Happy Easter and Happy General Conference this weekend!!

Hope you have a great Easter weekend and be sure and listen to our Prophet and Apostles on Saturday and Sunday too!!

Gifts of the Spirit--Lesson on Sunday--Kathy

What are gifts of the Spirit?
For what purpose do we need them?
How do we receive them?

Gifts of the spirit come from God.  They are the gifts of God, they originate with Him and are special blessings that He bestows upon those who love and keep His commandments.  Bruce R. McConkie

For what purpose--Found in 1 Corinthians 12:12-30.  They are given for the benefit of the church.  When we receive gifts from God we can then bless the lives of others with those gifts. 

How do we receive them?  Spiritual gifts are given to all who have the gift of the Holy Ghost.  All followers of Jesus Christ who are baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and seek to keep the commandments receive one or more spiritual gifts. 
Orson Pratt---"Whenever the Holy Ghost takes up its residence in a person, it not only cleanses, sanctifies, and purifies him in proportion as he yields himself to its influence, but also imparts to him some gifts, intended for the benefit of himself and others.  No one who has been born of the Spirit, and who remains sufficiently faithful, is left destitute of a spiritual gift."

Any weakness we have can be strengthen by Spiritual Gifts.  We must want to change.  We must ask in earnest for the blessings of spiritual gifts.  We must have a change of heart and really want to make our weaknesses become strengths.

WE MUST ASK!!!  EARNESTLY ASK!!

Just a few examples--

From Wendy Watson Nelson--What would a Holy Women do?
IF you're too negative, pray for the gift of hop, of optimism.
IF you lost your temper, pray for mildnes or understanding.
IF you are easily discouraged, pray for persistence or endurance.
IF you find that you are increasingly anxious about many things, pray for peace.
IF you are easily hurt by others, pray for faith.  Faith in Jesus Christ.
IF life has been pretty easy for you, and you've always been the best and the brightest, pray for the gift of humility and for the ability to learn from others.
Others you can ask for:
A gift of cheerful countenance, a gift of true conversion, a gift of selflessness, of forgiveness, of healing, of wisdom.

President George Q. Cannon--"If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect.  No man ought to say--Oh, I cannot help this, it is my nature.  He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised to give strength to correct these things, and to give gifts that will eradicate them."
Great lesson Kathy.  Thanks so much. 
Lots of things to think about....

Egg Recipe from our Birthday Party!!

Baked Egg Casserole

6 eggs, beaten

2 cups milk

12 oz. hash browns, thawed

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 1/2 cup diced ham

1 green onion, chopped

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

Mix eggs, milk, onion, salt, pepper and cheese.  Place hash browns in buttered 9x13 pan.  Put ham on top of potatoes.  Pour egg mixture over all.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.  Bake at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes.

New sisters...losing others!!

We are sad to say that we are losing Casten and Cari Fischer this month.  Did I say we were sad!!  We are.  They are moving back to Manti for now.  He may be going off to Medical School soon.  They are not sure of their plans right now.  We wish them the best and hope things work out the way they want them to. 

  But, we do have a couple of new sisters to welcome!!

Heather Maughn has moved into the ward with her 3 kids into an apartment on Mountain View.  327 is their house number.  We are so excited to have them.  Dyllan is 15, Kelsey is 11, and Logan is 6.  Heather works out at Kolob Canyon RTC in New Harmony.  Please take the time to welcome them.  A plate of cookies would be great.  It's always hard to move into a new place and feel excepted.  I know from experience and the more that can make the effort, the easier it is!!!

Angie Shields is also going to be coming our ward now.  Although she lives on 700 West in Sunset Ridge she is our newest sister on the block.  We are so glad to have her.  She has a little girl, Mckenna who is 4.  Her apartment number is 1545.  Again, a plate of cookies would be great.

WELCOME LADIES!!   

Things the Atonement is NOT.

The Atonement is not just about receiving but also giving.

Great perspective awaits those who are willing to see that as we choose to accept and use this gift, we also bring joy and glory to God.  Sometimes we mistakenly believe God and Jesus already have everything, but They don't have you or me until we consciously give ourselves to Them.

As we freely offer our hearts and wills, we can bring Them great joy.  I find purpose and satisfaction in knowing that in this small and simple way, I have something to give Them.

Without us, the blessed emblems of the sacrament would simply sit in tray each Sunday.  It is up to us to pick them up and internalize them.  As we do so, we are not just receiving, we are also giving.

