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

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

May Stake Relief Society Message

May 2017

 

My dear sweet sisters, I feel compelled to talk to you on Elder Larry R Lawrence’s talk in the April 2017 Ensign titled “The War Goes On.” It addresses the challenges that we face from Satan, especially as “the battle is heating up as the Saints prepare for the return of the Savior.” As I read the article, I was struck by how easy it is to become upset and frustrated at the choices of the people around us and how the thoughts in our heads and the actions that follow can be shifted as we allow Satan to use his wiles on us, but how we can overcome it all. In this battle that is raging on, how can we not only cope, but excel? How can we ensure that the Savior’s path is the one that we are following? How can we protect ourselves and our families from the evils of the world? By focusing on the Savior and knowing how to prevent Satan from accessing our lives.

 

Elder Lawrence discusses some of Satan’s strategies and how we can overcome and/or avoid them. I will quickly go through them, but please read the whole article and discuss with your families how you can implement his suggestions in your lives.

 

1.     Temptation. It is pretty obvious in our lives that Satan’s biggest tool is temptation. We see it all around us. Some things are small and we use justification to make us feel better that they aren’t too bad. Some things are large, but we assume that we will never make choices that include them. Satan whispers unclean and unkind thoughts and sows thoughts of doubt. He has introduced addictions, such that small things become large things.  One of the Most effective tools we have is to “send Satan away.” We have the Savior to stand beside us, don’t allow Satan to dwell in your hearts or in your lives. As President Heber J. Grant as a boy would say out loud, “Mr. Devil, shut up.” You have the right and the power to demand that he depart from you. Your Savior is there for you.

 

2.     Lies and deception. Satan knows how to twist things to be believable. He may whisper things like “You never do anything right” or “No one cares about you.” These are lies. If they do not uplift, they are not from the Lord. Satan also uses counterfeits, not opposites to deceive us. The world is trying to blur the lines between black and white and good and evil. Satan uses things that are similar to what the Lord uses, so that people get confused. They are a “twisted version of something good.” We need to remember that “That which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness” (D&C 50:23).

 

3.     Contention.  Anyone who has ever had family night, gone to church, or to the temple knows that Satan tries to cause contention before this activities that are of God. He is hoping that this contention will cause us to avoid doing these things. Too often, it works. We must try even harder and focus more on doing the Lord’s will, so that we keep the Spirit in our lives. Often, the contention is caused by faultfinding. It is too easy to notice the faults of others and let our thoughts turn continually negative. I used to think that “backbiting and gossiping” were bad solely because we may cause sadness to the other person. It is much more than that! Satan knows that the more we dwell on the negativity, the less we focus on the Spirit. By focusing on the faults of others, we may become prideful in our actions. We may drag others down with us. Unfortunately, it is too easy and even sometimes justified, but such a horrible thing can consume our lives.

 

4.     Discouragement. As women, we are way too familiar with this one. President Ezra Taft Benson suggested tools to fight this:

His suggestions include serving others; working hard and avoiding idleness; practicing good health habits, which include exercising and eating foods in their natural state; seeking a priesthood blessing; listening to inspiring music; counting your blessings; and setting goals. And above all, as the scriptures teach, we are to pray always so we can conquer Satan (see D&C 10:5).¹¹

“Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees.” Praying always is not a suggestion, it is a necessary part of our salvation!

 

Satan doesn’t know our thoughts unless we tell him. Our murmuring, complaining, criticizing and negative words expose our weaknesses to him. He may slip unwanted thoughts into our minds, but we have the power to shift them quickly out. We are not judged by what is thrown at us, but by what we choose to dwell on.

 

The good news is that we outnumber the enemy and we are fighting on the Lord’s side. We just need to “Make sure you are carrying the sword of the Spirit.” Turn to the Lord and “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

 

We love each of you sisters! Please know that we pray for you daily. May we put on the whole armor of God and lift each other, rejoice in Christ, and hold to the rod as we strive to live God’s commandments, so that we may all return to live with him forever.

