Remember to stay up to date with all the happenings by looking at the Newsletter, RS Bulletin Board, and of course the blog. Check the Activities tab for it all in one spot. 

How do Apostle's get called?

We are so blessed to have a living prophet and apostles who lead us in righteousness during these days. They are a mouthpiece of our Savior on the earth. They counsel and let us know what it is that Christ would have us do. We love them and their dedication to serve. Within just the past six month three of our dear apostles have left us on this earth; President Packer, Elder Perry, and Elder Scott. With their passing will come the call to 3 new apostles. How is that call made? Here is a great article explaining the process of Calling and Apostle of God.

General Women's Conference

In case you missed General Women's Conference we have it for you here. It is so great hearing from church leaders and to leave feeling renewed and inspired!

Sunday Lesson: Sept 27th

The lesson this week was taken from two General Conference talks given in April, 2015. The first was from Elder Kevin W. Pearson entitled Stay by the Tree. The second talk was from Elder Dale G. Renlund, Latter-day Saints Keep on Trying. Both talks help us to remember that enduring to the end requires total commitment to the Savior and to our covenants. It is not an easy task. Elder Pearson asks the question, "Why do we struggle to be faithful? We struggle when we are caught between competing priorities. Causal obedience and lukewarm commitment weaken faith." He gives us 6 important principles that help us endure to the end:

1) Don't forget to pray - Our wise teacher taught that even when we are upset or angry, we need to pray. Anger leads to sadness, which leads to courage, which in turn leads to hope.

2) Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him - We cannot lose sight of our purpose here, to gain eternal life. "He is the way, the truth, and the life."

3) Press forward with faith - Faith is a principle of action and power.

4) The Book of Mormon is Key to Spiritual Survival - "Don't let something you don't fully understand unravel everything you do know....Search the Book of Mormon and the words of the living prophets every day, every day, every day! It's the key to spiritual survival and avoiding deception. Without it, we are lost.

5) Don't be distracted and deceived - To heed means to give special attention. Do not give attention to those who do not follow Christ.

6) Stay by the Tree - This is Lehi's plea to us. We will stay by the tree because we are fully converted. Hold to the Rod of Iron. 1 Nephi 15:24-25

Elder Renlund reminds us of Nelson Mandela who was imprisoned for 27 years for his role in the apartheid struggle. He later became the elected president of South Africa. He was known world-wide for his forgiveness to those who had imprisoned him. He often deflected accolades by saying, "I'm no saint - that is, unless you think a saint is a sinner who keeps on trying." The gospel teaches us that we may become perfected by repeatedly relying on the doctrine of Christ; exercising faith in Him, repenting, and partaking of the sacrament. Pres. Monson has taught, "One of God's greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need be final."

The greatest example of enduring, and enduring well was our Savior, Jesus Christ. Elder Robert D. Hales said, "Our greatest example comes from the life of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. When suffering upon the cross at Calvary, Jesus felt the loneliness of agency when He plead to His Father in Heaven, 'Why hast thou forsaken me?' (Matt. 27:46). The Savior of the world was left alone by His Father to experience, of His own free will and choice, an act of agency which allowed Him to complete His mission of the Atonement. The Lord could have called on legions of angels to take Him down from the cross, but He faithfully endured to the end and completed the very purpose for which He had been sent to earth, thus granting eternal blessings to all who will ever experience mortality."

When we finish this mortal existence, we hope to say as Paul did, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7). Don't quit, don't ever give up. Evaluate your lives and keep on trying.

Sunday Lesson: Sept 20th

Pres. Ezra Taft Benson was a wonderful example of how leadership in the Church should work. Pres. Benson encouraged others to always express their ideas and thoughts. He would not let discussions wander and was able to direct and control a discussion. Pres. Benson cared for those he lead and he taught by example. He was always willing to do what he asked of others. Pres. Benson would build others up and he taught and delegated effectively. When we think about an example leader in the Church, Pres. Ezra Taft Benson comes to mind.