By Brad Wilcox

Yes, we had a great time!!

Party, party, party.  It was so fun and we missed you if you couldn't make it.  Just to let you know it was

International Waffle Day 

on the 25th.  Did we plan it that way...Well maybe not, but it sure turned out great.  We really did have fun visiting...and the program was great.  The food was amazing.  Recipes to follow.  We made our very own Mormon Message,  Thanks to all that helped.  Our committee went above and beyond.  Thank you to Carisa, to Mandee and Katie.  They worked really hard.  Shari, JayLynn and Crystal are on the board too.  Corrine is always helping too. Thanks to the 19th ward too.  It's always so fun to have them on board and so willing to help with everything.  We love you too!!  Thanks to their board!!

Happy Birthday Relief Society...2015 

 Now, look at those cute smiles.  Such sweet sisters.  Rochelle, Stephanie and Sandi!!

 Cute mom's and babies!!  Denise and Shalyce

 Sandy was adding what she was thankful for! 

 Yea, Holli and Amy!!

 I know I got some great picture.  So cute...Lavona!!

 Cute smiles!!

 Such a cute picture!!  Love you Carma Lee

 Thank you Carisa..so much!!

 We tried to get them doing their dance.  Close!!

 Thanks Lynn for bringing our newest member of the ward..Well..not quite yet, but soon. Ashley Lambeth!!

 Such great friends.  That's what it's all about!!  Relief Society!!

 It's our very own Mildred!! She's not much for having breakfast for dinner we got her there!  So grateful for you, Mildred!!

 She didn't want her picture taken...but I got one anyway.  Cute Teresa!!

 Cute decorations!!  Thanks to Mandee and Katie!!

 Cute tables..

 She said it was the first time in a long time that she actually got to EAT without inhaling it.  With 5 kids you have to eat on the run!!

 Yes, it was an attitude problem.  NO PICTURE!!  But I got one anyway!!  Go Kelly!

 Lynelle and Mom, Lynette!!  Love those smiles!!  SO glad you were there!!

 

Looks like their having fun!!  Good visit...

Story I didn't know about...

Pioneers in wagons and handcarts were not the only Latter-day Saints who made the difficult journey to Zion. Australian Saints aboard the Julia Ann faced their own unique test of faith when they were shipwrecked--an experience of tragedy and testimony that the survivors would never forget nor regret.

At the time of departure, there were a total of 56 aboard the Juli Ann, half of whom were Latter-day Saints, including three Mormon crew-members. As the Saints left the Sydney docks, they were singing "The Gallant Ship Is Under Weigh," a hymn written by the famous LDS poet and hymn writer W.W. Phelps.
Captain Benjamin F. Pond--"The first two weeks at sea were altogether exceedingly unpleasant; head winds, accompanied with much rain.  We however entered the south-east trades, and everything again brightened, promising a speedy and pleasant voyage."
Indeed, the voyage began pleasantly enough, but on October 4th, nearly a month into their travels, the ship began picking up speed while passing between Mopea and the Scilly Isles.

DISASTER STRIKES

Accounts were given by 2 Latter-day Saint passengers, John McCarthy and Andrew Anderson.  Andrew Anderson was a missionary in Australia in the early 1840's.  

About half-past eight o'clock the Julia Ann struck on a reef.  Word came out from someone for the passengers to go to the cabin, and by the time I got the four children out of bed, the water was knocking about the boxes.  I got mu leg very much bruised with a large box, with difficulty we gained the cabin, and about ten minutes after we left, house, gally, and box were all overboard, preparations were made to go on the rocks to ascertain whether we could get any footing, as there was no land in sight, the ship was breaking up fast.

Some of the passengers drowned, but some made it to the reef.  They were stranded on that reef for several days until the captain made a makeshift boat to sail to a near-by island.  (More than 8 miles away)

They survived on Turtle eggs and coconuts.

After being on that island for almost two months the weather suddenly changed its course and blew toward Samoa, which the captain recognized as "Divine Providence."  They carried the makeshift boat across land about 200 years and launched it with a crew of 10 brave men who would need to row continuously for several days, both day and night.

With very few provisions, (some salted pork and a little turtle, along with two casks of water) they set out.

John McCarthy claimed to have had two dreams, which ultimately led to the rescuce.  One of his dreams made know that if the 10-man crew voyaged to Samoa, they would drown, but the other revealed that if they rowed toward the Society Islands (Bora Bora), they would be saved. 