 

Love,

 

Sister Valyn Tucker

1^st Counselor

February Stake Relief Society Message

February 1, 2017
A few weeks ago, I was talking with my dad on the phone and he began telling me about his experience at a big box store that day.  He began walking to the back of the store. Near the deli area he began running out of energy.  He looked around for a chair to sit down but found nothing.  He was walking past a lady that was giving out samples.  She smiled and asked if he would like to try some mango salsa. Well, by this time my dad was very tired and very frustrated because he needed to sit down.  He quickly said. “No, I don’t need any salsa, I need a chair! I had a stroke a while back and it’s hard for me to get in and out of these stores without sitting down”.  She said “Oh, I understand how you feel sir”.  My dad interrupted her and said. “You can’t possibly know how I feel.  I had to learn to walk again after my stroke and it just about does me in walking through a store this size.”  She looked at him, and smiled and said, “Yes, I know strokes can be hard, in fact I’ve only been back to work a few weeks since my stroke and I have to be on my feet for 4 hours at a time”.  This embarrassed my dad, but it also got him thinking about this poor woman that had to stand on her feet for hours at a time after suffering from a stroke so he set off on a quest to find another person to complain to.  He grabbed his items and walked to the front of the store.  He placed everything on the counter and the clerk began ringing it up.  My dad said to the clerk. “Your store needs to be a little more considerate of us old people.  I had a stroke a while back I had to learn how to walk again.  It took me months just to be able to walk out to get my mail.  You young kids will never understand.” Just then the man walked from behind the counter pulled up his pant leg to show my dad his prosthetic leg. “Sir, I understand” he said.   My dad sheepishly handed the gentlemen his money and ran as fast as he could out to his car.

Each of us is given a choice to be an optimist or a pessimist.  Having a sense of humor facing daily tasks is something many of us have to work on daily.  All of us have or will experienced hardships such as loss of job, marital issues, health problems, the list goes on and on.  During these times we have a choice to find the good things in a bad situation or continue to focus on the bad. 

Gordon B. Hinckley once said.  “Don’t be gloomy. Do not dwell on unkind things.  Stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight.  Even if you are not happy, put a smile on your face.  ‘Accentuate the positive.’  Look a little deeper for the good.  Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, with great and strong purpose in your heart.  Love life.” 

Love life!  We were all meant to be happy in life.  These everyday hardships are what gently lead us to rely on our Savior.  As we remember Him and include more of his attitudes into our lives, we become more like Him.  There is so much to be happy about in this world.  And when we fail to see the world around us for the wonder and joy that it has to offer and we don’t see the hope and light everywhere around us, we aren’t seeing the world as our Heavenly Father see’s it.

 Sisters, having to try to stay positive is something I know a lot about, the story I just shared that Dad was and is the Dad I lived with and love.  He’s a wonderful man and probably will always see the cup as half empty but I love him for it. Being his daughter I have obtained a lot of his traits and characteristics good and not so good.   These are things that I go to my Father in Heaven with in prayer. And when I read the scriptures and read about the Savior and all the wonderful things he did I want to be better and do better, and I find joy.  I know the Savior lives and loves each one of us.  He wants us to be happy.  I know our Savior will help us through all of our hardships if we ask.

Love,                                                                                                                                                                          Patty Mark                                                                                                                                              Kanesville Stake Relief Society 2nd Counselor

                                                         
I wanted to include a few scriptures related to finding joy.  It’s so important that we know that the Savior wants us to be happy and what we have to do to find joy.
A condition of great happiness coming from righteous living.  The purpose of mortal life is for all people to have joy (2 Nephi 2:22-25).  A full joy will come only through Jesus Christ (John 15:11; D&C 93:33-34; 101:36).
The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord: Isa. 29:19; (2 Nephi 27:30;)
I bring you good tidings of great joy: Luke 2:10;
Your joy no man taketh away from you: John 16:22;
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace: Gal. 5:22;
The fruit thereof filled my soul with exceedingly great joy: 1 Nephi 8:12;
Men are that they might have joy: 2 Nephi 2:25;
The joy of the righteous shall be full forever: 2 Nephi 9:18;
They may dwell with God in a state of never ending happiness: Mosiah 2:41;
I will give up all that I possess that I may receive this great joy: Alma 22:15;
Perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance, and this is my joy: Alma 22:15;
What joy, and what marvelous light I beheld: Alma 36:20;
My spirit shall fill you with joy: D&C 11:13;
How great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father: D&C 18:15-16;
In this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full: D&C 101:36;
In this life I shall have joy: Moses 5:10-11;

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

December 2016

December 2016

 

Dear Sisters,

 

Do you ever ask yourself “Am I good enough?” 

 

For some reason, we as women, put grand expectations on ourselves and then get discouraged when we feel we don't measure up, especially this time of year when we have to have the perfect gift, or plan the most fun party, or have the best decorations, etc. We over burden ourselves with the excitement of the holidays and try to do everything. And then, we compare ourselves to others and think “I can never be as good.”

