Teachings for our Times: Prayer
Sunday’s lesson was based on two conference talks that discussed the topic of prayer. The teacher started by asking us to ponder what prayer feels like. Carol F. McConkie shared in her talk from October 2016 General Conference entitled “The Soul’s Sincere Desire” that prayer can and should be a powerful force in our lives. It allows us to develop faith and opens the way for us to receive blessings from above. The amazing thing about prayer is that is a gift that is extended to everyone. Matt 7:7-8 reads, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”
The power is in our hands. If we chose not to pray—for whatever reason—we cannot have the blessings associated with prayer. Imagine if Joseph Smith had not taken the time to pray that morning in 1805. Like Joseph, there are many blessings we can receive only as we pray in faith. Sister McConkie said, “For us, miraculous healing, powerful protection, divine knowledge, liberating forgiveness, and precious peace are among the answers that come when we offer up a “soul’s sincere desire” in faith.”
The most powerful example of prayer is our Savior, Jesus Christ. He entered that garden of Gethsemane, feeling so much pain and agony. Three times he prayed that the cup be removed, but each time He also prayed, “Father, thy will be done.” We know that cup was not removed from Him, but as Sister McConkie teaches, “He was strengthened to go forward and fulfill His divine mission to prepare for our salvation”.
Have we ever likewise pleaded that a burden be removed and it was not? How did we feel? Angry? Abandoned? Doubtful? We need to remember at these times that sometimes we will not be removed from a trial we face but we can receive strength and comfort to endure. These blessings will come through faithful prayer, seeking the Lord’s will.
Sincere prayer is a great blessing but it will take the effort. Through this gift we can draw closer to our Father in Heaven. Remember He is listening, as Elder Uceda states in his talk, “The Lord Jesus Christ Teaches Us to Pray”, the very moment we begin to pray. Come to Him in prayer, because He will always listen and will shower peace and blessings up on us as we reach out to him with sincerity and humility.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Sunday Lesson, Feb 19th
The Pioneer Heritage of Faith and Sacrifice
President Hinckley taught often about our pioneer heritage. He wanted members of the church to learn from the examples of faith and sacrifice in our church history. He taught that “pioneering continues to go on…You are pioneers in carrying forward the work of the Lord”. By learning about the lives and sacrifice of the pioneers, we can be motivated to also be pioneers in our own situations by accepting and living the Gospel.
The pioneers were willing to do the hard things they did; such as leaving behind their homes over and over to face the unknown, because of their faith. They desired to practice their religion without persecution. Their faith allowed them to continue on even in the most difficult circumstances. President Hinckley taught, “We need so very, very much a strong burning of that faith in the living God and in his living, resurrected Son, for this was the great, moving faith of our gospel forebears.”
The teacher then shared a pioneer quilt that had been made for her. The quilt was made to remember the pioneers and the attributes they had. Among these attributes were tears, perseverance, joy, courage, obedience, hope, grace, family, love, vision, and prophecy. We discussed each of these principles; why they were important for the pioneers and why each of us also need to cultivate these principles and be pioneers in our own situations.
Tears-remember we all have trials, we should turn to God at our hardest times.
Courage- to make a change for the better.
Obedience- faith without works is dead. Let us be obedient to God’s commandments so we can receive the blessings that come through the Spirit.
Grace-remember we can’t do it without God, he is always there for us.This gave them purpose in moving forward.
The pioneers sacrificed so much because of their faith in God. As we remember their example we can also do great things and be pioneers in our own circumstances through faith.
President Hinckley taught often about our pioneer heritage. He wanted members of the church to learn from the examples of faith and sacrifice in our church history. He taught that “pioneering continues to go on…You are pioneers in carrying forward the work of the Lord”. By learning about the lives and sacrifice of the pioneers, we can be motivated to also be pioneers in our own situations by accepting and living the Gospel.
The pioneers were willing to do the hard things they did; such as leaving behind their homes over and over to face the unknown, because of their faith. They desired to practice their religion without persecution. Their faith allowed them to continue on even in the most difficult circumstances. President Hinckley taught, “We need so very, very much a strong burning of that faith in the living God and in his living, resurrected Son, for this was the great, moving faith of our gospel forebears.”