In late November, the crew was so exhausted they did not have the strength to walk after natives helped them from their makeshift boat.  

On December 3, the remaining castaways on Scully Island were saved.

This is quite a story!!  

There is a book--"Divine Providence" with the whole story of accounts of the survivors.

These pioneers wanted something better.  They wanted to live where they could worship without persecutions.  They wanted to come to Zion.

We are so BLESSED!! 

AMAZING STORY!!  Who knew? 

  

Reminder for upcoming events

• Saturday March 28th--General Woman's Broadcast, Ages 8 and up, 6:00 p.m. at the Stake Center

• Just a reminder--Temple is closed all this week and next.  It reopens on the 4th, I think.  I know it is open for sure on the 6th.  The Baptistry will remain closed until April 18th.

• General Conference April 4th and 5th.  We get to stay home and listen to our Prophet and Apostles.  

• Ladies Night Out at the Temple--Wednesday--April 8th.  Leave the chapel parking lot at 5:30.

• Our Ward Conference will be held on April 26th.  Our Stake Presidency will be visiting that day!!

Thought for the day..

Love it!!!

TODAY is the DAY!!

 Relief Society Birthday Party!!

Tonight at the church...

6:30 p.m.

Dinner and a movie!!

Our very own Mormon Message!!

Laughter and Visiting!!

Please Come!!!

Bring a neighbor!!

8 things the Atonement Is Not..

• #2  The Atonement is not just about sins but also struggles...

Even though many of our challenges do not make us unworthy,, they can still pull us from God.  How often do we raise angry fists toward heaven and cry "Why me? instead of humbly reaching out to God and Christ?

Christ descended below all things.  This includes our mistakes, loneliness, and afflictions.  Christ's Atonement qualifies Him to be able to succor us in desperate moments because He has literally felt our pain.

Party on March 25th--please come!!

Remember the Birthday Party on the 25th of March!!

You really don't want to miss it.

Dinner and a program

Come visit and enjoy!!

6:30 p.m.

Chapel

Lesson--Melissa--CHapter 6

Jesus Christ, Our Savior and Redeemer..

Just a few quotes..You really need to read this chapter.  It has soooo much information that I can't really share it all.  

 No other single influence has had so great an impact on this earth as the life of Jesus the Christ.

Jesus came to earth to do our Father's will

He came with a foreknowledge that He would bear the burden of the sins of us all

He knew he would be lifted up on the cross

He was born to be the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind

He was able to accomplish His mission because He was the Son of God and He possessed the power of God

He was willing to accomplish His mission because He loves us

In Gethsemane and on Calvary, Jesus worked out the infinite and eternal atonement.  It was the greatest single act of love in recorded history.  Then followed His death and resurrection.  

Thus he became our Redeemer!!!

EVERYTHING he did was prompted by His unselfish, infinite love for us!!

We must gain our own personal testimonies of Jesus Christ

To have a testimony of Jesus is to possess knowledge through the Holy Ghost.

A testimony of Jesus is:

To know the divine nature of our Lord's birth

that He is indeed the Only Begotten Son 

that He was the promised Messiah

that His doctrines are true

That He voluntarily took upon Himself the sins of all mankind in the Garden of Gethsemane

that He came forth triumphantly from the grave with a physical, resurrected body

that He actually appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and established a new dispensation of His gospel

that the church that He established in this dispensation is the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth.

Having such a testimony is vital.  But of even greater importance is BEING valiant in our testimony.

WOW---there is so much material.  Please read it.  You will be greatly rewarded.

I want each of you ladies in our ward to know that I have a testimony of Jesus Christ.  I have felt His love and influence in my life.  I know that he lives and wants so badly for us to come unto Him.  We need to be people of action.  We need to show Him where our hearts are and who He can depend on.  I love this gospel and I know that if we live it, it will bring us happiness and joy in this life.  We love each of you so much and pray for you daily.  Hoping that life will bring you the righteous desires of your hearts.   

Thanks Melissa for the lesson.  We missed you if you weren't there!!

8 Things the Atonement is Not

Sometimes we mistakenly believe God and Jesus already have everything, but they don't have you or me until we consciously give ourselves to them. 

WOW--what a statement...

This article in the LDS Living this month is written by Brad Wilcox who is my all-time favorite person and author.  I am going to give you "The 8 things the Atonement is Not" weekly for the next 8 weeks.  Hope you enjoy learning what he has to say. 

