June Newsletter

Presidency Message

Do you ever have those life experiences that change you? The ones that change the way you see things? Change the way you think and act? I'm guessing you would say yes. I often reflect on one of those experiences that I've had. This particular one happened when I was in my early 20's. We had moved out of state away from family and close friends to finish school newly married. We didn't know anyone within 900 miles. This was the first time that I had attended a ward where I didn't know anyone and they didn't know me. I always had family and good friends around me that I was comfortable with. Now I was completely out of my comfort zone. I didn't think much about this initially. I thought I was strong, independent, and could handle this change without problem. I soon found out that my strong, quiet, independent personality came across differently to those around me – those that didn't know anything about me or my background. The people here didn't seem friendly, they didn't talk to me, they they they is what I kept thinking. Although I didn't realize it at the time, I was starting to have built up feelings about how unfriendly all these people were. I thought these people were supposed to be my family away from family, my ward family as I'd heard. How selfish of me looking back!

It would have been easy to slip by and go unseen and possibly not attend church, but I knew that wouldn't help in the end. I was unsure of where I fit in here. I didn't know how to accept kind words from people well. I assumed they didn't genuinely care so I kept some distance because it felt safer than putting myself out there. I had a calling in YW's and I didn't participate very much in anything else. I kept up on my visiting teaching, but I felt better alone, so I thought. I was polite to others as much as I needed to be. After some time another couple invited us to dinner at their home. We accepted the invite. By the end of our stay I had been told that I was much nicer than I looked, acted, and then they thought I would be. How was I to take that?! Surprisingly things got better from then on. I began to realize that I had been the one that was choosing to be alone, not they as I had assumed. I had been rejecting others who were trying to do their best to befriend me, in whatever way they knew how. Thankfully, I realized this before we left. By the time we moved I was able to open myself up to others. We had wonderful experiences there and have lifelong friends. From this experience I made a promise to myself before we moved to Arvada that I would be willing to make the first move and let others get to know me. It was not easy! It is much easier for me to keep to myself because that feels safer. I made myself get involved, meet others, smile more, participate, and look for ways to serve even though it doesn't always come easy. I am reminded constantly about this experience.

Through these trying experiences I am reminded of the scripture found in D&C 122:7 "...know though, my son (daughter), that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." Looking back on this experience and many others I can see how I have changed because of them. How did I choose to handle a particular experience? Do I let my assumptions guide me or am I willing to have an open heart and mind? There are many questions we can ask ourselves when life comes our way. We have the gift of agency. How we handle it, what we learn, and where we go from there is up to us. President James E. Faust said, "Tomorrow's blessings and opportunities depend on the choices we make today." I hope that we can look to our loving Father in Heaven daily during our experiences and make a choice that will bring us closer to Him. He is aware of us and loves us more than we can imagine.

With Sincerest Love,
The Relief Society Presidency,
Marty, Lisa, Jan, Debbie, and Jenny

June 2014 Birthdays
1 June Berger
4 Annette Hess
6 Erin Jorgenson
14 Andi Cory
15 Lisa Anderson-Weldon
15 Jamie Whitmore
16 Connie Dachtler
17 Lisa Larson
17 Sandra Sullivan
18 Kristin Mann
20 Colleen Wagner
21 Sephora Haertel
24 Eva Carroll
30 Breanne Puff

Lesson Schedule
June 1 Stake Conference
June 8 #11 “Honoring the Priesthood Keys
Restored through Joseph Smith” taught by
Kristen Tanner
June 15 #12 “The Oath and Covenant of the
Priesthood” taught by Kay Bashford
June 22 General Conference talk “Be Strong and of Good Courage” by Thomas S Monson AND
“Let Your Faith Show” by Russell Nelson
June 29 Combined RS/Priesthood

Upcoming Events
June 1 Stake Conference 10:00 AM
June 12 Relief Society Meeting 6:30 PM
June 15 Father’s Day (Please bring pie to church)

Other Opportunities
June 2 Book Club 7:00 at Andrea Lentz discussing “The Astronaut Wives Club”
June 6 Ward Party 5:30-8:00 at Hyatt Lake
June 10 Lunch Bunch 11:00 at Panda Express (5145 Kipling Street)
1st, 3rd, 4th weeks All Ages Playgroup
2nd & 4th weeks Little Tots Playgroup (geared for 2 yrs and under)
Saturdays 8am Pickup basketball
Mon & Wed weekly at 9am Aerobics