SHANNON
Friday, October 7, 2011
Introducing...
Sunday, September 25, 2011
General Relief Society Meeting Highlights
Watch and read excerpts from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf and the general Relief Society presidency from the September 2011 meeting.
Click here to go to go to lds.org
There is a new site you might be interested in checking out. It is dedicated to the new book 'Daughters in My Kingdom' which is about the history and work of relief society.
click here to go to Daughters in My Kingdom
There is a new site you might be interested in checking out. It is dedicated to the new book 'Daughters in My Kingdom' which is about the history and work of relief society.
click here to go to Daughters in My Kingdom
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Daughters in My Kingdom
In the coming week, copies of a new book written by sister Susan W. Tanner (former General YW President), 'Daughters in My Kingdom', will be mailed to all English speaking congregations around the world and over the next few months will be translated into 25 other languages and distributed to more countries. This book is to be used as a resource for personal study and for teaching in the Church and in the home. The book can also be downloaded from the church Newsroom. Click on the link to download, read more and/or watch the short clip below.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
A Daughter of God
Tania taught the RS lesson on Sunday (her first one!) and did a beautiful job.
We had cause to reflect on what it means to be a daughter of God to us individually and what the implications might be because we have this knowledge. Tania also played "What Heaven Sees in You' sometimes known as 'The Three White Dresses'. I couldn't see the screen from where I sat but I have watched more than one on youtube. Whether the video I've included in this post is the one Tania used or not doesn't really matter - the message is the same.
I hope that each one of us can know and understand that we are all daughters of God and with that comes great promise and also great responsibility.
I just want to say a big thank you to Peta, who has been updating the blog for some time now. Unfortunately the blog posts will now be a little more random and dependent on whether or not one of the presidency can find time to do one! We all lead busy lives and sadly the RS Blog isn't one of life's essentials! Don't worry (all 6 followers of the blog) there will be some intermittent activity :)
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Sunday Snippet
Hi Sisters,
This weeks lesson was chapter 30 in our manual "Charity". We had wonderful discussions on the topic and read scriptures 1st Timothy 1:5, 1st Corinthians chapter 13, Moroni 7:42-48, Luke 10: 30 -37 the parable of the good Samaritan Mosiah 4:16-24 Matthew 5:44,46. It is important for us not to judge others and to give freely . We finished with President Monson reminding "us that there are those who need more than material goods: Let us ask ourselves the question 'Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need ?' What a formula for happiness! What a prescription for contentment, for inner peace - to have inspired gratitude in another".
Announcements
Tithing interview appointment sheet
is on the Bishop's door
May 22nd
Ward Conference
This weeks lesson was chapter 30 in our manual "Charity". We had wonderful discussions on the topic and read scriptures 1st Timothy 1:5, 1st Corinthians chapter 13, Moroni 7:42-48, Luke 10: 30 -37 the parable of the good Samaritan Mosiah 4:16-24 Matthew 5:44,46. It is important for us not to judge others and to give freely . We finished with President Monson reminding "us that there are those who need more than material goods: Let us ask ourselves the question 'Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need ?' What a formula for happiness! What a prescription for contentment, for inner peace - to have inspired gratitude in another".
Announcements
Tithing interview appointment sheet
is on the Bishop's door
May 22nd
Ward Conference
Monday, May 2, 2011
Sunday Snippet
This week Blanche gave our lesson and we began by playing a game which would never be enjoyed being played alone. This demonstrated the need for friends in our lives.
We defined friendship is:
Blanche used conference addresses from Kathleen Hughes (First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency) April 2005 General Conference "What Greater Goodness Can We Know: Christlike Friends" and "Friendship: A Gospel Principle" by Marlin Jensen (of the Presidency of the Seventy) April 1999 General Conference.
Both articles quoted Joseph Smith, he said "Friendship is one of the grand fundamental principles of 'Mormonism'."
Elder Jensen said "Perhaps one reason the scriptures make little specific mention of the principle of friendship is because it should be manifest quite naturally as we live the gospel. In fact, if the consummate Christian attribute of charity has a first cousin, it is friendship. To paraphrase the Apostle Paul slightly, friendship "suffereth long and is kind; envieth not, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, never faileth."
We played another game where we had to find sisters with certain attributes, this was designed to help us learn more about each other and to start conversations. It was very effective. (Are you aware we have someone in our ward who Prince Charles has spoken to!)
Blanche drew a bucket and a dipper on the board and explained how we all carry our bucket of good things and feelings and this may be filled to overflowing and that is good, but that we also carry a dipper which we may use to dip into and detract from other peoples buckets by being critical and pointing out mistakes etc.
Blanche finished the lesson by giving out vitamins (lollies) with the label
"The BEST medicine for gaining friends is Vitamin B-1 ".
May Announcements
Saturday 7th
Stake Relief Society Conference
9.30am til 4pm
Dress Standards apply
Baptism 5pm
Wednesday 18th
YW Broadcast
for YW and their mothers
Sunday 22nd
Ward Conference
Tithing Settlement Appointments
We defined friendship is:
- being able to be yourself and talking to another without hesitation
- loving me when I am unlovable
- someone to feel at ease with
- someone who will listen
- love and understanding
- someone who looks out for you, looks for you and loves you
- you can ask a favour of
- accepts you as you are
- enjoy each others company
- have things in common
- willing to be there any time of the day
- someone you trust
Blanche used conference addresses from Kathleen Hughes (First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency) April 2005 General Conference "What Greater Goodness Can We Know: Christlike Friends" and "Friendship: A Gospel Principle" by Marlin Jensen (of the Presidency of the Seventy) April 1999 General Conference.
Both articles quoted Joseph Smith, he said "Friendship is one of the grand fundamental principles of 'Mormonism'."
Elder Jensen said "Perhaps one reason the scriptures make little specific mention of the principle of friendship is because it should be manifest quite naturally as we live the gospel. In fact, if the consummate Christian attribute of charity has a first cousin, it is friendship. To paraphrase the Apostle Paul slightly, friendship "suffereth long and is kind; envieth not, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, never faileth."
We played another game where we had to find sisters with certain attributes, this was designed to help us learn more about each other and to start conversations. It was very effective. (Are you aware we have someone in our ward who Prince Charles has spoken to!)
Blanche drew a bucket and a dipper on the board and explained how we all carry our bucket of good things and feelings and this may be filled to overflowing and that is good, but that we also carry a dipper which we may use to dip into and detract from other peoples buckets by being critical and pointing out mistakes etc.
Blanche finished the lesson by giving out vitamins (lollies) with the label
"The BEST medicine for gaining friends is Vitamin B-1 ".