 1.  The Atonement is not just about immortality and eternal life but about not having one without the other.

Living forever may not be such a great gift without the possibility of living with God and loved ones.  When my daughter Whitney was in elementary school, she read Tuck Everlasting---a wonderful novel that tells the story of a fictional family finding the fountain of youth, drinking, and then discovering that living forever is not all it's cracked up to be.  

One night while I was putting Whitney to bed, she asked, "Dad, you know how you say because of Jesus we will live forever?  Well, what if I don't want to?"  What joy I felt as I was able to testify to my young daughter that immortality is only part of Jesus' great gift.  It is coupled with the possibility of eternal families and eternal purposes!!

Lesson--Rochelle--Chapter 5

Principles of True Repentance

For those who pay the price required by true repentance, the promise is sure.  You can be clean again.  The despair can be lifted.  The sweet peace of forgiveness will flow into your lives.

I thought it would be good to give you just a few of the quotes from the lesson.  

This sure made me feel a whole lot better about being able to make it through this life and having hope in the life after. 

"It is better to prepare and prevent than it is to repair and repent!!!

Taught by President Ezra Taft Benson

"The Lord works from the inside out.  The world works from the outside in.  The world would take people out of the slums.  Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums.  The world would mold men by changing their environment.  Christ changes men, who then change their environment.  The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature."

The gospel is a plan of HAPPINESS!!  Commandments are not meant to restrict freedom and limit happiness.  It's just the opposite!!

We have to change our HEARTS to truly repent.  Read Alma:5  It's amazing!!

We need to learn the term---Godly Sorrow...

It is not uncommon to find men and women in the world who feel remorse for the things they do wrong.  Sometimes this is because their actions cause them or loved ones great sorrow and misery.  Sometimes their sorrow is caused because they are caught and punished for their actions.  Such worldly feelings do not constitute godly sorrow.  It goes back to your heart!!

Godly sorrow is a gift of the Spirit.  And this gift is essential for true repentance.

Remember...NO ONE is more anxious to see us change our lives than the Father and the Savior.

"I stand at the door, and knock:  if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him." 

(Rev. 3:20)

We have weaknesses, and are blessed to have them so that we can become humble and truly want to change. If we want to really change, then we have to ask for help.  Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are there to bless if we will be ask.

"Becoming Christlike is a lifetime pursuit and very often involves growth and change that is slow, almost imperceptible.  We must not lose hope.  We can't live in the past.  People who live in the past don't have very much future.  Let us learn and then move on!!!"

Live in the present and in the future!!!

Great lesson on Repentance. 

Thanks Rochelle

A Quiz---The Miracles of Jesus

I thought this little quiz was interesting.  It's all about the miracles that Christ performed while he was teaching the people.  See what you know? 

1.  How many of Christ's miracles in the New Testament involved fish?

A.  3            B.  4             C.  5          D.  6

2.  What was the last miracle Jesus performed before His death and resurrection?

A.  He cursed a fig tree  B.  He healed 10 lepers  C.  He healed a servant of the high priest

D.  He healed a blind man

3.  Who was the first woman Jesus healed?

A.  Mary Magdalene  B.  Simon Peter's mother-in-law  C.  The woman with an issue of blood

D.  The woman with an infirmity for 18 years

4.  How many miracles involvede Christ casting out devils?

A.  3        B.  4        C. 5        D. 6

5.  How many fish did Peter and the six other disciples catch when the resurrected Christ told them to cast their nets again at the Sea of Galilee?

A.  79    B.  87    C.  153    D.  164

Answers to follow....

 

Things to think about..

"It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ's Atonement shines."

I didn't know..

 Elvis Attends Seminary...

Elvis didn't relish his title of King. As he said, "there is only one King," and that was Jesus Christ. 
Deeply religious and a heavy reader of spiritual topics, Elvis showed considerable interest in the LDS Church and maintained many close connections with Mormons.  In fact, after his death, a copy of the Book of Mormon was found in his room with the message, "Priscilla needs to read this," written within the well-worn cover.
Elvis's good relationship with Mormons was dur in large part to Latter-day Saint and martial arts expert Ed Parker.  After training Elvis in self-defense, Parker became Elvis's personal body guard.  Knowing Elvis's affinity for religion, Parker gave Elvis a series of LDS books, which Elvis read avidly.
On night, Elvis drove with Parker from Las Vegas to Pasadena, arriving in California early in the morning.  When Parker invited Elvis to meet his two girls, who were attending early morning seminary, Elvis accepted withut hesitation.
Elvis met with and embraced Parker's daughters outside the seminary building.  Then, he surprised everyone with his own request: could he speak with their whole seminary class?  Elvis complimented these young faithful Saints for taking the time to learn more about the one true King and provided his own witness of Jesus Christ.

