Internet each day.” Of course, this counsel to limit the time we dedicate to media applies to parents as well! We can do this by establishing reasonable time constraints for online recreational activities. Then, if the attraction of the activity begins to pull us beyond our own guidelines, we can recognize a potentially dangerous situation and stop participating in the activity. As Elder Ballard counseled, “Virtual reality must not become [our] reality.”

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom of the Seventy has taught, “When we are out of balance, we have a choice. We can delay making changes and experience the tragedy of a failing family or the sorrow of losing our own spirituality; or we can be attentive and continually nudged by the whisperings of the Holy Spirit to make necessary adjustments. Seeking balance among the essential responsibilities of life is preparatory to salvation.”

President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught this idea when he said, “Addiction has the capacity to disconnect the human will and nullify moral agency. It can rob one of the power to decide.”

President James E. Faust taught, “While some addictions require professional clinical help, let us not overlook the spiritual help available to us through priesthood blessings and through prayer. The Lord has promised us, ‘My grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them’ (Ether 12:27). Let us remember that the power to change is very real, and it is a great spiritual gift from God.”

Even though the following questions apply to video games, we need to take them into consideration when checking to see if any hobby or habit has become an addiction.

·       Do you play compulsively?

·       Do you play for long periods of time (often longer than you had planned)?

·       Once online, do you have difficulty stopping?

·       Do you play as often as you can?

·       Do you sneak or violate family rules in order to play, even when facing punishment or loss of privileges for doing so?

·       When you are not playing, do you obsess about the game, plotting and planning your next opportunity to play?

·       Do you sacrifice real-world things for your online world?

·       Is your gaming negatively affecting your relationships with family members or other non-gamer friends? For instance, if you are a parent, does it cause you to neglect your children’s needs? If you are a child, does it cause you to distance yourself from your parents and siblings?

·       Do you consider other online gamers (even those whom you’ve never met in real life) to be among your best friends?

·       Is your school or work suffering because of the time and energy you spend gaming?

·       Are you having a difficult time deciding to serve a mission because of the extended break from the game that will naturally result?

·       Do you neglect personal hygiene?

·       Have your sleep patterns changed since you became involved with online gaming? Are you staying up extremely late or getting up in the middle of the night to play?

(Charles D. Knutson, BYU Computer Science Dept, and Kyle K. Oswald, LDS Family Services)

They further state, “If your loved one plays excessively, to the point of neglecting important aspects of his or her life (such as school, work, family life, church attendance, and church service), intervention may be merited. Seek counsel from priesthood leaders or professional counselors to know how best to approach your loved one. Since every situation is unique, these people can be a valuable resource as you prayerfully seek the Lord’s help.”

The key is to seek the Lord’s help. As with any addiction, it is almost impossible to overcome it alone. Whether the problem is with video games, TV, computer and internet usage, or even pornography, we need help from family, priesthood leaders, and perhaps even professional help to overcome the problem and take back our lives.

The more that electronic devices take over our daily lives, the more Satan wins by sidetracking us from what is really important…the church, our families, and our personal righteousness. Use these tools for righteousness. Use them to read scriptures, study the gospel, do genealogy, gain a higher education, manage your family and your time. Make each fleeting minute of every day useful.

Here are three of the ideas found in “Personal Time Management: One Key to a Leader’s Effectiveness,” by Rex W. Allred:

Focus on results. We often race at high speeds all day only to discover that we have been doing things rather than getting things done. Keeping the end goal in sight will enhance our capability to be effective rather than only quick.
Keep a time log. If your time log reveals that you have not been spending your time effectively, make plans and commitments to change your behavior accordingly.
Set priorities. Figure out the best use of your time. Consider using a personal planner or smart phone to aid your efforts.
The challenge to better utilize our time grows continuously as we take on more of life’s roles and responsibilities. Seeking the skill of effective time management will strengthen your contribution to the Lord’s work and help you accomplish far more in life.

May we bring the Lord into our lives as we seek him in prayer on ways to help us overcome and improve. May we not only help ourselves, but those around us find the Savior and have his spirit help us overcome addictions. May we make the most of our precious moments here upon the earth, I pray. We love you and pray for you!