May Announcements
Saturday 7th
Stake Relief Society Conference
9.30am til 4pm
Dress Standards apply
Baptism 5pm
Wednesday 18th
YW Broadcast
for YW and their mothers
Sunday 22nd
Ward Conference
Tithing Settlement Appointments
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Sunday Snippet
Tina gave our lesson today based on talks from Elders Jeffery R Holland and Richard G Scott from the Nov 2010 Ensign.
Tina began by selecting a panel of 6 sisters and the class answering Who are they? Where did they come from? and Why are they here? there were varying answers to the first two questions but the answer to "why are they here?" was "because of their testimonies".
Each of us have had a different journey which has strengthened our faith and our character.
Through our faith in our Saviours death, suffering and resurrection we can return to live with Him and our families.
" The exercise of faith is vital to Father in Heaven's plan of happiness. But true faith is centred on the Lord Jesus Christ. ... Faith in the Saviour is a principle of action and power."
Tina displayed some posters with the definition of Faith and Character.
Faith:
Nephi 3:7 was read and we discussed how Nephi knew that if the Lord wanted something done He would make it possible.
We discussed- How does our faith give us power to do the hard things?
How does the gospel help us in hard times, or times of natural disasters? Answers were we can have hope, we must have charity, knowing of the Plan of Salvation and having a strong testimony can help us through times of trials. Faith gives us hope. The Gospel of Jesus Christ gives us hope and joy.
With a strong testimony we can endure trials, we can lose all our material things and still have our treasures stored in heaven.
The Saviour knows exactly how we feel, Jesus knows our pain, He suffered in Gethsemane for us. Our gospel experiences make us who we are today.
When we follow promptings we are being the answer to someones prayers.
Hope and peace come through knowledge of the Plan of Salvation. Our testimony of Jesus Christ will help us with whatever comes our way.
We are who we are because of our choices.
"Strong moral character results from consistent correct choices in the trials and testing of life. Such choices are made with trust in things that are believed and when acted upon are confirmed."
Elder Scott " to summarise
April Announcements
Tuesday 26th 7pm
R.S activity night
Making Mexican food at Sue Smiths
Saturday 30th 7pm
Ward Cultural Night
Saturday 7th May
Stake R.S Womens Conference
10 am to 4pm
all sisters 16 years+
For those of you who are interested in attending Time Out for Women on July 23rd in Sydney watch this short video presentation on the post of Friday April 1st and follow the link. Everything you need to know about registration, event timetable, directions and so forth is all there. If you would like to attend but are worried about going alone there are several sisters attending from our stake and ward. For more information talk to a member of the RS presidency.
Tina began by selecting a panel of 6 sisters and the class answering Who are they? Where did they come from? and Why are they here? there were varying answers to the first two questions but the answer to "why are they here?" was "because of their testimonies".
Each of us have had a different journey which has strengthened our faith and our character.
Through our faith in our Saviours death, suffering and resurrection we can return to live with Him and our families.
" The exercise of faith is vital to Father in Heaven's plan of happiness. But true faith is centred on the Lord Jesus Christ. ... Faith in the Saviour is a principle of action and power."
Tina displayed some posters with the definition of Faith and Character.
Faith:
- complete trust in something or someone
- Strong belief in God or doctrines of a religion based on spiritual apprehension than proof
- The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual
Nephi 3:7 was read and we discussed how Nephi knew that if the Lord wanted something done He would make it possible.
We discussed- How does our faith give us power to do the hard things?
How does the gospel help us in hard times, or times of natural disasters? Answers were we can have hope, we must have charity, knowing of the Plan of Salvation and having a strong testimony can help us through times of trials. Faith gives us hope. The Gospel of Jesus Christ gives us hope and joy.
With a strong testimony we can endure trials, we can lose all our material things and still have our treasures stored in heaven.
The Saviour knows exactly how we feel, Jesus knows our pain, He suffered in Gethsemane for us. Our gospel experiences make us who we are today.
When we follow promptings we are being the answer to someones prayers.
Hope and peace come through knowledge of the Plan of Salvation. Our testimony of Jesus Christ will help us with whatever comes our way.
We are who we are because of our choices.
"Strong moral character results from consistent correct choices in the trials and testing of life. Such choices are made with trust in things that are believed and when acted upon are confirmed."
Elder Scott " to summarise
- God uses your faith to mold your character.
- Character is the manifestation of what you are becoming.
- Strong character results form consistent correct choices.
- The bedrock of character is integrity.
- The more your character is fortified, the more enabled you are to exercise the power of faith."
April Announcements
Tuesday 26th 7pmR.S activity night
Making Mexican food at Sue Smiths
Saturday 30th 7pm
Ward Cultural Night
Saturday 7th May
Stake R.S Womens Conference
10 am to 4pm
all sisters 16 years+
TOFW: What a 'Time Out for Women' weekend is all about!
For those of you who are interested in attending Time Out for Women on July 23rd in Sydney watch this short video presentation on the post of Friday April 1st and follow the link. Everything you need to know about registration, event timetable, directions and so forth is all there. If you would like to attend but are worried about going alone there are several sisters attending from our stake and ward. For more information talk to a member of the RS presidency.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Sunday Snippet
Today Emi taught our lesson on "The Lord's Law of Health" Chapter 29 from the Gospel Principles manual.
Emi drew a temple on the board and added a face on top and feet at the base to show that our bodies are temples. We read from 1st Corinthians 3:16,17. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."
Emi showed pictures of things that we have been cautioned to avoid such as alcohol, drugs, tobacco, coffee and tea and Sister Sheryl Summerfield told us about the amounts of caffeine that are in the energy drinks available to children in stores nowadays, they have about 500mg of caffeine in 300ml, that is over 10 times the amount of caffeine found in a cup of regular coffee (45mg).
Emi showed us images of the things we should eat and the things we should do to ensure our health. We should eat good food of the seasons and eat meat sparingly. We should work, exercise and early to bed and early to rise.
Sister Sheryl talked to us about the Addiction Recovery Program. Doctrine and Covenants 89:4 was read "Behold verily, thus saith the Lord unto you. In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation"
Sheryl said how addiction recovery is a matter of a change of mind and whether the mind was governed by the body which is carnal, sensual and devilish or governed by the spirit which is spiritual.
"When we keep the Lords law of health and obey His commandments, the Lord promises to bless us physically and spiritually." Physically we have been promised good health. As a result of this good health we"shall run and not be weary and walk and not faint". Spiritually we have been promised that we "shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge even hidden treasures".
We can be taught important truths by the Holy Ghost through revelation when we keep the word of wisdom found in Doctrine and Covenants section 89.
Thank you Emi for such an informative lesson.
April Announcements
Expression of Easter7pm
Tuesday 26th 7pm
R.S activity night
Making Mexican food at Sue Smiths
Saturday 30th 7pm
Ward Cultural Night
Saturday 7th May
Stake R.S Womens Conference
10 am to 4pm
all sisters 16 years+
TOFW: What a 'Time Out for Women' weekend is all about!
