Sunday Lesson: May 24th

Our lesson today was on the Conference talk Returning to Faith by Sis. Rosemary M. Wixom. There is a story in the talk about a young moher and her conversion. Her constant quest was to know why. Elder Russell M. Nelson has said, "The Lord can only teach an inquiring mind." She continued to ask questions. The questions grew harder and so did the answers. Sometimes there were no answers, or no answers that brought peace. She began to question the foundations of her faith. Some told her to lean on their faith, but she knew she couldn't. Her parents knew her heart and gave her space. Her loving bishop often spoke of his confidence in her. Ward members did not hesitate to give love and she felt included. "Her ward was not a place to put on a perfect face; it was a place of nurture."

This young mother read a book about Mother Teresa, who had shared some similar feelings of inadequacy. In a 1953 letter she wrote; "Please pray specially for me that I may not spoil His work and that Our Lord may show Himself - for there is such terrible darkness within me, as if everything was dead...Ask Our Lord to give me courage." Mother Teresa's archbishop replied to her letter this way: "God guides you, dear Mother; you are not so much in the dark as you think. The path to be followed may not always be clear at once. Pray for light; do not decide too quickly, listen to what others have to say, consider their reasons. You will always find something to help you . . . .Guided by faith, by prayer, and by reason with a right intention, you have enough." This young mother thought that if Mother Teresa could live her religion without all the answers maybe she could too. "She could take one simple step forward in faith - and then another. She could focus on the truths she did believe and let those truths fill her mind and heart."

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland once said, "Humility, faith, and the influence of the Holy Spirit [will] always be elements of every quest for truth." As this young mother reflected back, she said, "My testimony had become like a pile of ashes. It had all burned down. All that remained was Jesus Christ. But He does not leave you when you have questions. When anyone tries to keep the commandments, the door is wide open. Prayer and scripture study became incredibly important." The first step she took to rebuild her faith was to start with basic gospel truth. Elder Holland has counseled, "Hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes."

Sis. Bashford invited a few sisters to share an experience when their faith had been tested and they had to rely and search for renewed faith. Sis. Erekson and Sis. Haymond shared equally moving experiences where faith brought them closer to the Savior. Elder Russell M. Nelson talked about faith in one of his recent talks. He said: "Problems abound in this world because it is populated by imperfect people. Their objectives and desires are heavily influenced by their faith or lack of it. Many put other priorities ahead of God. Some challenge the relevance of religion in modern life. Today there are those who mock or decry the free exercise of religion. Some even blame religion for any number of the world's ills. Admittedly, there have been times when atrocities have been committed in the name of religion. But living the Lord's pure religion, which means striving to become a true disciple of Jesus Christ, is a way of life and a daily commitment that will provide divine guidance. As you practice your religion, you are exercising your faith. You are letting your faith show."

Sunday Lesson: May 10th

Our lesson on Mother's Day was Chp. 14 from our manual, Marriage and Family - Ordained of God.

Before getting into the lesson, a very powerful and truthful quote by Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson was shared. She said this in the last General Women’s Session of Conference:

“May I point out something obvious? Life rarely goes exactly according to plan for anyone, and we are very aware that not all women are experiencing what (the proclamation to the world on the Family) describes. It is still important to understand and teach the Lord’s pattern and strive for the realization of that pattern the best we can. Each of us has a part to play in the plan, and each of us is equally valued in the eyes of the Lord. We should remember that a loving Heavenly Father is aware of our righteous desires and will honor His promises that nothing will be withheld from those who faithfully keep their covenants. Heavenly Father has a mission and plan for each of us, but He also has His own timetable. One of the hardest challenges in this life is to have faith in the Lord’s timing. It’s a good idea to have an alternative plan in mind, which helps us to be covenant-keeping, charitable, and righteous women who build the kingdom of God no matter which way our lives go. We need to teach our daughter to aim for the ideal but plan for contingencies.” 