Love,

Valyn Tucker

1^st Counselor - Kanesville Stake Relief Society Presidency

February 2018 Kanesville Stake Relief Society Message

My Sisters,
I want you to know that the messages we share with you each month are things that the Lord knows you (and we) need. We strive to listen for the whisperings of the Spirit as we decide on topics and prayerfully put words to paper in hopes that you, too, will feel the Spirit and gain some insight that uplifts you and brings you peace and joy. Sometimes the words come easy. Sometimes not! As I studied and prayed about what to share this month, I read again the message I shared with you in December. I asked a question, referring to Jesus Christ, and provided one possible answer, “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.”

Are you coming to know Him? Do you know how loved you are by the Savior of the world? I pray for each of you daily. I hope you know and can feel His love for you!
One of the names for our Savior is “The Good Shepherd”. Why? One reason is that he declared himself so, in John 10:11 when He said, “I am the good shepherd.” We know that Jesus often taught in parables. John 10:1-18 contains one such parable, where Jesus talks of shepherds, sheep, sheepfolds, thieves, robbers, strangers, and voices. What do shepherds, or any of these things, have to do with Jesus Christ and why would he declare himself “the good shepherd”? Though His parables are sometimes hard to understand, I have found that understanding can come when we become familiar with some of the customs and practices of his day. As I have studied, I have learned some things about the Palestinian shepherds of Jesus’ time. Knowing these things has helped me to understand how Christ shepherds me, how he loves me, seeks after me, and saves me.

President Ezra Taft Benson gave the following description of ancient shepherds: “In Jesus’ time, the Palestinian shepherd was noted for his protection of his sheep. Unlike modern sheepherders, the shepherd always walked ahead of his flock. He led them. The shepherd knew each of the sheep and usually had a name for each. The sheep knew his voice and trusted him and would not follow a stranger. Thus, when called, the sheep would come to him. At night shepherds would bring their sheep to a corral called a sheepfold. High walls surrounded the sheepfold, and thorns were placed on top of these walls to prevent wild animals and thieves from climbing over. Sometimes, however, a wild animal driven by hunger would leap over the walls into the midst of the sheep, frightening them. Such a situation separated the true shepherd – one who loved his sheep – from the hireling – one who worked only for pay and duty. The true shepherd was willing to give his life for the sheep. He would go in amongst the sheep and fight for their welfare. The hireling, on the other hand, valued his own personal safety above the sheep and would usually flee from danger.”

I encourage you to read and study the parable found in John 10. Some questions you could ask include:

• Who/what is the door to the sheepfold and through what ordinance(s) do I enter?
• What could the sheepfold represent?
• What is the significance of sheep being led vs driven and how can I liken it to myself?
• Who/what are the strangers I should flee from?
• How is the Savior like a true shepherd?
• How does Christ shepherd me?
• How does Christ seek after me?
• How does Christ save me?
Some other references for information and study:
• Hymn 221 – Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd
• Bible video “The Good Shepherd and Other Sheep I Have” - https://youtu.be/iKwabH-k2fg
• LDS Religion Course Manual “The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles”, chapter 15, section 15-6 (The Symbolism of the Good Shepherd).
• Bible Dictionary – Sheep
• Video of a shepherd calling his sheep - https://youtu.be/Coq_grSFlNs

Like the shepherd loves his sheep and knows their names, so Jesus Christ loves each of us. He knows our names. He calls us. Do we know his voice? Do we hear him and come unto him? I know He lives! I am striving to know his voice and come when he calls. As you do likewise you will be blessed to know him, his voice, and his love for you!

Love,
Sis. Michelle Holt
President

January 2018 Kanesville Stake Relief Society Message

Dear Sisters,

         I am excited about the new changes that will start next Sunday in our Relief Society meetings.  I can see great opportunity for growth with the new pattern we will be following.

         In the article of the Ensign that presents this new curriculum it says, "In these latter days, God has restored the priesthood and organized priesthood quorums and the Relief Society to help accomplish His work (see Moses 1:39). So each Sunday when we gather in Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society meetings, we gather to discuss and plan how we will accomplish His work. That is why these meetings need to be more than classes. They are also opportunities to counsel about the work of salvation, learn together from the teachings of Church leaders about that work, and organize to accomplish it. These changes to our Sunday meetings will help us fulfill these purposes."