For those of you who are interested in attending Time Out for Women on July 23rd in Sydney watch this short video presentation on the post of Friday April 1st and follow the link. Everything you need to know about registration, event timetable, directions and so forth is all there. If you would like to attend but are worried about going alone there are several sisters attending from our stake and ward. For more information talk to a member of the RS presidency.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Sunday Snippet
Wasn't conference wonderful. If you missed it or want to see it again you can find it at Lds.org.
Announcements
Service at Sister Elaine Watson Thursday pm at her current address and Friday at her new address.
Sun 17th Expression of Easter 7pm Chapel
Tues 26th Relief Society Activity 7pm at Chapel
Sat 30th Cultural Night at Chapel
Announcements
Service at Sister Elaine Watson Thursday pm at her current address and Friday at her new address.
Sun 17th Expression of Easter 7pm Chapel
Tues 26th Relief Society Activity 7pm at Chapel
Sat 30th Cultural Night at Chapel
Monday, April 4, 2011
Sunday Snippet
This week Peta (moi) taught the lesson. The topic was testimony and the resources used were 2nd Peter chapter 1 and a talk by Margaret Hoopes from a 1978 Ensign article "Community and Communing, The Power of Testimony Meeting."
We began by defining a testimony as something we believe or know, it is personal.
Bec Leota read from 2nd Peter 1:1-11
Vanessa, Camilla, Collette, Fran and Debbie read exerpts from the article and Fran, Debbie and Patricia read 2nd Peter 1:12-21.
We then spent some time writing our testimonies.
I read from an 1962 address of President Kimballs on how the council of the twelve have testimony meetings every three months and another testimony meeting the Thursday before conference.
President Kimball "We are fasting. Two of us administer the sacrament and we pass it to each other. And then the testimonies begin. We spend three of four hours, just the twelve of us, bearing testimony to each other. I mention this so you may know that testimony bearing is basic and is an important part of the Church program. If the Twelve Apostles need to bear testimony to each other to express themselves and speak their gratitude to the Lord, Then we need to too, ...to sustain and lift and inspire one another."
President Kimball goes on " I mention this so you do not think that testimony bearing is some little thing that is incidental. This is the church program. It is powerful and mighty ... It is the lifeblood of the organisation and of the Church."
Tina shared that after YW camps when the young women are asked what was the highlight of the camp they usually say the testimony meeting.
"Sharing our testimonies give the Holy ghost a chance to testify to others that the information being conveyed is true. When we bear our testimony we receive new strength and spiritual power."
"We need the time that testimony meeting gives us because strong spiritual feelings take time to develop. President Kimball has said,"Testimonies are feelings, not merely an accumulation of facts.' (The Berlin Spirit, Berlin Mission Jan. 1962) Talking about our feelings lets us pay attention to them long enough to relise how important they are to us. Bearing testimony repeatedly helps that which we know and feel to surface and become a consistent part of us."
When we share our testimony our sins are forgiven and we strengthen ourselves and each other,
we also get to know each other better.
April Announcements
Video Conference
Saturday 9th 1pm, 4pm
Sunday 10th 11am, 2pm.
Thursday 14th pm
Service at Sister Watson's home
Friday 15th
Service at sister Watson's new home
Sunday 17th 7pm
Expression of Easter
Saturday 23rd -- Monday 25th
YSA camp
Tuesday 26th 7pm
Relief Society Activity
Saturday 30th 7pm
International Cultural Night
We began by defining a testimony as something we believe or know, it is personal.
Bec Leota read from 2nd Peter 1:1-11
Vanessa, Camilla, Collette, Fran and Debbie read exerpts from the article and Fran, Debbie and Patricia read 2nd Peter 1:12-21.
We then spent some time writing our testimonies.
I read from an 1962 address of President Kimballs on how the council of the twelve have testimony meetings every three months and another testimony meeting the Thursday before conference.
President Kimball "We are fasting. Two of us administer the sacrament and we pass it to each other. And then the testimonies begin. We spend three of four hours, just the twelve of us, bearing testimony to each other. I mention this so you may know that testimony bearing is basic and is an important part of the Church program. If the Twelve Apostles need to bear testimony to each other to express themselves and speak their gratitude to the Lord, Then we need to too, ...to sustain and lift and inspire one another."
President Kimball goes on " I mention this so you do not think that testimony bearing is some little thing that is incidental. This is the church program. It is powerful and mighty ... It is the lifeblood of the organisation and of the Church."
Tina shared that after YW camps when the young women are asked what was the highlight of the camp they usually say the testimony meeting.
"Sharing our testimonies give the Holy ghost a chance to testify to others that the information being conveyed is true. When we bear our testimony we receive new strength and spiritual power."
"We need the time that testimony meeting gives us because strong spiritual feelings take time to develop. President Kimball has said,"Testimonies are feelings, not merely an accumulation of facts.' (The Berlin Spirit, Berlin Mission Jan. 1962) Talking about our feelings lets us pay attention to them long enough to relise how important they are to us. Bearing testimony repeatedly helps that which we know and feel to surface and become a consistent part of us."
When we share our testimony our sins are forgiven and we strengthen ourselves and each other,
we also get to know each other better.
April Announcements
Video Conference
Saturday 9th 1pm, 4pm
Sunday 10th 11am, 2pm.
Thursday 14th pm
Service at Sister Watson's home
Friday 15th
Service at sister Watson's new home
Sunday 17th 7pm
Expression of Easter
Saturday 23rd -- Monday 25th
YSA camp
Tuesday 26th 7pm
Relief Society Activity
Saturday 30th 7pm
International Cultural Night
Friday, April 1, 2011
TOFW: What a 'Time Out for Women' weekend is all about!
For those of you who are interested in attending Time Out for Women on July 23rd in Sydney watch this short video presentation and follow the link below. Everything you need to know about registration, event timetable, directions and so forth is all there. If you would like to attend but are worried about going alone there are several sisters attending from our stake and ward. For more information talk to a member of the RS presidency.
Time Out For Women Info
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday Snippet
Sister Andrea Groombridge taught us from President Thomas S. Monson's Oct 2010 conference address "The Divine Gift of Gratitude".
We began by listening to Lilian read from Luke 17 about the ten lepers that Jesus healed and how only one gave thanks.
President Monson asks "Do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive?"
Marj read "Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognise our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God's love."
Grace then read "President Gordon B. Hinkley said, When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives."
Gratitude is a wonderful virtue. and our focus needs to be on what we have and not on what we lack. The Greek philosopher Epictetus, "He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."
The Lord declared through a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith: "Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things. ... Emi read "And in nothing doth man offend God or against none is His wrath kindled, save those who confess not His hand in all things."