The manual goes over five important truths regarding marriage and family. In class we focused on the first 3 truths and Sis. Bashford invited all of us to finish reading the lesson learn from the truths there to help our families become stronger.

The first truth we discussed is 'The family is the most important organization in time and eternity.' Pres. Benson teaches us, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints views the family as the most important organization in time and all eternity. The Church teaches that everything should center in and around the family. It stresses that the preservation of family life in time and eternity takes precedence above all other interests." Sis. Bashford pointed out to us that in the April General Conference there were many talks given by general authorities on the Family. She encouraged us to read up on those talks.

The second truth about Families is that, 'In happy marriages, husbands and wives love and serve God and each other.' In the manual we learn, "God ordained marriage from the very beginning. In the record of that first marriage recorded in Genesis, the Lord makes four significant pronouncements: firstthat it is not good for man to be alone; second, that woman was created to be a helpmeet for man [Sis. Bashford reminds us that this means equal]; third, that they twain should be one flesh; and fourth, that man should leave father and mother and cleave unto his wife." Pres. Benson also teaches us that, "From this inspired record we see that Adam and Eve provided us with an ideal example of a covenant marriage relationship. They labored together; they had children together; they prayed together; and they taught their children the gospel - together. This is the pattern God would have all righteous men and women imitate."

The third truth is, 'Strong families cultivate love, respect, and support for each family member.' Praying together, having Family Home Evening together, studying the scriptures together and playing together invite the Spirit into our homes and love grows in our families. We learn that, "One great thing the Lord requires of each of us it to provide a home where a happy, positive influence for good exists. In future years the costliness of home furnishings or the number of bathrooms will not matter much, but what will matter significantly is whether our children felt love and acceptance in the home. It will greatly matter whether there was happiness and laughter, or bickering and contention."

The fourth truth we learn about is, 'The home is the best place for children to learn the principles and practices of the gospel.' Pres. Benson teaches us, "Setting your home in order is keeping the commandments of God. This brings harmony and love...It is daily family prayer. It is teaching your family to understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is each family member keeping the commandments of God. It is...being worthy to receive a temple recommend, all family members receiving the ordinances of exaltation, and your family being sealed together for eternity." There is so much we can learn as parents from the gospel to help us rear our children in truth and light.

The last truth that we learn from the lesson is, 'God has revealed that the family may endure beyond the grave.' Pres. Benson says, "It was through Joseph Smith that the God of Heaven revealed the truth that the family may endure beyond the grave - that our sympathies, affections, and love for each other may exist forever. No sacrifice is too great to have the blessings of an eternal marriage. To most of us, a temple is easily accessible, perhaps so conveniently that the blessing is taken too casually."

The family is the most important unit on earth and in the gospel. The five truths from this lesson will help us be better parents, better spouses, better members of the church, and better children of our Heavenly Father. 

Sunday Lesson: May 3rd

We had the privilage of having a lesson from Sister Lisa Lara this week. She spoke on this talk, Make the Exercise of Faith your First Priority Elder Richard G. Scott What is Faith? We might think of the primary song that goes like this:

“Faith is knowing the sun will rise, lighting each new day. Faith is knowing the Lord will hear my prayers each time I pray. Faith is like a little seed: If planted it will grow. Faith is a swelling within my heart. When I do right, I know. Faith is knowing I lived with God before my mortal birth. Faith is knowing I can return when my life ends on earth. Faith is trust in God above; In Christ, who showed the way. Faith is strengthened; I feel it grow whenever I obey.”

The Bible Dictionary teaches us that, “To have faith is to have confidence in something or someone…Faith is kindled by hearing the testimony of those who have faith. Miracles do not produce faith but strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ; in other words, faith comes by righteousness, although miracles often confirm one’s faith.” Faith is a principle of action and power. Whenever you work toward a worthy goal, you exercise faith. You show your hope for something that you cannot yet see. (True to the Faith, pg. 54) There are many examples of faith in the scriptures…Moroni sums some of them up nicely – Ether 12:6, 12-18.