 

Somehow, we need to quit getting down on ourselves and remember who we are, and whose we are. WE ARE THE DAUGHTER OF A KING! We have a Heavenly Father who loves us more than we can comprehend. He has created a perfect plan for us to be able to become like Him. He believes in us. He intends for us to return to Him in eternal glory. And, He has given us the best gift: His Son, our brother and Savior, to ensure that we can make it. This is what we need to remember. This is where our focus needs to be. We have a Savior who has shown us how to live to be truly happy. We need to learn His ways and make them ours. I can't wait for the day when I

can sit at His feet and thank Him.

 

We, the Stake RS Presidency, love you and wish you the happiest of holidays!

 

Love,

 

Sister Dana Call, Secretary

November Stake Relief Society Message

November 2016

Sisters, I was so excited to have the opportunity to write the November message, especially after watching General Conference. After a weekend of inspiring messages, everything just seems a little easier. I sat down and wrote my message and I just wasn’t satisfied, so I tried again and the same thing happened. Two more messages later and I realized I wasn’t able to portray the messages that I felt so strongly about. Because I can’t put the whole weekend of talks into one message, I wanted to focus on President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s O How Great the Plan of Our God conference address. 
 

He talks about how it seems to be human nature that as we become more familiar with something, even something miraculous and awe-inspiring, we lose our sense of awe and treat it as commonplace. He goes on to say:

“Think of how you felt when for the first time you believed and understood that you are truly a child of God; that Jesus Christ willingly suffered for your sins so that you may be clean again; that priesthood power is real and can bind you to your loved ones for time and for all eternity; that there is a living prophet on the earth today. Isn’t that wonderful and amazing?

Considering all of this, how could it ever be possible that we of all people would not be excited about attending our Church worship services? Or get tired of reading the holy scriptures? I suppose this could be possible only if our hearts were past feeling to experience gratitude and awe for the sacred and sublime gifts God has granted us. Life-changing truths are before our eyes and at our fingertips, but sometimes we sleepwalk on the path of discipleship.”

We have answers! I am grateful as well that the gospel of Jesus Christ has answers to the most complex questions in life. The Lord has provided answers that are true, plain, straightforward, and easy to understand. It is so simple, that the answers are often referred to as “Primary answers”, but it can take courage to trust in the guidance of the Spirit and choose the right.

I still remember the time when I was sitting in sacrament meeting after not attending a church meeting for over 17 years. I felt the spirit so strongly that I began to cry. It was a feeling of coming home. I am extending President Uchtdorf’s question to all of us. “What shall we give in return for the flood of light and truth God has poured out upon us?” How blessed we are to have the knowledge of the Plan of Happiness! May we share it with those that have never heard it and those that have forgotten. I feel blessed to be surrounded by such amazing women. You are truly my sisters!

Love, 
Patty Mark 2^nd Counselor 
Kanesville Stake Relief Society Presidency

October Stake Relief Society Message

October 2016

Sisters, as I pondered what to address this month, my mind was all over the place. Things that I needed to get done kept popping up and I had a difficult time trying to focus. As a result, I felt it was important that this month’s message be on “Focusing on the Savior”. Our lives are so filled with so many things, that I think we need to stop and focus on what we truly should be focusing on…the Savior.

How can we and why should we take time out of our extremely busy days and nights to place the Savior first? Aren’t we doing good things? Shouldn’t family be our focus? How can I fit in just one more thing? I know that it is important, but isn’t what I am doing good enough? Is it? Only you and the Lord together can answer that question. Recently, I played the piano and accompanied a wonderful arrangement with Cello, Violin, and two beautiful voices of “if the Savior Stood Beside Me.” As the music flowed and the words came to my mind, I was touched. What would I do differently? How would my focus change if the Savior was beside me? Elder Dallin H. Oaks declared in his April 2001 Conference talk, “Our priorities determine what we seek in life.” Shouldn’t the Savior be first?

How can we daily strive to focus more on eternal things? We need to work, eat, go to school, and even play. All of these things can be wonderful, so how do we prioritize correctly. I find it interesting that when we are asked to talk in church or have to give a lesson, we take the time to study, ponder, and pray to ensure that we are prepared. How is that possible? Priorities! I say these things as much to myself as anyone. I am a Netflix binger, Soccer Mom, who works on a computer for work and play. I love electronics and could easily be lost in its powers for hours. Do I need to remove them from my life? Probably not, but I must use them to my advantage by using the resources available through them to learn more about the Savior and how I can help my family come closer to him.