We offend God when we don't thank Him. In the Book of Mormon we are told "to live in thanksgiving daily for the many mercies and blessings which God doth bestow upon you"
We need to develope an 'attitude of gratitude' and refuse to remain in negative thoughts. Being positive helps us recognise the blessings we all have.
Hannah read "If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues."
Jana read a quote from President Joseph F Smith, " the grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life. Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place. How much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul, and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life, a thankful attitude toward God and man."
Being prayerful is the key to possessing gratitude.
Andrea asked if material possessions can make us happy? And we discussed some things that we are grateful for; health and strength, family, the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Earth, our abilities, friends, things that are lasting and good. President Monson said that unfortunately these are some of the things we allow ourselves to take for granted.
Debbie read a quote from Aldous Huxley, "Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted."
When we are grateful to someone we should express our gratitude, let them know. Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. Tell those we love "I love you" often, as we never know when it may be too late.
President Monson, "to express gratitude is gracious and honourable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven. ... we may ever reflect our gratitude for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. His glorious gospel provides answers to life's greatest questions: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where do our spirits go when we die? That gospel brings to those who live in darkness the light of divine truth."
"He taught us how to pray. He taught us how to live. He taught us how to die. His life is a legacy of love. The sick He healed; the downtrodden He lifted; the sinner He saved. "
He was a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. He is the author of our salvation. We owe Him our gratitude.
Thank you Andrea for such an inspiring lesson.
We had a bit of time left over and we discussed things that we are grateful for:
Our amazing health compared to others of our age.
Our Gratitude books that President Prebble asked us to keep.
For the everyday little things.
Grateful for everything; we have to find the positive in the negative.
Things that aren't easy make us better people, it softens our hearts and makes us more empathetic; we become a nicer person.
Accept it and make of it what you can.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wed 30th March
Combined YM/YW please bring a plate
Sun April 3rd
Single Adult fast breaker and fireside
5pm at the chapel
Wed April 6th
Primary Activity night
9th and 10th April
Video Conference
(meeting times next week)
11th Hall floor is being resealed
We began by listening to Lilian read from Luke 17 about the ten lepers that Jesus healed and how only one gave thanks.
President Monson asks "Do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive?"
Marj read "Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognise our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God's love."
Grace then read "President Gordon B. Hinkley said, When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives."
Gratitude is a wonderful virtue. and our focus needs to be on what we have and not on what we lack. The Greek philosopher Epictetus, "He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."
The Lord declared through a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith: "Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things. ... Emi read "And in nothing doth man offend God or against none is His wrath kindled, save those who confess not His hand in all things."
We offend God when we don't thank Him. In the Book of Mormon we are told "to live in thanksgiving daily for the many mercies and blessings which God doth bestow upon you"
We need to develope an 'attitude of gratitude' and refuse to remain in negative thoughts. Being positive helps us recognise the blessings we all have.
Hannah read "If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues."
Jana read a quote from President Joseph F Smith, " the grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life. Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place. How much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul, and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life, a thankful attitude toward God and man."
Being prayerful is the key to possessing gratitude.
Andrea asked if material possessions can make us happy? And we discussed some things that we are grateful for; health and strength, family, the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Earth, our abilities, friends, things that are lasting and good. President Monson said that unfortunately these are some of the things we allow ourselves to take for granted.
Debbie read a quote from Aldous Huxley, "Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted."
When we are grateful to someone we should express our gratitude, let them know. Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. Tell those we love "I love you" often, as we never know when it may be too late.
President Monson, "to express gratitude is gracious and honourable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven. ... we may ever reflect our gratitude for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. His glorious gospel provides answers to life's greatest questions: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where do our spirits go when we die? That gospel brings to those who live in darkness the light of divine truth."
"He taught us how to pray. He taught us how to live. He taught us how to die. His life is a legacy of love. The sick He healed; the downtrodden He lifted; the sinner He saved. "
He was a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. He is the author of our salvation. We owe Him our gratitude.
Thank you Andrea for such an inspiring lesson.
We had a bit of time left over and we discussed things that we are grateful for:
Our amazing health compared to others of our age.
Our Gratitude books that President Prebble asked us to keep.
For the everyday little things.
Grateful for everything; we have to find the positive in the negative.
Things that aren't easy make us better people, it softens our hearts and makes us more empathetic; we become a nicer person.
Accept it and make of it what you can.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wed 30th March
Combined YM/YW please bring a plate
Sun April 3rd
Single Adult fast breaker and fireside
5pm at the chapel
Wed April 6th
Primary Activity night
9th and 10th April
Video Conference
(meeting times next week)
11th Hall floor is being resealed
Monday, March 21, 2011
Hello Sisters, We had an awesome lesson this week delivered by Vanessa Watson on chapter 28 in our manuals, Service. We began by singing all three verses of "Give Said the Little Stream" and then on the board we 'mindmapped' the word service. Words that were written up; fun - joy, love - sharing - caring, helpfulness, thoughtfulness, giving - notes - chocolate - biscuits, families -Mums, new babies, time, work, guilt, Christ - example -scriptures, rewards - spiritual - physical - blessings, gratitude, gives perspective, helping.
Hannah read an excerpt from President Monson's October 2009 Conference address about Jack McConnell, MD, the son of a Methodist minister. His father would ask each child every evening in turn "And what did you do for someone today?" Dr McConnell grew up and was involved in developing the tuberculosis tine test, polio vaccine, development of Tylenol (paracetamol), MRI procedure and created Volunteers in Medicine, which gives retired medical personnel opportunities to volunteer at free clinics, there are now over 70 clinics in America.
Vanessa then played a Mormon Message ( https://lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/because-of-your-faith?lang=eng&cid=email-shared ) President Jeffery Holland in the October 2010.
Hannah read an excerpt from President Monson's October 2009 Conference address about Jack McConnell, MD, the son of a Methodist minister. His father would ask each child every evening in turn "And what did you do for someone today?" Dr McConnell grew up and was involved in developing the tuberculosis tine test, polio vaccine, development of Tylenol (paracetamol), MRI procedure and created Volunteers in Medicine, which gives retired medical personnel opportunities to volunteer at free clinics, there are now over 70 clinics in America.
Vanessa then played a Mormon Message ( https://lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/because-of-your-faith?lang=eng&cid=email-shared ) President Jeffery Holland in the October 2010.