Pres. Benson taught that effective leaders stand firm in the faith and set a good example. He said, "If you are to provide future leadership for the Church, [your] country, and your own homes, you must stand firm in the faith, unwavering in the face of evil, and as Paul said, 'Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.'" Pres. Benson also said, "Our young people need fewer critics and more models. You are the models to which they will look for a pattern in life to which they can follow and adhere. They will need the inspiration which can come from you as you square your lives fully with the teachings of the gospel."

In the Church and in our own homes  we need to know that, "There can be no failure in the work of the Lord when [we] do [our] best. We are but instruments; this is the Lord's work. This is His church, His gospel plan. These are His children we are working with. He will not permit us to fail if we do our part. He will magnify us even beyond our own talents and abilities when necessary. This I know." As we lead and build others, we need to remember that the Spirit is key to be able to be God's instrument. "God's work must be done by faith, prayer, and by the Spirit, 'and if it be by some other way it is not of God.'"

There are some attributes to a good leader that are listed in our lesson. They include:

1) Humility - specifically a humble spirit

2) Spiritual strength - inspiration is essential to properly lead

3) Knowledge - study the doctrines of the Church

4) Loyalty - a good leader expects loyalty, she/he in turn gives loyalty

5) Unity - the Savior said, "be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine" D&C 38:27

6) Love and expressions of confidence - Love those whom you serve

Jesus aimed to exalt the individual. There we to be no spectators in His church. All were to be involved in helping build the kingdom. As we build the kingdom, we build ourselves. "The whole purpose of the Church is to build men and women who will be godlike in their attitudes and in their attributes and in their ideals."

Sunday Lesson: Sept 13th

In Pres. Benson's first general conference talk as the President of the Church, he talked about the differences between pride and humility: "Pride does not look up to God and care about what is right. It looks sideways to man and argues who is right." Pres. Benson also said, "Humility responds to God's will - to the fear of His judgments and to the needs of those around us. To the proud, the applause of the world rings in their ears; to the humble, the applause of heaven warms their hearts."

In class we were separated into small groups and had a good amount of time reading and answering questions within our group. Most of the things we discussed are exactly what Pres. Benson teaches. We learn from the manual that the central feature of pride is enmity toward God and our fellowman. "Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness...but the heart, or core, is still missing. Enmity means 'hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.' It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us....Another major portion of this very prevalent sin of pride is enmity toward our fellowmen. We are tempted daily to elevate ourselves above others and diminish them."

We also learn from Pres. Benson that, "Pride is a sin that can readily be seen in others but is rarely admitted in ourselves." There are many faces of pride, and some of them we may not realize are present in ourselves. "Disobedience is essentially a prideful power struggle against someone in authority over us. It can be a parent, a priesthood leader, a teacher, or ultimately God....Selfishness is one of the more common faces of pride...Another face of pride is contention. Arguments, fights, unrighteous dominion, generation gaps, divorces, spouse abuse, riots, and disturbances all fall into this category of pride." In the scriptures (1 Nephi 16:1-3) we learn that the proud are easily offended and hold grudges. They withhold forgiveness to keep another in their debt and to justify their injured feelings."

The antidote for pride is humility - meekness, submissiveness. It is the broken heart and contrite spirit. Pres. Benson says, "Either we can choose to be humble or we can be compelled to be humble." There are many ways we can choose to be humble. Here are a few: 1) Conquering enmity toward our brothers and sisters. 2) Receive counsel and chastisement. 3) Forgive others who have offended us. 4) Be humble by rendering selfless service. 5) Go on missions and preach the word that can humble others. 6) Go to the temple more frequently. 7) We can be more humble as we confess and forsake our sins and be born of God. 8) Love God, submit to His will and put Him first in our lives.

 

Pres. Benson concludes, "We must cleanse the inner vessel by conquering pride. We must yield 'to the enticing of the Holy Spirit,' pout off the prideful 'natural man,' and become 'as a child, submissive, meek, humble.'"

25 Ideas for Your Next Family Night

Family Night also known as FHE is such a blessing. No matter the number of people in your home or the ages it is wonderful to set some time aside to be together. Check out all of these ideas for your next FHE night. Sometimes trying to decide what to do is the hardest part. This blog post helps us out with that with some fantastic ideas. 