It is important to understand that our faith needs to be centered in our Savior. “Having faith in Jesus Christ means relying completely on Him – trusting in His infinite power, intelligence, and love. It includes believing His teachings. It means believing that even though you do not understand all things, He does. Remember that because He has experienced all your pains, afflictions, and infirmities, He knows how to help you rise above your daily difficulties.” (True to the Faith)
Why is it important that we have faith in our Savior? Elder Richard G. Scott says, “We were taught in the premortal world that our purpose in coming here is to be tested, tried, and stretched. We knew we would face the evils of the adversary.” Life is HARD!

Sometimes we may feel more aware of the negative things of mortality than we are of the positive…Despite all of the negative challenges we have in life, we must take time to actively exercise our faith. Such exercise invites the positive, faith-filled power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ into our lives.”

Elder Scott talks about exercising our faith. How do we do that? He suggests that there are 4 important tools “to help us come unto Christ and exercise faith in his atonement.” He says that when these tools become fundamental habits, they provide the easiest way to find peace in the challenges of mortality.

The first tool is Prayer. “As you exercise your agency and include Him in every aspect of your daily life, your heart will begin to fill with peace, buoyant peace. That peace will focus an eternal
light on your struggles. It will help you to manage those challenges from an eternal perspective.” President Monson has said, “To those within the sound of my voice who are struggling with challenges and difficulties large and small, prayer is the provider of spiritual strength, it is the passport to peace…miracles are wrought through prayer.”

The second tool is Scripture Study. We should study the scriptures as well as the words of the living prophets. General conference was held only a short month ago. How many of us have re-read or listened to some of the talks again? Elder Scott says, “We often talk to God through prayer. He most often communicates back to us through His written word.”

Elder Scott also counsels us: “Don’t yield to Satan’s lie that you don’t have time to study the scriptures. Choose to take time to study them. Feasting on the word of God each day is more important than sleep, school, work, television shows, video games, or social media. You may need to reorganize your priorities to provide time for the study of the word of God. If so, do it!”
Elder Scott makes a promise to us: “As you dedicate time every day, personally and with your family, to the study of God’s word, peace will prevail in your life. That peace won’t come from the outside world. It will come from within your home, from within your family, from within your own heart. It will be a gift of the Spirit. It will radiate out from you to influence others in the world around you. You will be doing something very significant to add to the cumulative peace in the world….I do not declare that your life will cease to have challenges…challenges are an important part of mortality. Through daily, consistent scripture study, you will find peace in the turmoil around you and strength to resist temptations. You will develop strong faith in the grace of God and know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ all will be made right according to God’s timing.”

The third tool is Family Home Evening. Says Elder Scott, “This is a precious time to bear testimony in a safe environment…to strengthen family bonds; to develop family traditions; to talk to each other; and more important, to have a marvelous time together.”
For our family we have to exercise much faith to have family home evening every week. It is not easy to do with young children. They are tired, restless, and their attention span is not very long. Elder Scott tells us, however, that, “The structure of your evening is not as important as the time invested. The gospel should be taught both formally and informally. Make it a meaningful experience for each member of the family.”
President David O McKay in 1967 declared, “Families who prayerfully prepare and consistently hold their weekly Home Evenings, and who work together during the week to apply the lessons in their lives, will be blessed. There will be better feelings between husband and wife, between parents and children, and among children. In such homes the Spirit of the Lord will be made manifest.” Who doesn’t want that promise?!

The fourth tool that Elder Scott talks about is Temple Attendance. There is no more peaceful place in all the world than the temple. If you don’t have a temple recommend, qualify to get one. When you do have a recommend, use it often. Elder Scott advises that we schedule a regular time to be in the temple. “Don’t let anyone or anything prevent you from being there.” He also tells us, “The temple is one of the best places to come to understand the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Seek Him there.”

Through these four tools our faith will be strengthened and we will be able to use the power of Christ’s atonement in our lives. “Remember our Savior is the Prince of Peace. Peace in this mortal life comes from His atoning sacrifice. When we are consistently praying morning and night, study our scriptures daily, having weekly family home evening, and attending the temple regularly, we are actively responding to His invitation to “Come Unto Him.”