"I am grateful for Young Women leaders who go to girls camp and, without shampoo, showers, or mascara, turn smoky, campfire testimony meetings into some of the most riveting spiritual experiences those girls—or those leaders—will experience in their lifetime. I am grateful for all the women of the Church who in my life have been as strong as Mount Sinai and as compassionate as the Mount of Beatitudes. We smile sometimes about our sisters’ stories—you know, green Jell-O, quilts, and funeral potatoes. But my family has been the grateful recipient of each of those items at one time or another—and in one case, the quilt and the funeral potatoes on the same day. It was just a small quilt—tiny, really—to make my deceased baby brother’s journey back to his heavenly home as warm and comfortable as our Relief Society sisters wanted him to be. The food provided for our family after the service, voluntarily given without a single word from us, was gratefully received. Smile, if you will, about our traditions, but somehow the too-often unheralded women in this church are always there when hands hang down and knees are feeble. 1 They seem to grasp instinctively the divinity in Christ’s declaration: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these … , ye have done it unto me.” 2
And no less the brethren of the priesthood. I think, for example, of the leaders of our young men who, depending on the climate and continent, either take bone-rattling 50-mile (80 km) hikes or dig—and actually try to sleep in—ice caves for what have to be the longest nights of human experience. I am grateful for memories of my own high priests group, which a few years ago took turns for weeks sleeping on a small recliner in the bedroom of a dying quorum member so that his aged and equally fragile wife could get some sleep through those final weeks of her sweetheart’s life. I am grateful for the Church’s army of teachers, officers, advisers, and clerks, to say nothing of people who are forever setting up tables and taking down chairs. I am grateful for ordained patriarchs, musicians, family historians, and osteoporotic couples who trundle off to the temple at 5:00 in the morning with little suitcases now almost bigger than they are. I am grateful for selfless parents who—perhaps for a lifetime—care for a challenged child, sometimes with more than one challenge and sometimes with more than one child. I am grateful for children who close ranks later in life to give back to ill or aging parents.
And to the near-perfect elderly sister who almost apologetically whispered recently, “I have never been a leader of anything in the Church. I guess I’ve only been a helper,” I say, “Dear sister, God bless you and all the ‘helpers’ in the kingdom.” Some of us who are leaders hope someday to have the standing before God that you have already attained."
Blanche read from the manual "There are many ways to serve. We can help others economically, socially, physically and spiritually. for example, we can share food or other articles with those who need them. We can be a friend to a newcomer. We can plant a garden for an elderly person or care for someone who is sick. we can teach the gospel to someone who needs the truth or comfort someone who grieves.
We can do small or large acts of service. We should never fail to help someone because we are unable to do great things. A widow told of two children who came to her door shortly after she had moved to a new town. The children brought a lunch basket and a note that read, 'If you want anyone to do errands, call us.' The widow was gladdened by the small kindness and never forgot it."
Service can be small like a note or chocolate in the mail (Chelsea), a foot rub (Greta), or some gardening (Lilian)
When we are prompted by the spirit we need to act quickly (Tina)
Guilt is when we feel we haven't done enough, Andy shared a conversation she had with Lindy Prebble some years ago about how they lamented they didn't have time to serve; they had ten children between them were serving always, they just didn't realise it.
Sister Beck, General Relief Society President, says with regards to service and families that if it is some thing that only you can do then that is your first priority.
Joy is the feeling we get from giving service, not just the joy of being served.
President Monson has said. "We are the Lords hands here upon the Earth. ...Do we find ourselves immersed in 'the thick of thin things?' ...We find ourselves when we do service to others."
I would like to thank Ness for the great lesson and for giving me the opportunity to develope my computer skills.
Announcements
Tuesday Night
Relief Society Anniversary
Bishop Smiths home
7-8.30 pm
-------------------
I am sorry that the blog was not updated for a couple of weeks as I was away. I would appreciate it very much if you would let me know if you have read this post. Peta
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sunday Snippet
Lisa Travers gave the lesson today from our Gospel Principles manual, chapter 27 "Work and Personal Responsibility".
We began the lesson by guessing what these words had in common: hours, endless, eternal, tiresome, earthly, money, rewarding, responsibility commandments and the key word was work. In John 5:17 Jesus says "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work." and in John 9: 4 Jesus says "I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work."
Work is a commandment. The Lord said to Adam "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread," (Genesis 3:19).
Heber J Grant said "Work is to be enthroned as the ruling principle of the lives of our church membership."
Lisa read excerpts from President Uchtdorfs' article "Two Principles for Any Economy" in the November 2009 Ensign
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The First Presidency has issued a special invite to everyone 18-30 yrs old to attend Institute classes.
Relief Society Family BBQ
Tuesday 22nd 6pm
Waterworks Reserve
Hut 9
Youth and Family Activity
Saturday 26th 10-12.30
Conningham Beach
We began the lesson by guessing what these words had in common: hours, endless, eternal, tiresome, earthly, money, rewarding, responsibility commandments and the key word was work. In John 5:17 Jesus says "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work." and in John 9: 4 Jesus says "I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work."
Work is a commandment. The Lord said to Adam "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread," (Genesis 3:19).
Heber J Grant said "Work is to be enthroned as the ruling principle of the lives of our church membership."
Lisa read excerpts from President Uchtdorfs' article "Two Principles for Any Economy" in the November 2009 Ensign
"How I admire men, women, and children who know how to work! How the Lord loves the laborer! He said, “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread,” 1 and “The laborer is worthy of his hire.” 2 He also gave a promise: “Thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you.” 3 Those who are unafraid to roll up their sleeves and lose themselves in the pursuit of worthwhile goals are a blessing to their families, communities, nations, and to the Church.
The Lord doesn’t expect us to work harder than we are able. He doesn’t (nor should we) compare our efforts to those of others. Our Heavenly Father asks only that we do the best we can—that we work according to our full capacity, however great or small that may be
Work is an antidote for anxiety, an ointment for sorrow, and a doorway to possibility. Whatever our circumstances in life, my dear brethren, let us do the best we can and cultivate a reputation for excellence in all that we do. Let us set our minds and bodies to the glorious opportunity for work that each new day presents.
When our wagon gets stuck in the mud, God is much more likely to assist the man who gets out to push than the man who merely raises his voice in prayer—no matter how eloquent the oration. President Thomas S. Monson put it this way: 'It is not enough to want to make the effort and to say we’ll make the effort. … It’s in the doing, not just the thinking, that we accomplish our goals. If we constantly put our goals off, we will never see them fulfilled.' "
Our attitude to work is very important it helps us to be happy in our lives. We can pray for help with work so that we can perform better and be motivated to succeed.
"One way to enjoy life's fullest benefits is to learn to love work. ... We should each find the proper balance between work, recreation and rest. Not only is it pleasant and necessary to rest, but we are commanded to rest on the Sabbath Day."
We then read and discussed the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. Among other things the talents can be compared to faith and testimony, if we don't use it we will lose it.
God condemns idleness. In Doctrine and Covenants 75:29 He says, "The idler shall not have place in the church, except he repent and mend his ways."
"President David O. McKay said, 'Let us realise that the privilege to work is a gift, that the power to work is a blessing, that the love of work is success'.(Pathways to Happiness [1957], 381).