         My favorite part is "each Sunday when we gather . . ., we gather to discuss and plan how we will accomplish His work."  Heavenly has a great work for us to be apart of.  I know if we prepare and invite the spirit as we gather and discuss together we will know what we can do to be apart of His work.

         Our leaders have outlined a pattern for our meetings:

         1- Share experiences - By doing this we will become more united in our efforts.  We will better know how to support one another.  We will be following "the Savior's Way" in caring for one another.

         2- Counsel together (1st Sunday) - To be prepared for our Sunday meetings we need to seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost and be prepared to share thoughts and experiences.  It will be a time to counsel together about our responsibilities, opportunities, and challenges as we do His work.

         and Learn together (second, third, and fourth Sundays) - Sister Bingham, General RS Pres, tells us:  "The point I’d like to make is that they are not lessons anymore. They are facilitated spiritual discussions. Again, when we teach in the Savior’s way, we are much more engaged, much more able to learn, because our mind and our heart are invested. . . We come prepared to share, having already read the conference talk."

         3- Plan to act - This is where we need to ask ourselves, "What can we actually do after leaving this meeting as a result of our discussion?" and then follow through with the plan.

         When we were baptized we were given the "Gift of the Holy Ghost" as a constant companion.  I think this new pattern for our meetings will help us learn how to better use this "Gift."  The many changes that have happened in the church in the last few years - many, many more temples; age of missionaries lowered increasing our missionary numbers; "Teaching in the Saviour's Way" methods of learning; younger age for temple officiating, etc. - show us that the "work is hastening."  Heavenly Father needs us to know how to better use this "Gift" He has given us to do His work.

         I am grateful that Heavenly Father feels we are up to this task and ready to be stretched in this manner.  I look forward to being apart of awesome things that can be accomplished by following this pattern together.

love,

Sister Dana Call

Stake RS Secretary

October 2017 Stake Relief Society Message

Dear Sisters,

“Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, I’ll try again tomorrow”.

What beautiful words of encouragement from our dear Prophet. Don’t we all have days like this,

I know I do. In his message Living the Abundant Life he encourages all of us to live a life filled

with an abundance of success, goodness, and blessings and he offers his own ABC’s to help.

Have a Positive Attitude.

A refers to Attitude. William James, a pioneering American psychologist, wrote, “The greatest

revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes

of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.

Charles Swindoll author, educator, and christian pastor said “Attitude to me, is more important

than the past, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other

people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill it will make

or break a company, a church, a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day

regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.”

Believe in Yourself.

B is for believe in yourself, in those around you, and in eternal principles.

Be honest with yourself, with others, and with your Heavenly Father. One who was not honest

with God until it was too late was Cardinal Wolsey who, according to Shakespeare, spent a long

life in service to three sovereigns and enjoyed wealth and power. Finally, he was shorn of his

power and possessions by an impatient king. Cardinal Wolsey cried: Had I but served my God

with half the zeal I served my King, He would not in mine age have left me naked to mine

enemies.

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. Trust and believe and have

faith.

Face Challenges with Courage.

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.

Said the American essayist and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Whatever you do, you need

courage. Whatever course you decide on, there is always someone to tell you that you are

wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe that your critics are right.

To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a

soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them.”

There will be times when you will be frightened and discouraged. You may feel that you are

defeated. The odds of obtaining victory may appear overwhelming. At times you may feel like

David trying to fight Goliath. But remember-David did win!

Courage is required to make an initial thrust toward one’s coveted goal, but even greater

courage is called for when one stumbles and must make a second effort to achieve.  Have the determination to make the effort, the single mindedness to work toward a worthy goal,

and the courage not only to face the challenges that inevitably come but also to make a second

effort, should such be required. “Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day

saying, “I will try again tomorrow.”