The more we develop these habits, the more anxious is Satan to harm us but the less is his ability to do so. Through the use of these tools, we exercise our agency to accept the full gifts of His atoning sacrifice. I know that as we put our faith in our Savior Jesus Christ, in his atonement, we will be blessed to endure the challenges that come our way. They will not necessarily be easy, but it will be possible to get through them. By using these four tools, we will be strengthened to do so.

May Newsletter

Presidency Message by Marty Rozeski
I’m glad I am a woman.


As a kid, I didn’t quite feel this way. All my playmates were boys, and I loved catching worms, exploring the vacant lot, and getting dirty. Dresses were so uncomfortable. My one middle school girl friend was more of a tomboy than I. We raced horses in the fields and loved getting dirty playing ball. As I matured, I came to realize all those things I loved as a child were part of the woman I was to become.


As a woman I can still go hiking, fishing, skiing, camping, and even get dirty digging in the garden. I can also enjoy the gifts God gave me by virtue of my nature as a woman. I have learned I am a daughter of God. This is a priceless blessing. Daughters of God know that the nurturing nature we possess is a divine attribute that blesses our lives.


I understand what Elder Neal A. Maxwell meant when he said: “When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses?”


Growing up I was nurtured with various examples of womanhood. My German grandmother taught me the peace of an organized home, and the wonder of growing a plant from seed to blossom. My French grandmother taught me the joy of making a flaky piecrust, and the laughter of friends. My mother visited these two women faithfully every week and telephoned them daily. She taught me loyalty to family, and love with action. Think of your grandmothers, mother, aunts, cousins, and sisters. They were all your invaluable teachers on your path to womanhood. I invite you to reflect on the lessons learned from women in your life.


I agree with Margaret Nadauld when she said, “Sister, regardless of your age, please understand all that you are and must be, all that you were prepared to be in royal courts on high by God Himself. May we use with gratitude the priceless gifts we have been given for the lifting of mankind to higher thinking and nobler aspirations.”


Love, Marty, Lisa, Jan, & Debbie


Birthdays
1 Deborah Fiore
2 Claudia Forbes
8 Sabrina Bain-Homack
14 Jamie Schenek
14 Peggy Milligan
16 Amy Jones
16 Mary Opidee
19 Kayla Cook
21 Margaret Rhoades
23 Amy Johnson
29 Sharon Rankin
30 Jacquelyn Brady

Lesson Schedule – (Ezra Taft Benson)
May 3 Presidency message by Lisa Lara
May 10 #14 “Marriage & Family-Ordained of God” taught by Jenny Maxwell
May 17 #9 “The Book of Mormon-Keystone of our Religion” taught by Kay Bashford
May 24 “Returning to Faith” by Rosemary Wixom taught by Mary Kay Bashford
May 31 Stake Conference


Upcoming Events
May 20 – Temple Day
May 30 & 31 – Stake Conference
June 11 – Relief Society Meeting 7:00


Other Opportunities
May 12 Lunch Bunch 11am at Dairy Queen (11631 W 64th Ave)
May 13 Cooking Class – Chocolate Desserts (cookie balls & flavored popcorn) 7pm at Kyle Koyle’s home cost $5.00

Thursdays 9:30 am playgroup
Saturdays 8 am pickup basketball Stake Center
Mon & Wed 9 am Aerobics
1,2,4 Wednesdays Family History classes 7 pm

Sunday, Apr 26th

Pres. Uchtdorf, The Gift of Grace. Sis. Bashford point out that it is virtually impossible to talk about the gift of grace without talking about the Savior's atonement. Pres. Uchtdorf says, "I have tried to undertand the Savior's Atonement with my mind, and the only explanation I can come up with is this: God loves us deeply, perfectly, and everlastingly. I cannot even begin to estimate "the breadth, and length, and depth, and height....[of] the love of Christ." 