25 Ideas for Your Next Family Night

M.T.C Relief Society Meeting

Dear Sisters,

You are hereby called to attend the 2nd Ward Relief Soceity Meeting of the Arvada, Colorado Stake. You are to report on September 10th, 2015 at 6:45 pm at the Quail building.
 
You are expected to report for a period of 1 and 1/2 hours at the M.T.C (Mormon Women Training Center). There you will receive instruction to guide you with Meals, Testimony and Children in your daily life. Expect to enjoy other women's company and their pursuit of excellence. Refreshments will be available. 

If child care is required please let us know so adequate arrangements can be make. We look forward to enhancing our relationship with you.

RS Activities Committee

Sunday Lesson: Sept 6th

Today's lessons main focus was the message given by President Utchdorf in the July Ensign, All Is Well. He talks of strength the pioneers had crossing the plains. We opened by singing one of the songs that they sung many times as they made their journey to the Salt Lake Valley.  The opening song we just sang, ‘Come, Come Ye Saints’ is one of the songs that they sang many times as they made their journey to Salt Lake.

President Utchdorf says, “I am very much aware that all was not well with these Saints. They were plagued by sickness, heat, fatigue, cold, fear, hunger, pain, doubt, and even death. But despite having every reason to shout, “All is not well,” they cultivated an attitude we cannot help but admire today. They looked beyond their troubles to eternal blessings. They were grateful in their circumstances. Despite evidence to the contrary, they sang with all the conviction of their souls, “All is well!” He points out a few of their attributes and encourages us to develop the same attributes. The one we focused on for the lesson is optimism.

Optimism is - Hopeful, cheerful, confidence, buoyancy, bright, positive, and assurance. 

These are all very happy attitudes. It is not always easy to feel this way all of the time. However, it is something that we all want. How do we become optimistic?

When the pioneers sang, they teach a lesson: “But with joy wend your way.” President Utchdorf says it is one of the great ironies of our age that we are blessed with so much and yet we can be so unhappy. The wonders of prosperity and technology overwhelm us and shower us with security, entertainment, instant gratification, and convenience. And yet all around us we see so much unhappiness.  – The pioneers, who sacrificed so much, went without and hungered for even the most basic of necessities to survive. They understood that happiness doesn’t come as a result of luck or accident. It most certainly doesn’t come from having all of our wishes come true. Happiness doesn’t come from external circumstances. It comes from the inside – regardless of what is happening around us.

Heavenly Father wants us to be happy. In 2 Nephi 2:25 we read, 'Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy'. President Monson says there are many who have struggled and yet who have remained steadfast and of good cheer as they have made the gospel of Jesus Christ the center of their lives. This attitude is what will pull us through whatever comes our way. It will not remove our troubles but rather will enable us to face our challenges and emerge victorious. We are not left to walk alone, no matter how dark our pathway. In D&C 68:6 we read, “Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you.” 

Joy and optimism are both closely linked to gratitude.  We need to be grateful for many reasons. 

#1 – Being Grateful makes you happier and healthier

Literally counting your blessings increases your emotional health. Researchers had one group of students write for 20 min each day about things they were grateful for. A second about things they were angry about, and a third about random topics like the color of their shoes. Guess which group was the happiest at the end of the experiment? The ones who wrote about things they were grateful for. Even more interesting is that those who wrote about the things they were grateful for were less likely to be sick throughout the semester.

#2 – Being Grateful Helps You See More Blessings

Live with a spirit of thanksgiving and you will have greater happiness and satisfaction in life. As Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said, “The more often we see the things around us – even the beautiful and wonderful things – the more they become invisible to us. That is why we often take for granted the beauty of this world: the flowers, the trees, the birds, the clouds – even those we love. Because we see things so often, we see them less and less”

In May Elder Lawrence (of the seventy) and his wife came and spoke during stake conference. Sister Lawrence reminded us of the importance of keeping a journal. 

How does keeping a journal relate to optimism?  

She shared what President Eyring does when writing in his journal. President Eyring says this about writing in his journal. “Before I would write, I would ponder this question: 'Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?' As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done. More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew.”