Each of us has interests, talents, hobbies, and things that drive us. The key is to figure out in your life how you can take something that you love to do and involve the Savior and learning of him in that. You love to read? Seek out spiritually uplifting books. You love to bake? Bake with your children and take some cookies to someone who needs your special touch in their lives. You are really effective at cleaning and organizing? Do as the Savior and seek out those who need your special gift to help them in their time of need. Good on a computer? Take some time to do some Family History searching or indexing. Still need to binge on Netflix? Grab someone who is alone, struggling, in need of a friend, or heartbroken and bring them into your life and share that time together to lift them and help them feel loved.

If we change our focus to think more like the Savior, to feel more like the Savior, and to love more like the Savior. We will become more like the Savior. Find time to read your scriptures. Find time to attend all of your church meetings. Find time to do the best you can in your callings. Find time to pray. Live your life in such a way, that if the Savior visited you today, you would be grateful and ready. He is watching. He is aware of your struggles. Believe in him and believe him. He has promised us that if we place him first in all things, he will “pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” I know this is true. I have seen it and felt it and I am eternally grateful to him.

Love,

Valyn Tucker

Kanesville Stake RS 1st Counselor

September Stake Relief Society Message

September 2016

Sisters,

Isn’t the world a crazy place sometimes? The scriptures tell us that, “…all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people.” How

do we curb our fear and stand firm midst the commotion?

We can turn again to the scriptures for guidance. Helaman 5:12 says, “And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.”

Christ is the foundation and the same Church He established on the earth has been restored for us today. Everything we need to withstand the shafts in the whirlwind and the hail in the mighty storms of life is found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Do you believe it or not? Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson posed this question in her April 2016 conference talk, “Do I Believe”. Do we take the wonderful blessings of membership in the Lord’s church for granted?

Do we agree with Sister Oscarson’s statement, “We believe that this Church is more than just a good place to go on Sundays and learn how to be a good person. It is more than just a lovely Christian social club where we can associate with people of good moral standing. It is not just a great set of ideas that parents can teach their children at home so they will be responsible, nice people. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is infinitely more than all of these things.”

The Church IS more than these things. It is the only true Church on the earth. It is a church where we find apostles and prophets who have been called of God and have the authority to act and speak in God’s name. It is the Church where we find priesthood authority that makes it possible for us to receive ordinances and make covenants that allow us to be sealed as families and return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. It is the church where we find shelter from the storms and commotion that sometimes surround us. Do you believe it or not? I encourage you to ask yourself that question. What is the answer? How does your answer affect you – and your family – in your everyday life?

Sisters, I BELIEVE IT! I KNOW IT! It is my prayer that we can each strengthen our foundations in Christ – because if we have a strong foundation, we need not fear.

Love,

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

January Relief Society Message

Sisters,
I love the gospel! I love Relief Society and am so grateful to have the opportunity to serve you. My desire is for each of you to have joy in the gospel, peace in your homes and safety from the perils of the world. As I’ve reviewed the messages from our last General Conference, I have noticed an underlying theme – the need for spiritual strength. As the world increases in unrighteousness, we must strengthen ourselves spiritually so that we may receive the guidance we need to stand in holy places in spite of what is going on around us. Elder Larry R. Lawrence said, “If spiritual growth is not a priority in our lives, if we are not on a course of steady improvement, we will miss out on the important experiences that God wants to give us.”

How can we grow spiritually and be prepared to receive these important experiences?

1. First, we must decide. We must express to Heavenly Father our desire for spiritual strength. In so doing we have knocked and He, through our Savior, will open the door. 
2. Second, we must trust in the Lord. We must trust that He will grant us spiritual strength as we strive, in righteousness, to receive it. Elder Vern P. Stanfill said, “As evil increases in the world, there is a compensatory spiritual power for the righteous. As the world slides from its spiritual moorings, the Lord prepares the way for those who seek Him, offering them greater assurance, greater confirmation and greater confidence in the spiritual direction they are traveling. The gift of the Holy Ghost becomes a brighter light in the emerging twilight.” 
3. Third, we must heed the promptings we are given. We are strengthened each time we hear and answer a call from the Lord. We become better able to recognize promptings because we have practiced by listening AND heeding. 

It is my testimony that spiritual strength provides protection for us individually and for our families. I know that, if we are prepared, we need not fear. I know that the Savior loves us. I know that we have not been left alone – we have the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide us, the love of the Savior to sustain us, the Atonement to heal us, the Gospel and our covenants to protect and strengthen us and we have each other! I’m so grateful we do!
Love, Sis. Michelle Holt - President