The teacher then shared a pioneer quilt that had been made for her. The quilt was made to remember the pioneers and the attributes they had. Among these attributes were tears, perseverance, joy, courage, obedience, hope, grace, family, love, vision, and prophecy. We discussed each of these principles; why they were important for the pioneers and why each of us also need to cultivate these principles and be pioneers in our own situations.
Tears-remember we all have trials, we should turn to God at our hardest times.
Courage- to make a change for the better.
Obedience- faith without works is dead. Let us be obedient to God’s commandments so we can receive the blessings that come through the Spirit.
Grace-remember we can’t do it without God, he is always there for us.This gave them purpose in moving forward.
The pioneers sacrificed so much because of their faith in God. As we remember their example we can also do great things and be pioneers in our own circumstances through faith.
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Sunday Lesson, Feb 12th
Cultivating an Attitude of Happiness and a Spirit of Optimism
President Hinckley grew up in a home where his parents taught the children to be optimistic. His mother often said that everyone was responsible for their own happiness, and that a happy attitude and smile would help get through trials. President Hinckley learned from his parents and taught throughout his life that each day should and can be a great day in our lives.
President Hinckley and his wife Marjorie lived in the present instead of wasting time worrying about the past or future. Elder Ballard recalled President’s Hinckley’s attitude that “things will work out”. They kept perspective and kept trying during the good and difficult times.
We live in a world where there is negativity and sin all around us which can cause a pessimistic attitude. We discussed that challenges and trials are real and a major part of mortal life, and it can be easy to focus on those things and get down. President Hinckley taught some tools to remain optimistic, even through our trials.
First, President Hinckley said that we need to look harder for the good and positive things in our lives. We should look for the beauties of nature around us, see the good in our family members and others, and remember the blessings that come from a testimony of the Gospel. Optimism takes faith and perspective.We discussed that keeping the Spirit in our lives and homes is another way to remain optimistic. We need take care of ourselves physically and spiritually so we can have the Spirit. We also need to set boundaries on the negative influences in the world so the Spirit can be present.
Second, President Hinckley taught that happiness comes as we are grateful for our blessings. Each one of us are very blessed. We should count our blessings and be sure to thank God for them before we ask for more blessings or ask that our hardships be taken away.
Third, President Hinckley reminded us that gladness and joy come because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our Heavenly Father gave us the Plan of Happiness, and we are blessed to know that there is eternal purpose to our mortal life. President Hinckley encouraged us to be grateful for every part of the journey and understand that there will be ups and downs as part of our mortal experience. Through the Gospel we have the perspective to find joy in the journey.
Lastly, President Hinckley said that optimism comes through understanding that we are children of God. He said that there is no greater truth that that “we have something of divinity in us.” It causes us to believe that we can do great things and overcome obstacles.
In conclusion, President Hinckley taught, “Stand a little taller, rise a little higher, be a little better. Make the extra effort. You will be happier. You will know a new satisfaction, a new gladness in your heart.” Although problems will arise, President Hinckley’s message for us is to enjoy life rather to simply endure it.
President Hinckley grew up in a home where his parents taught the children to be optimistic. His mother often said that everyone was responsible for their own happiness, and that a happy attitude and smile would help get through trials. President Hinckley learned from his parents and taught throughout his life that each day should and can be a great day in our lives.
President Hinckley and his wife Marjorie lived in the present instead of wasting time worrying about the past or future. Elder Ballard recalled President’s Hinckley’s attitude that “things will work out”. They kept perspective and kept trying during the good and difficult times.
We live in a world where there is negativity and sin all around us which can cause a pessimistic attitude. We discussed that challenges and trials are real and a major part of mortal life, and it can be easy to focus on those things and get down. President Hinckley taught some tools to remain optimistic, even through our trials.
First, President Hinckley said that we need to look harder for the good and positive things in our lives. We should look for the beauties of nature around us, see the good in our family members and others, and remember the blessings that come from a testimony of the Gospel. Optimism takes faith and perspective.We discussed that keeping the Spirit in our lives and homes is another way to remain optimistic. We need take care of ourselves physically and spiritually so we can have the Spirit. We also need to set boundaries on the negative influences in the world so the Spirit can be present.