LDS Living--March/April 2015

Thought for the day...

The only person that can make you happy is you!!

 It's a choice. 

Just ANOTHER reminder...Woman's Conference this Saturday!!

Please remember to come to the Stake Center this Saturday--the 7th for the Woman's Conference that the Stake is putting on for us.  They have gone to a lot of effort to have some very nice things.  It starts at 9:00 and goes until noon.  They are going to have a light brunch at noon. 

NO sneaking in just for the food!!  Just kidding.

I know that the Stake ladies have worried and stewed and lost sleep over this one. 

 Please come and support them.  And besides we will have fun and learn something while we're there!!

THEN... also remember that we have the "Ten Virgin" special program on Sunday night at 7:00.  It's also at the stake center.  I know that there has been lots of hard work and time spent.  These ladies have such talent and you will be sad if you miss it.  They have wonderful voices and the spirit is amazing.  Please come and support.  The message that you will go away feeling will be one that will teach, edify and help you rededicate yourselves to what's really important in life.  

I PROMISE!!

Just a reminder

On out calendar this month, (MARCH) the birthday party was put on the wrong date.  It's not the 18th of March but it's the following week.  It's on the 25th.  You really won't want to miss it!!  It's going to be a girl's night out!!  Please plan to attend.  We are going to have great food, great company and a short program.  Waffles with ALL the trimmings.  I promise you will be sad if you miss.

 THE 25TH!!  6:30 at the church.

We're planning on you!!

 

Lesson from last week in RS...Carisa

It was a great lesson...She titled it--Remember to Look up!!!
Her lesson was one that she wanted to encourage, uplift, inspire, reassure and cheer-up all that were there.  We really do have to pat ourselves on the back from time to time.  Life seems to just beat us up most of the time.  But if we stick to the simple but necessary principles of the gospel we will be ok.
She talked about the phrase--FEAR NOT!!  Carisa had researched about the phrase FEAR NOT..  Just how many times it appears in the scriptures, in conference talks and books written by the brethren.  I can't quite remember the exact amount but it was unbelievable.  At least a million times.  (Not really, but it seemed like it!!)  I know that the Lord and the Apostles are telling us to fear not in these last days.  If we are doing what we're supposed to be doing, then we have no need to fear the future.  

Principles to remember...(Nothing new, as you will see.)  

It's amazing that the scriptures and the brethren repeat themselves over and over!! 

 And what I take from that.... 

WE ARE SLOW LEARNERS!!!

1.  Prayer--who really knows you best?  Your Heavenly Father.  So why are we so reluctant at times to turn to Him. To have a great conversation with the one who can help in all aspects of our lives.  Great discussion!!
2.  Scripture study--Find what works for you!!  Study lesson manuals, Ensign, Scripture study books, anything that will help you understand what you are reading.  I know that we have been counseled to read even though you may not understand.  The peace that comes and the spirit that accompanies you as you study will always be a help in your life.  We are so blessed to be able to have these wonderful books to study from and to learn what we need to learn to be closer to God.
Question? 

HAVE YOU EVER READ THE SCRIPTURES OR TALKS FROM THE APOSTLES AND NOT BEEN UPLIFTED IN SOME WAY??  

HAVE YOU EVER FELT THAT IT WAS TIME WASTED?  

I don't know about you, but--NOT ME!!

3.  Service--I can promise that if you will service someone today, you will be blessed.  I have been amazed that when I sincerely pray for opportunities to serve, I will always find them.  Ask Heavenly Father to help you and He will!!  I PROMISE!!  

Sisters...there are those among us that need you.  There are those who need to feel a part of us.  A part of our neighborhoods, they need friends.  Everyone needs friends.  Please serve!!  The Lord will help you find the time and bless you all along the way.  

Great lesson Carisa---Thanks for your preparation.  We love you!!

BE A FRIEND!!!!

Thought for the day...

It says it all!!!

Have a great day, week, month!!!

Ok, I'll add year too!!!

Count your blessings!!