Pres. Uchtdorf teaches us that a powerful expression of the love of Christ is often called the 'grace of God' - the divine assistance and endowment of strength by which we grow from the flawed and limited beings we are now into exalted beings of "truth and light, until [we are] glorified in trith and [know] all things.

Grace unlocks the gates of heaven in the sense that because we all sin and come short of the the glory of God, grace is our salvation through Christ to reach our full potential. Pres. Uchtdorf says, "With the gift of God's grace, the path of discipleship does not lead backward; it leads upward. It leads to heights we can scarcely comprehend! It leads to exaltation in the celestial kingdom...."

A story from Brad Wilcox about a young man who had been in prison more than once. Bro. Wilcox thought he could be helped if he attended EFY. The young man didn't last even one day. At the days end he called his mother and said, "Get me out of here." Bro. Wilcox then says, "The older I get and the more I understand this wonderful plan of redemption, the more I realize that in the final judgement it will not be the unrepentant sinner begging Jesus, 'Let me stay.' No, he will probably be saying, 'Get me out of here!' Knowing Christ's character, I believe that if anyone is going to be begging on that occasion, it will probably be Jesus begging the unrepentant sinner, 'Please choose to stay. Please, use my Atonement - not just to be cleansed but to be changed so that you want to stay." Brother Wilcox then states, "Heaven will not be heaven for those who have not chosen to be heavenly."

Pres. Uchtdorf teaches us, "To inherit this glory, we need more than an unlocked gate; we must enter through this gate with a heart's desire to be changed - a change so dramatic that the scriptures describe it as being "born again; yea, born of God, changed from [our worldly] and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters."

"So when does Grace happen? When do we receive the gift of Grace?" Sis. Bashford explains that it happens right now, every day, all day long. Bro. Wilcox helps explain this by thinking about a young pianist. "When a young pianist hits a wrong note, we don't say he is not worthy to keep practicing. We don't expect him to be flawless. We just expect him to keep trying. Perfection may be his ultimate goal, but for now we can be content with progress in the right direction. Why is this perspective so easy to see in the context of learning piano but so hard to see in the context of learning heaven?" Grace takes time. President Uchtdorf says, "Throughout our lives, God's grace bestows temporal blessings and spiritual gifts that magnify our abilities and enrich our lives. His grace refines us. His grace helps us become our best selves."

Pres. Uchtdorf then teaches us, "Living the gospel faithfully is not a burden. It is a joyful rehearsal - a preparation for inheriting the grand glory of the eternities. We seek to obey our Heavenly Father because our spirits will become more attuned to spiritual things. Vistas are opened that we never new existed. Enlightenment and understanding come to us when we do the will of the Father. Grace is a gift of God, and our desire to be obedient to each of God's commandments is the reaching out of our mortal hand to receive this sacred gift from our Heavenly Father."

Sunday Lesson: Apr 19th

This Sunday's lesson was on Chp. 8 of our manual, The Power of the Word. The lesson comes from a talk given by President Benson at his first general conference as president of the church in April 1986. 

President Benson points out to us as members that, "We live in a day of great challenge. We live in that time of which the Lord spoke when he said, 'Peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion.'" (D&C 1:35) Pres. Benson talked about how John the Revelator foresaw our day when Satan would wage war against the members of the Church. He also reminds us that the prophet Lehi saw our day in his great dream of the tree of life. He saw that many people would wander blindly in the mists of darkenss and how some would fall away 'in forbidden paths'. The apostle Paul also saw our day and described things such as "blasphemy, dishonesty, cruelty, unnatural affection, pride, and pleasure seeking would abound."

From Lehi's dream comes the answer to how we can stay out of the mists of darkness and be strong against the powers of Satan. Lehi saw in his dream that if people would hold fast to the iron rod, they wouldn't wander. Laman and Lemuel asked, "What meaneth the rod of iron?" Nephi answered, "It was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction." President Benson teaches, "Not only will the word of God lead us to the fruit which is desirable above all others, but in the word of God and through it we can find the power to resist temptation, the power to thwart the work of Satan and his emissaries."