Second, President Hinckley taught that happiness comes as we are grateful for our blessings. Each one of us are very blessed. We should count our blessings and be sure to thank God for them before we ask for more blessings or ask that our hardships be taken away.
Third, President Hinckley reminded us that gladness and joy come because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our Heavenly Father gave us the Plan of Happiness, and we are blessed to know that there is eternal purpose to our mortal life. President Hinckley encouraged us to be grateful for every part of the journey and understand that there will be ups and downs as part of our mortal experience. Through the Gospel we have the perspective to find joy in the journey.
Lastly, President Hinckley said that optimism comes through understanding that we are children of God. He said that there is no greater truth that that “we have something of divinity in us.” It causes us to believe that we can do great things and overcome obstacles.
In conclusion, President Hinckley taught, “Stand a little taller, rise a little higher, be a little better. Make the extra effort. You will be happier. You will know a new satisfaction, a new gladness in your heart.” Although problems will arise, President Hinckley’s message for us is to enjoy life rather to simply endure it.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Sunday Lesson, Feb 5th
The purpose of the Relief Society is to prepare women for the blessings of eternal life, it is a temporal and spiritual work. That
is what the women did in the Savior’s day, and that is what we continue to do. The Relief Society is not just another group of women trying to do good in
the world. It is different. It was ‘something better’ because it was organized
under priesthood authority. Its organization was a necessary step in the
unfolding of God’s work on earth. In order for us
to not be just another group of women trying to do good in the world, we have
to be different. We have to BE that
someone better. That happens as we work on ourselves as individuals.
In 3 Ne 27:27
Christ is teaching the apostles. He is speaking and says, “What manner of men {women} ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am."
President
Benson says, This is a challenge for any person! He is a member of the
Godhead. He is the Savior and Redeemer. Pres. Benson asks, is it possible for us
to be even as He is? Yes, he says. Not only can we, but that is our charge, our
responsibility. He would not give us that commandment if He did not mean for us
to do it.
The Apostle Peter teaches that knowing about God
and knowing God are not the same, and that a true
knowledge of God requires that we become
like him.
2 Peter 1:5-7 Peter teaches us
what we need to do
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your
faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to
temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to
brotherly kindness charity.
We broke up into 5 groups and discussed some of the
attributes outlined by Peter. These attributes are part of the Savior’s character. We
need to learn and emulate these if we want to know him and be more like Him. See Preach My Gospel to learn more about these attributes and their meanings.
We were encouraged to pick one of these attributes to study more about and work on. Not to be overwhelmed with all of them at one time. Study what it means. Look in the bible dictionary. Look up scriptures. Spend time working on it and praying for help. Christlike attributes are gifts from God.
They come as you use your agency righteously. Ask your Heavenly Father to bless
you with these attributes; you cannot develop them without His help. With a
desire to please God, recognize your weaknesses and be willing and anxious to
improve.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
AS I HAVE LOVED YOU
Our sweet loving prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, teaches about love. What it means to love. What it feels like to love.
Ask yourself.... How can you love better?
"To those of us who profess to be disciples of the Savior Jesus Christ, He gave this far reaching instruction:
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
John 13:34-35
Friday, February 3, 2017
February Happenings
BOOK
CLUB
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH AT 7:00 PM – STACEY’S
We will be discussing “The Opposite of Loneliness”
by
Marina Keegan.
You can come even if you haven’t read it.
WARD TEMPLE DAY – FEBRUARY 15TH
LUNCH
BUNCH
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21st 11:30 AM –
TACO
BELL/KFC (Garrison & 58th)
Everyone is invited – Each person pays for their
own.
STAKE
WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH 9:00 – 1:00 Stake
Center
SAVE THE DATE!
RS
MEETING - Thursday, March 9th at 7:00
SERVICE:
Bring ‘Birthday Bag Items’ to donate through March 9th.
What to donate: cake mix, frosting, candles, paper plates,
napkins, and anything else that can make up a party in a bag. Add a small toy,
crayons, coloring book or other gift item, and put them in a nice party bag,
and mark if it’s for a boy or girl.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
February Newsletter
Presidency Message by Marty Rozeski
Love - the Essence of the Gospel
Have you ever prayed to love someone? As a teacher in elementary school, I often prayed to love my students. Not a hard prayer for Heavenly Father to grant. I was always seeking the kind of love that would just naturally flow out of me. I wanted to give without thought, because I cared for the child so much.