Honest work allows us to provide for our families, to help others, and to attain our goals.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The First Presidency has issued a special invite to everyone 18-30 yrs old to attend Institute classes.
Relief Society Family BBQ
Tuesday 22nd 6pm
Waterworks Reserve
Hut 9
Youth and Family Activity
Saturday 26th 10-12.30
Conningham Beach
Monday, February 7, 2011
Sunday Snippet
Our Relief Society second counselor, Sue, taught the lesson this week and the topic was prayer and what a blessing it is in our lives.
As church members prayer is a big part of our lives. On Sunday, by the time we come to Relief Society we have already participated in at least 6 prayers. Prayer builds our relationship with Heavenly Father.
Sisters Lilian, Cindy and Blanche shared their earliest experiences of prayer and in the process learnt reverence and that not all prayers are answered how we would like them to be.
Sue then went through the How What Why of prayer.
How
Webster's dictionary defines prayer to make a request in a humble manner; to petition God.
We pray to Heavenly Father through the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
What
We pray all the time Alma 34:18-27. Praying all the time improves our minds and disposition, When we are thinking negatively we can pray to Heavenly Father, and because we can only have one thought in our minds at a time the negativity will be gone. Prayer is an invitation to the lord to be with us always.
Why
In Moses 5:8 we read "Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.
Sue talked about teaching children how to pray and had brought in the Missionary Flip Chart that Bishop Smith used on his mission showing new converts the steps of prayer.
1. Our Heavenly Father
2. We thank Thee
3. We ask Thee
4. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
There are many prayers that we participate in and witness.
Setting aparts
baby blessings
baptisms
priesthood blessings
Fathers blessings
blessings for the sick
Elder Bednar in his talk "Ask in Faith" said that when we pray we should not only ask but do. How can I help? What can I do? One thing we can do is missionary work. We are all missionaries and our job is to find and the missionaries job is to teach. We can pray to overcome our fear and to have courage to open our mouths.
Thank you Sue for the wonderful lesson.
February Announcements
The Family Mission Plan focus this month is on prayer for missionary experiences.
11th Stake Activity
6.30pm Cornelian Bay
12th WW Leadership Training
3pm Stake Centre
12th Adults Conference Session
7pm
13th Conference Session
12pm
18th Strengthening Marriage Course begins
22nd Relief Society Family BBQ
6pm Waterworks Reserve
byo salad optional
26th Youth and Family picnic
Conningham Beach
As church members prayer is a big part of our lives. On Sunday, by the time we come to Relief Society we have already participated in at least 6 prayers. Prayer builds our relationship with Heavenly Father.
Sisters Lilian, Cindy and Blanche shared their earliest experiences of prayer and in the process learnt reverence and that not all prayers are answered how we would like them to be.
Sue then went through the How What Why of prayer.
How
Webster's dictionary defines prayer to make a request in a humble manner; to petition God.
We pray to Heavenly Father through the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
What
We pray all the time Alma 34:18-27. Praying all the time improves our minds and disposition, When we are thinking negatively we can pray to Heavenly Father, and because we can only have one thought in our minds at a time the negativity will be gone. Prayer is an invitation to the lord to be with us always.
Why
In Moses 5:8 we read "Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.
- commanded to pray.
- to give thanks
- Spiritual growth
- exercising faith
- gain and maintain relationship with Heavenly Father
- increase charity - helps us to be selfless
- missionary experiences
- repentance - ask for forgiveness
- Ordinances
- praise, love
- Divine Help, protection, comfort, direction, answers, guidance
Sue talked about teaching children how to pray and had brought in the Missionary Flip Chart that Bishop Smith used on his mission showing new converts the steps of prayer.
1. Our Heavenly Father
2. We thank Thee
3. We ask Thee
4. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
There are many prayers that we participate in and witness.
Setting aparts
baby blessings
baptisms
priesthood blessings
Fathers blessings
blessings for the sick
Elder Bednar in his talk "Ask in Faith" said that when we pray we should not only ask but do. How can I help? What can I do? One thing we can do is missionary work. We are all missionaries and our job is to find and the missionaries job is to teach. We can pray to overcome our fear and to have courage to open our mouths.
Thank you Sue for the wonderful lesson.
February Announcements
The Family Mission Plan focus this month is on prayer for missionary experiences.
11th Stake Activity
6.30pm Cornelian Bay
12th WW Leadership Training
3pm Stake Centre
12th Adults Conference Session
7pm
13th Conference Session
12pm
18th Strengthening Marriage Course begins
22nd Relief Society Family BBQ
6pm Waterworks Reserve
byo salad optional
26th Youth and Family picnic
Conningham Beach
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday Snippet
Relief society and Priesthood were combined this week with the Young Men and Young Women as Bishop Smith taught us about goals.
The Stake Presidency receive directions from the Area Presidency on a particular area of focus, and the world wide focus this year is Saving the Rising Generation.
The Ward Council then discuss other goals that they would like the ward to achieve and this becomes the Ward Mission Plan.
2011 Stake/District Goals
Save the Rising Generation
a. Teach them to be Virtuous
b. Increase the number of young men/young women serving missions from * 2 to 4.
c. Increase YSA attendance from *25 to 40.
Strengthen the Family
a. Strengthen Husband/Wife relationships and teach daily prayer, scripture study, and family
home evening.
b. 3 Couples sealed in the temple
c. Increase number of temple recommend holders from *72 to 80.
Save the One
a. Every leader and member rescues in 2011
b. Increase the number of active Melchizedek Priesthood holders from *31 to 41
c. Increase sacrament meeting attendance from *143 to 155.
Share the Gospel
a. Every member prepares someone to be taught by the missionaries.
b. Every ward council prepares and maintains 15 names for the missionaries to teach.
c. Increase number of convert baptisms from *9 to 20.
How to Accomplish These Goals
Save the Rising Generation
a. EQ lessons on serving missions and teaching the Gospel.
b. Bishopric Youth firesides on Virtue and For the Strength of Youth.
c. Encourage Priests to teach with Missionaries.
d. Positive Home Teaching experiences for Young Men.
e. Quality YSA activities.
Strengthen the Family
a. Well planned Sacrament Meetings.
b. PPI's
c. Specific questions asked to support and encourage families
during home teaching visits.
d. All families have and use church magazines.
e. 15 names maintained in Ward Council.
Save the One
a. Review Ward Goals regularly in presidency meetings, speaking assignments and lessons.
b. Home Teaching Interviews.
c. Priesthood service and activities.
Share the Gospel
a. Families to plan Family Mission Plans.
b. All members to pray for missionary experiences.
c. Families to have and use Preach My Gospel in the home and individually.
d. Maintain a monthly missionary focus.