President Benson quotes President Kimball when he said in a 1976 First Presidency message, "I am convinced that each of us, at least some time in our lives, must discover the scriptures for ourselves - and not just discover them once, but rediscover them again and again..."  Sis. Bashford asked us what keeps us from having consistent scripture reading. There are many things that can keep us from making a consistent time to read the scriptures, but the biggest reason is that we are not committed. We need to make scripture study a priority in our lives, and not let other things take away from it. 

There are so many things from the lesson that teach us what constant scripture study can do for ourselves. As a class we discussed many of these. They include:

- Make wise unto salvation

- Never perish

- Control the adversary in our lives

- Get answers to our challenges

- Fortify us to resist eveil and find joy

- Find doctrines of salvation

- Nourish us spiritually

- Keep us active in the Church

- Increase our testimony and commitment

- Help us receive revelation

- Make us prosperous and successful in things that matter most

- Heal the wounded soul

- We will not be deceived

- Light our pathway

- Give us direction

- Stand up to the adversary

- Resist temptation

- Give guidance for our daily life

Pres. Benson pleads with us when he says, "Oh, my brethren, let us not treat lightly the great things we have received from the hand of the Lord! His word is one of the most valuable gifts He has given us. I urge you to recommit yourselves to a study of the scriptures. Immerse yourselves in them daily so you will have the power of the Spirit to attend you in your callings...If you do so, you will find, as Alma did, that 'the word [has] a great tendency to lead people to do that which [is] just - yea, it [has] more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which [has] happened unto them.'" (Alma 31:5)

Sunday Lesson: Apr 12th

Ezra Taft Benson manual, Joseph Smith, an Instrument in the Hands of the Lord. Throughout the lesson in the manual Pres. Benson shares a powerful testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith. He said, "Joseph SMith was a prophet of the Living God, one of the greatest prophets that has ever lived upon the earth. He was the instrument in God's hand in ushering in a great gospel dispensation, the greatest ever, and the last of all in preparation for the second coming of the Master."

"Why do you think the First Vision the greatest event in history since the resurrection of Jesus Christ?" Pres. Benson teaches us, "it is not something that concerns only a handful of people. It is a message and a revelation intended for all of our Father's children living upon the face of the earth. It was the greatest event that has ever happened in this world since the resurrection of the Master. Sometimes I think we are so close to it that we don't fully appreciate its significance and importance and the magnitude of it."

During the lesson two sisters shared their testimonies about the Joseph Smith. It was such a treat to hear from both women; one who has been a member her whole life, and the other who is a recent convert. They both shared such powerful testimonies of the truthfulness of the First Vision and the important work that Joseph Smith did to restore the gospel in its fullness in this dispensation. 

"The most singular evidence in support of Joseph Smith's claim to being a spokes man for Almighty God was the publication of a scriptural record, the Book of Mormon," President Benson teaches us. "The major purpose of the record is to convince a latter generation that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God." "If you believe the Book of Mormon is true, then Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith was His prophet, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, and it is being led today by a prophet receiving revelation."

Sis Maxwell invited all of us at the end of her lesson to pray about the Joseph Smith's first vision in order to know for ourselves if what he saw and all the work that he did was true. Pres. Benson says, "I testify to you that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God, one of the truly and great prophets of all time, a man of destiny, a man of character, a man of courage, a man of deep spirituality, a God-like prophet of the Lord, a truly noble and great one of all time. Yes, Joseph Smith, the latter-day Prophet, was an instrument in the hands of the Lord in opening a new gospel dispensation, the last and greatest of all gospel dispensations."

Happy Easter

HE KNOW YOU! HE LOVES YOU!

GENERAL CONFERENCE

Don't miss General Conference! What a blessing and privilege it is to listen to living Prophets and Apostles of Jesus Christ. Our Savior lives, loves us, and still speaks to us through them. 

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2015 Spring Conference