Sisters I love this message from President Monson and I am looking forward to hearing more

from him and our other wonderful leaders during General Conference. Sharon Eubank the First

Counselor of the Relief Society General Presidency, speaks of courage by encouraging us to

“use your voice and your power to articulate what you know and feel on social media, in quiet

conversations with your friends, when you’re chatting with your grandchildren. Tell them why

you believe, and what it feels like, if you ever doubted, how you got through it, what Jesus Christ

means to you.”

God knows us. He knows what makes us laugh, what makes us cry, things that excite or make

us anxious, He knows and wants us to share these moments with him. He wants us to find

peace and joy through getting to know Him and His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we all

have the courage to reach out to those who need to hear “I know God lives”.

Patty Mark

2nd Counselor

Kanesville Stake Relief Society

September 2017 Stake Relief Society Message

September 2017

My life lately seems crazy, unfocused, and busy. I have found it hard to prioritize the way I would like. As a result, peace seems to be an unachievable goal at times. This led me to the topic of priorities. Jesus taught about priorities when He said, “Seek not the things of this world, but seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (JST, Matt. 6:38). This brings to mind the thought not only do I believe IN Christ, but do I BELIEVE CHRIST? He says choose him first and he will help with the rest. Why are we not putting more faith in this promise?

As we read and study the scriptures, we are given example after example of times when the Lord blessed the lives of his followers. We are asked to do so little for such large returns, yet we are leaving blessings on the table. A personal example of this recently was when I was asked to edit my husband’s report for one of his classes for his Master’s Degree. He is a very busy man and wanted it turned in by Sunday night, so that it could be graded, returned, fixed and completed by Tuesday. The thought came to my mind, “Do you trust me?” Did I trust that if I didn’t work on it on Sunday that it would still pass and be graded by the necessary time on Tuesday without changes having to be made? Did I have faith that the Lord’s request being followed would lead to sufficient blessings? Such a little thing, and yet… I took the leap of faith and spent time with family instead of editing the report on Sunday. Life was still crazy Monday, but I was able to edit and turn in the report by Monday afternoon. Chad was stressed! It usually took several days for the grading to be completed. As we watched the queue for grading, it went so much faster than normal. It was graded that night and he passed with flying colors. No further edits needed and within the time required. Blessings from the Lord? Yes!

This may seem like such a silly little inconsequential story, but it just reminds me that the Lord knows every need we have in our lives and is just waiting for us to place him first. Our lives are so busy, and usually with good things, but we need to make some changes to “choose the better part”. By doing so, not only can we receive the peace that comes from following the Savior, but we can be empowered to do more by receiving of the blessings that we have been promised, if we will but believe. Who doesn’t want the ability to do more?

Look at your life. Are you studying the scriptures daily, personally and as a family? Do you really take time at least once a week to participate as a family, discuss gospel topics, and focus on your relationships? Are you attending all of your church meetings? Do you truly pray with true intent having faith in Christ? Do you believe that Christ has all power to lift you in your time of need, even though it may seem small and inconsequential?

Isn’t it wonderful that the Lord has a plan for us to return home with Him and our Father in Heaven? Shouldn’t we follow it? As we make decisions in our lives, we need to ask ourselves “What will be the eternal impact of this decision?” We need to take time to read our scriptures, before we spend time with Social Media or TV. We need to add gospel discussion to our family dinners or outings. We need to put more effort into our devotion to Jesus Christ. By so doing, we will be blessed beyond anything we can comprehend. Our lives will take on new meaning. We will receive feelings of peace and comfort. We will be able to do more with the time we have and make more of a difference in the lives of our families and others. We will truly be instruments in God’s hands.

Sisters, we truly love you and can see the wonderful people that you are and the hard work that you do! We are so grateful for the dedication that you do have in your lives. We know that you are trying your hardest. That is why we know that we must all turn our lives over to the Lord, because our “hardest” is not enough. We need the Lord. Put his promises to the test! Place him first. You will be blessed. When you feel like you just can’t do one thing more, get on your knees and pray. He will guide us in our lives. He will help us prioritize in a way that will be best for us. It may not be the way that you would think to do it, but it will be more, mean more, and you will complete more
May the Lord bless you as you refocus your lives and place him first!

Valyn Tucker
1st Counselor
Kanesville Stake Relief Society