________________________________
The assistant Ward Mission Leader Aaron then discussed the importance of a Family Mission Plan 2011 and we were given a template
Family Mission Plan (Template) - 2011 & Ongoing
1. Family Mission Goals (These are the goals your family chooses to set)
• (Example only) Number of friends to refer to missionaries: .
• ..............
• ..............
2. Areas of Focus
a. Faith - to receive opportunities & assistance from the Lord
b. Desire - to share the gospel
c. Courage - to open our mouths
d. Skills - in how to share effectively
e. Community Involvement - to meet new people
3. Monthly Focus
Monthly Focus:
Month and Year:
Pick a focus from section 2 and write it in the "Monthly Focus" box above. Fill out
the specific things you will do to fullfil that focus in section 4 below (e.g. if your
focus is "Faith," a specific action might be "Pray for opportunities to share the
gospel"). This focus should be reviewed monthly, but does not necessarily need to
change every month.
4. Specific Actions
A. Faith:
...................
B. Desire
..................
C. Courage
.................
D. Skills
.................
E. Community Involvement
..................
(ask your home teachers for a copy if you need).
Aaron suggested we keep it on the fridge so we can see it often.
The Relief Society President Blanche suggested ways Relief Society would contribute to achieving the ward goals. Sisters would do this through working together on activities and lessons. This would filter down and strengthen our families. Individually we can do things to help by prayer and scripture study this should also help strengthen our families.
Bishop Smith finished by telling us that this is a good and honourable thing to do as it benefits other people and is a benefit to us. We become better people and the Lord's Gospel is spread further.
February Announcements
4th-6th Single Adult Weekend Activity
11th Stake Activities evening at Cornelian Bay Soccer Ground
11th-13thth Stake Conference
The Stake Presidency receive directions from the Area Presidency on a particular area of focus, and the world wide focus this year is Saving the Rising Generation.
The Ward Council then discuss other goals that they would like the ward to achieve and this becomes the Ward Mission Plan.
2011 Stake/District Goals
Save the Rising Generation
a. Teach them to be Virtuous
b. Increase the number of young men/young women serving missions from * 2 to 4.
c. Increase YSA attendance from *25 to 40.
Strengthen the Family
a. Strengthen Husband/Wife relationships and teach daily prayer, scripture study, and family
home evening.
b. 3 Couples sealed in the temple
c. Increase number of temple recommend holders from *72 to 80.
Save the One
a. Every leader and member rescues in 2011
b. Increase the number of active Melchizedek Priesthood holders from *31 to 41
c. Increase sacrament meeting attendance from *143 to 155.
Share the Gospel
a. Every member prepares someone to be taught by the missionaries.
b. Every ward council prepares and maintains 15 names for the missionaries to teach.
c. Increase number of convert baptisms from *9 to 20.
How to Accomplish These Goals
Save the Rising Generation
a. EQ lessons on serving missions and teaching the Gospel.
b. Bishopric Youth firesides on Virtue and For the Strength of Youth.
c. Encourage Priests to teach with Missionaries.
d. Positive Home Teaching experiences for Young Men.
e. Quality YSA activities.
Strengthen the Family
a. Well planned Sacrament Meetings.
b. PPI's
c. Specific questions asked to support and encourage families
during home teaching visits.
d. All families have and use church magazines.
e. 15 names maintained in Ward Council.
Save the One
a. Review Ward Goals regularly in presidency meetings, speaking assignments and lessons.
b. Home Teaching Interviews.
c. Priesthood service and activities.
Share the Gospel
a. Families to plan Family Mission Plans.
b. All members to pray for missionary experiences.
c. Families to have and use Preach My Gospel in the home and individually.
d. Maintain a monthly missionary focus.
________________________________
The assistant Ward Mission Leader Aaron then discussed the importance of a Family Mission Plan 2011 and we were given a template
Family Mission Plan (Template) - 2011 & Ongoing
1. Family Mission Goals (These are the goals your family chooses to set)
• (Example only) Number of friends to refer to missionaries: .
• ..............
• ..............
2. Areas of Focus
a. Faith - to receive opportunities & assistance from the Lord
b. Desire - to share the gospel
c. Courage - to open our mouths
d. Skills - in how to share effectively
e. Community Involvement - to meet new people
3. Monthly Focus
Monthly Focus:
Month and Year:
Pick a focus from section 2 and write it in the "Monthly Focus" box above. Fill out
the specific things you will do to fullfil that focus in section 4 below (e.g. if your
focus is "Faith," a specific action might be "Pray for opportunities to share the
gospel"). This focus should be reviewed monthly, but does not necessarily need to
change every month.
4. Specific Actions
A. Faith:
...................
B. Desire
..................
C. Courage
.................
D. Skills
.................
E. Community Involvement
..................
(ask your home teachers for a copy if you need).
Aaron suggested we keep it on the fridge so we can see it often.
The Relief Society President Blanche suggested ways Relief Society would contribute to achieving the ward goals. Sisters would do this through working together on activities and lessons. This would filter down and strengthen our families. Individually we can do things to help by prayer and scripture study this should also help strengthen our families.
Bishop Smith finished by telling us that this is a good and honourable thing to do as it benefits other people and is a benefit to us. We become better people and the Lord's Gospel is spread further.
February Announcements
4th-6th Single Adult Weekend Activity
11th Stake Activities evening at Cornelian Bay Soccer Ground
11th-13thth Stake Conference
Monday, January 10, 2011
Sunday Snippet
Emi taught our lesson this week from the Gospel Principles manual chapter 24 "The Sabbath Day".
We began by reading and discussing Exodus 20:8-11. "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work; But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it."
It was mentioned that we should not focus on what we cannot do on the sabbath but on what we can do.
Joy, Amy, Mary and Nicole read from the manual the section on "Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy"
In a revelation given to Joseph Smith in 1831, the Lord commanded the Saints to go to the house of prayer and offer up their sacraments, rest from their labours, and pay their devotions to the Most High( see D&C 59: 9-12)
He asks us to rest from daily work. Our prophets have told us that we should not shop, hunt, fish, attend sports events or participate in similar activities on the sabbath.
President Kimball cautioned that if we lounge about doing nothing we are not keeping the day holy.
The Sabbath is a time to attend church, perform church service, visit extended family members, and the sick and house bound, also to visit with our friends in the gospel. It is a day to listen to uplifting music, to read the scriptures and church magazines and to write letters to loved ones and missionaries. It is a time to appreciate nature and the beauty of the world.
The Sabbath is a state of mind.
In deciding what activities we could engage in on the sabbath we could ask: Will it uplift and inspire me? Does it show respect for the Lord? Does it direct my thoughts to Him?
If we are required to work on the Sabbath we should still maintain the spirit of the Sabbath in our hearts as much as possible.