The following is taken from a talk by our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, entitled, ‘Love-the Essence of the Gospel’.:
Birthdays
8 Jenny Maxwell
8 Debra Miskimon
8 Jerry Whiting
9 Jennie Sleight
12 Martha Cardon
19 Margaret Agnew
20 Rachel Mason
23 Kathy Conley
25 Sabrina Hankal
Lesson Schedule – (Gordon B Hinkley)
Feb 5 Presidency message Jan Welling
Feb 12 #3 “Cultivating an Attitude of Happiness and a Spirit of Optismism”
Feb 19 #4 “The Pioneer Heritage of Faith and Sacrifice”
Feb 26 “The Souls Sincere Desire” by Carol McConkie AND “The Lord, Jesus Christ, Teaches Us to Pray” by Juan A Uceda
Upcoming Events
Feb 15 Ward Temple Day
Feb 25 Stake Women’s Conference 9-1
Mar 9 Relief Society Meeting
Other Opportunities
Feb 2 Lady’s Night Out at 8 pm at Malone’s (64th & Indiana)
Feb 9 Book Group 7 pm at Stacey’s “The Opposite of Loneliness” by Marina Keegan
Feb 21 Lunch Bunch at 11:30 at KFC on 58th
Wednesdays 9 am Playgroup
Saturdays 8 am basketball Stake Center
Mon & Wed 9 am Aerobics
Love - the Essence of the Gospel
Have you ever prayed to love someone? As a teacher in elementary school, I often prayed to love my students. Not a hard prayer for Heavenly Father to grant. I was always seeking the kind of love that would just naturally flow out of me. I wanted to give without thought, because I cared for the child so much.
The following is taken from a talk by our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, entitled, ‘Love-the Essence of the Gospel’.:
My Beloved brothers and sisters, when our Savior ministered among men, He was asked by the inquiring lawyer, ”Master, which is the great commandment in the law?”
Mathew records that Jesus responded: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. “This is the first and great commandment. “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
Mark concludes the account with the Savior’s statement: ”There is non other commandment greater than these.”
We cannot truly love God if we do not love our fellow travelers in this mortal journey. Likewise we cannot fully love our fellowmen if we do not love God, the Father of us all. The Apostle John tells us, “This commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” We are all spirit children of our Heavenly Father and, as such, are brothers and sisters. As we keep this truth in mind, loving all of God’s children will become easier. Actually, love is the very essence of the gospel, and Jesus Christ is our Exemplar.I now often pray to love the sisters in the ward. I pray for the ones I know well, and the ones I only know by name. As we serve we learn to love, but I also need to pray to love those I serve. I need the kind of love that flows out of me without thought or judgment. I think we all do. Heavenly Father always answers our prayers. Sometimes we need to be constant in our prayers because we are flawed and need his continual strength. Pray for those you love and for the ability to love.
Birthdays
8 Jenny Maxwell
8 Debra Miskimon
8 Jerry Whiting
9 Jennie Sleight
12 Martha Cardon
19 Margaret Agnew
20 Rachel Mason
23 Kathy Conley
25 Sabrina Hankal
Lesson Schedule – (Gordon B Hinkley)
Feb 5 Presidency message Jan Welling
Feb 12 #3 “Cultivating an Attitude of Happiness and a Spirit of Optismism”
Feb 19 #4 “The Pioneer Heritage of Faith and Sacrifice”
Feb 26 “The Souls Sincere Desire” by Carol McConkie AND “The Lord, Jesus Christ, Teaches Us to Pray” by Juan A Uceda
Upcoming Events
Feb 15 Ward Temple Day
Feb 25 Stake Women’s Conference 9-1
Mar 9 Relief Society Meeting
Other Opportunities
Feb 2 Lady’s Night Out at 8 pm at Malone’s (64th & Indiana)
Feb 9 Book Group 7 pm at Stacey’s “The Opposite of Loneliness” by Marina Keegan
Feb 21 Lunch Bunch at 11:30 at KFC on 58th
Wednesdays 9 am Playgroup
Saturdays 8 am basketball Stake Center
Mon & Wed 9 am Aerobics
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