April Relief Society Message

Dear Sisters,
I can't wait for General Conference!  We are the luckiest people in the world, not only do we have the knowledge that we are led by living prophets and apostles but at least twice a year we get to hear their counsel.  We know from the scriptures, "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken; . . . whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same" (D&C 1:38) that this counsel comes from the Lord.  These words are what Heavenly Father wants us to know here and now.

    I hope you will open your hearts and minds and be prepared to hear these inspired words.  Come with questions and thoughts and the spirit will touch and teach you.  Feel the great love that our Father in Heaven has for each one of us as you listen.  Let these messages instruct, inspire, and empower you.

    As we look forward to another great Conference, here are some thoughts from our last one to touch your spirit:
    "God didn't design us to be sad.  He created us to have joy!"
    "Start where you are."
    "Heavenly Father knows our divine potential.  He rejoices every time we take a step forward.  To Him, our direction is ever more important than our speed."
    "Only your resolve to be obedient can change your life."
    "To all mothers in every circumstance, including those who struggle--and all will--I say, "Be peaceful. Believe in God and yourself.  You are doing better than you think you are.  In fact, you are saviors on Mount Zion, your love 'never faileth.'"
    "Righteous choices bring greater confidence in God, and your faith grows."
    "Faith is a choice."
    "Faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time."
    "If we had to do this alone, none of us would make it.  But we are not alone.  In fact, we are never alone."
    "The Sabbath is the Lord's gift to us.  Our devoted weekly observance of the Sabbath is our sign to the Lord that we love Him."
    "When you do your part, the Lord adds His power to your efforts."
    "Prayer is vital."
    "There is no choice, sin, or mistake that you can make that will change His love for you"
    "Ponderize!"
    "Small efforts sustained over time can produce significant results.
    "Repentance is real and it works."
  
    We want you to know that we love you and so does our Heavenly Father.  I know that as we help each other follow the inspired counsel of our leaders, together we can all make it back to live with Him.

love,
Sis Dana Call, Stake RS Secretary

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

February Relief Society Message

Sisters,

February tends to turn our thoughts to Love as we celebrate Valentine’s Day. From cute little Valentine’s Day cards at Elementary School to a heart-shaped box of chocolates between romantic sweethearts, love tends to fill our thoughts and actions. The first couple of dictionary definitions of love are:  “a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person” and “a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.” How do we show this deep affection for one another? The Primary song “Love One Another” refers to the love that the Lord has for us and how we can and should share that love with each other, thus showing that we are His disciples.

As I thought about what I could quickly cover for this month’s thought, I was drawn to President Monson’s April 2014 General Conference address “Love—the Essence of the Gospel”. He explains that “love is the very essence of the gospel and Jesus Christ is our Exemplar. His life was a legacy of love.” He also states that “There are many attributes which are manifestations of love, such as kindness, patience, selflessness, understanding, and forgiveness. In all our associations, these and other such attributes will help make evident the love in our hearts. Usually our love will be shown in our day-to-day interactions one with another. All important will be our ability to recognize someone’s need and then to respond.”

We are given opportunities each day to express our love and gratitude to the people around us. Obviously, our family should be of utmost importance in that display whether it is a smile and a hug or acts of kindness and service. We must make sure that our family takes high priority in our daily schedule. Make each moment count.

Each of us struggle to meet the demands that are thrown upon us, but don’t forget the love that the Lord has for us. Turn to him. Lean on him. Let his love envelope you as nothing else can. Let him display His love for you as His special child, then use that love that you have felt to share with others. Love is something that you can gain more of by giving it away. How you choose to show that love is up to you and your specific talents and abilities that the Lord has blessed you with. ONLY YOU have the combination of talents that you have. YOU make a special difference in someone’s life. Use your talents to share your love with the world by serving others.

May we remember that as we go about our daily lives that everyone around us is a child of God and He loves them dearly and wants them to return and live with Him too. We must find ways to help in any way to lift and love another, so that we can return and live with Him knowing that we have done our best. That our love for all of His children has lifted us and them and brought the Pure Love of Christ into our lives and let us feel an inkling of the Love that our Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son have for us.

Please know that WE love you! We feel of the love that our Heavenly Father and the Stake Presidency have for you as well. May you be blessed in your service to feel that love.

Love,

Valyn Tucker – 1st 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