"If we honour the Sabbath Day, we may receive great spiritual and temporal blessings. the Lord has said that if we keep the Sabbath day with thanksgiving and cheerful hearts, we will be full of joy. He has promised: D&C 59 :16 "Verily I say, that in as much as ye do this, the fullness of the earth is yours..."
Thank you Emi for this wonderful lesson.
In five minute music we listened to Ave Maria by Caccini played by David Stanhope
We began by reading and discussing Exodus 20:8-11. "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work; But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it."
It was mentioned that we should not focus on what we cannot do on the sabbath but on what we can do.
Joy, Amy, Mary and Nicole read from the manual the section on "Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy"
In a revelation given to Joseph Smith in 1831, the Lord commanded the Saints to go to the house of prayer and offer up their sacraments, rest from their labours, and pay their devotions to the Most High( see D&C 59: 9-12)
He asks us to rest from daily work. Our prophets have told us that we should not shop, hunt, fish, attend sports events or participate in similar activities on the sabbath.
President Kimball cautioned that if we lounge about doing nothing we are not keeping the day holy.
The Sabbath is a time to attend church, perform church service, visit extended family members, and the sick and house bound, also to visit with our friends in the gospel. It is a day to listen to uplifting music, to read the scriptures and church magazines and to write letters to loved ones and missionaries. It is a time to appreciate nature and the beauty of the world.
The Sabbath is a state of mind.
In deciding what activities we could engage in on the sabbath we could ask: Will it uplift and inspire me? Does it show respect for the Lord? Does it direct my thoughts to Him?
If we are required to work on the Sabbath we should still maintain the spirit of the Sabbath in our hearts as much as possible.
"If we honour the Sabbath Day, we may receive great spiritual and temporal blessings. the Lord has said that if we keep the Sabbath day with thanksgiving and cheerful hearts, we will be full of joy. He has promised: D&C 59 :16 "Verily I say, that in as much as ye do this, the fullness of the earth is yours..."
Thank you Emi for this wonderful lesson.
In five minute music we listened to Ave Maria by Caccini played by David Stanhope
Monday, January 3, 2011
Sunday Snippet
Happy New Year
Fiona Rea taught us this week from a talk of elder Jeffery R Holland, "The Best is Yet to Be", Ensign Jan. 2010,
The start of the new Year is the traditional time to take stock of our lives. In Luke 17:32 the Saviour cautions us to "Remember Lot's wife". We discussed who Lot's wife was and what she did that was so wrong. Lot's wife was reluctant to leave her home and it is possible that she looked back with resentment toward the Lord for what He was asking her to leave behind ... so it isn't just that she looked back; she looked back longingly. Her attachment to the past outweighed her confidence in the future.
"As a new year begins and we try to benefit from a proper view of what has gone before, I plead with you not to dwell on days now gone nor to yearn vainly for yesterday, however good those yesterdays may have been. The past is to be learned from not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives."
Lot's wife did not have faith to know that the future could be as good if not better than the past.
"There is something in many of us that particularly fails to forgive and forget earlier mistakes in life -- either our mistakes or the mistakes of others. It is not good. It is not Christian. It stands in terrible opposition to the grandeur and majesty of the Atonement of Christ."
We need to be gentle on ourselves and on others and take advantage of the Saviour's atonement.
"Let people repent. Let people grow. Believe that people can change and improve. Is that faith? Yes! Is that hope? Yes! Is that charity? Yes! Above all, it is charity, the pure love of Christ. If something is buried in the past, leave it buried. ... Such dwelling on past lives, including past mistakes, is just not right! It is not the gospel of Jesus Christ. In some ways it is worse than Lot's wife because at least she only destroyed herself. In cases of marriage and family, wards and branches, apartments and neighbourhoods, we can endup destroying so many others."
"Perhaps at the beginning of a new year there is no greater requirment for us than to do as the Lord Himself said He does. 'He who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.' (D&C 58:42)"
Fiona gave out paper and we wrote down the things we didn't want to take with us into 2011; things like impatience, lack of understanding, inability to use computers etc. and we played Jenga as we shared what we had written. (Fiona was expecting the structure to come crashing down but it had been built into an extraordinary thing.)
Elder Holland counseled us to keep our eyes on our dreams. Live to see the miracles of repentance and forgiveness, of trust and divine love that will transform our lives today, tomorrow and forever. That is a new years resolution to keep.
Thank you Fiona for our lesson.
No Announcements this week
I have included the poem from Fiona Cluff's lesson a couple of weeks past if you are interested go to that Sunday Snippet.
Fiona Rea taught us this week from a talk of elder Jeffery R Holland, "The Best is Yet to Be", Ensign Jan. 2010,
The start of the new Year is the traditional time to take stock of our lives. In Luke 17:32 the Saviour cautions us to "Remember Lot's wife". We discussed who Lot's wife was and what she did that was so wrong. Lot's wife was reluctant to leave her home and it is possible that she looked back with resentment toward the Lord for what He was asking her to leave behind ... so it isn't just that she looked back; she looked back longingly. Her attachment to the past outweighed her confidence in the future.
"As a new year begins and we try to benefit from a proper view of what has gone before, I plead with you not to dwell on days now gone nor to yearn vainly for yesterday, however good those yesterdays may have been. The past is to be learned from not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives."
Lot's wife did not have faith to know that the future could be as good if not better than the past.
"There is something in many of us that particularly fails to forgive and forget earlier mistakes in life -- either our mistakes or the mistakes of others. It is not good. It is not Christian. It stands in terrible opposition to the grandeur and majesty of the Atonement of Christ."
We need to be gentle on ourselves and on others and take advantage of the Saviour's atonement.
"Let people repent. Let people grow. Believe that people can change and improve. Is that faith? Yes! Is that hope? Yes! Is that charity? Yes! Above all, it is charity, the pure love of Christ. If something is buried in the past, leave it buried. ... Such dwelling on past lives, including past mistakes, is just not right! It is not the gospel of Jesus Christ. In some ways it is worse than Lot's wife because at least she only destroyed herself. In cases of marriage and family, wards and branches, apartments and neighbourhoods, we can endup destroying so many others."
"Perhaps at the beginning of a new year there is no greater requirment for us than to do as the Lord Himself said He does. 'He who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.' (D&C 58:42)"
Fiona gave out paper and we wrote down the things we didn't want to take with us into 2011; things like impatience, lack of understanding, inability to use computers etc. and we played Jenga as we shared what we had written. (Fiona was expecting the structure to come crashing down but it had been built into an extraordinary thing.)
Elder Holland counseled us to keep our eyes on our dreams. Live to see the miracles of repentance and forgiveness, of trust and divine love that will transform our lives today, tomorrow and forever. That is a new years resolution to keep.
Thank you Fiona for our lesson.
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I have included the poem from Fiona Cluff's lesson a couple of weeks past if you are interested go to that Sunday Snippet.
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