Sister Lawrence suggested that each night we should record if nothing else in our journals, “How we saw the hand of God in our day.” As you begin writing a little bit every day, you will be able to see more clearly how Heavenly Father helps you through your daily life, just as He guided the pioneers. President Kimball said, “Those who keep a personal journal are more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives. We will become more optimistic, joyful, hopeful, cheerful, confident, and positive when we see and acknowledge the blessings our Father in Heaven gives us. Great blessings are promised to those who are grateful. The Lord said in D&C 79.19, “He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more”

The Gratitude Challenge – 100 things you are thankful for. Some ideas if you need help. 

 - 10 living people you are grateful for.

 - 10 people who have died you are grateful for.

 - 10 physical abilities you are grateful for.
 - 10 material possessions you are grateful for.

 - 10 things about nature you are grateful for.

 - 10 things about today you are grateful for.

 - 10 places on earth you are grateful for.

 - 10 modern-day inventions you are grateful for.

 - 10 foods you are grateful for. 

 - 10 things about the gospel you are grateful for.

As you do this you will discover that 100 things doesn't scratch the surface of blessing from our Heavenly Father.

Our Father in Heaven loves us, he gives us new days, fresh starts, and whether it be today or tomorrow we can be happy and optimistic for our future. When we are grateful that optimistic joyful attitude comes much sooner. All is well in our lives as long as we remain steadfast and of good cheer as we make the gospel of Jesus Christ the center of our lives. This attitude is what will pull us through whatever comes our way.

President Monson’s words. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.

What to do on the Sabbath?!

This is a great article to help you and your families make the Sabbath day a day devoted to the Lord. Click HERE and read more!

September Newsletter

Presidency Message by Lisa Lara
I have been so grateful recently for good friends. There is not much in this world that can be a substitute for the love and care that a true friend can give. In 1999 Brother Marlin K. Jensen said, "The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “friendship is one of the grand fundamental principles of ‘Mormonism.’” That thought ought to inspire and motivate all of us because I feel that friendship is a fundamental need of our world. I think in all of us there is a profound longing for friendship, a deep yearning for the satisfaction and security that close and lasting relationships can give. 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."

Like Brother Jensen says, if we live the gospel it should not be too hard for us to be a good friend to those around us. Especially as women we naturally have a deep desire to love and to be loved. When we have a good friend to confide in, someone to share and talk with, we can become our best selves. Brother Jensen teaches, "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; [friendship] envieth not; … seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; [friendship] never faileth.'"

Take the time to be a friend to those around you. Pray for them, call them to find out how they have been, and be genuinely interested in their welfare. We are on the Lord's errand and we can be an answer to prayer as we love those around us. Even if it has been a long time since you have reached out to a certain friend, remember that you can always pick up where you left off last. You will never regret reaching out to someone.

Love, Marty, Lisa, Jan, & Debbie

September Birthdays
1 Joni Bowler
9 Anna Carbone
20 Sandy Crane
23 Tiffranie Huntley
24 Carmae Hiller
27 Senta Miller
30 Nilli Merchant

Lesson Schedule – (Ezra Taft Benson)
Sept 6 Presidency message by Jan Welling
Sept 13 #18 “Beware of Pride” taught by Jenny Maxwell
Sept 20 #19 “Leadership” taught by Kay Bashford
Sept 27 “Stay by the Tree” by Kevin Pearson and “Latter Day Saints Keep on Trying”by Dale Renlund taught by Mary Kay Bashford

Upcoming Events see here
Sept 10 – Relief Society Meeting 6:45 pm
Sept 16 – Ward Temple Day
Sept 26 – Women’s General Conference 6 pm
Oct 3 & 4 – General Conference

Other Opportunities
Sept 8 Lunch Bunch at 11:00 am at McDonalds (9875 W 58th)
Sept 13 Linger-Longer after church (finger foods)
Sept 17 Cooking Group 7:00 pm at Marty’s (Naan & Chicken in a sweet red pepper sauce) taught by Karen Schmidt
Oct 7 Project Night 7 pm at Quail Bldg. Bring a treat to share.
Thursdays 9:00 am playgroup (see Jan)
Saturdays 8 am pickup basketball Stake Center
Mon & Wed 9 am Aerobics