Our Own Mormon Messages

My Dear Sisters...

Here is a Marvelous Monday thought for you ...

 

This is how my journal entry will begin today:

 

"Had a rough start today... rainy Monday... Juggling umbrella, water bottle, purse, etc. and I slip and wipe out in front of the car riders line at school... Rip the tights, bloody my knee... yet graceful landing... I was tempted to take a bow.  Instead I hid behind my umbrella and was grateful the sun had not come up yet... 

 

As I walk into school, I learn that a neighbor of mine has been in ICU for 10 days after giving birth. She has 4 children under the age of 6....

I immediately call another neighbor who is coordinating help and quickly offer the aid of our Relief Society.... sisters who don't know this woman or her family, but who I know will rally to her needs.

 

And just that quickly, my rough start puts a smile on my face and I am reminded of how blessed we are to have each other...

 

I sure love you all,

The ever graceful Sister Brock (torn tights and all)

 

PS... I'd like to start having some of our weekly messages come from our Relief Society Sisters (and not just Mormon Messages)... please send me your day's treasure and I'll share it with our sisters!  I think we'll be amazed at how many "moments" we each have that may otherwise go unnoticed.

The Power of a Woman's Kind Words -- Wonderful Wednesday

Dear Sisters,

In combination with my lesson the first of the month and Melody Surat's lesson last week, I thought I would share with you the Power of a Woman's Words.  Remember my lesson was on "not criticing or being judgemental of each other" and during Melody's lesson we discussed how to control our words and thoughts.  I came across this article while reading a book that Sister Jacobson had lent to me... please read.  I hope we can encourage each other to be this empowering...

 

Sophia used her words to elevate and motivate her husband. He came home very discouraged and defeated.  He had lost his job and dreaded telling his wife the bad news.  However, after explaining his plight, he was met with an unexpected response.

“Now,” she said triumphantly as she clapped her hands in delight, “you can write your book!”

“Yes”, replied the man, with sagging confidence.  “And what shall we live on while I am writing it?”

To his amazement, she opened a drawer and pulled out a substantial amount of money.

“Where on earth did you get that?” he exclaimed.

“I have always known you were a man of genius,” she told him. “I knew that someday you would write a masterpiece.  So every week out of the money you gave me for housekeeping, I saved a little bit.  Here is enough to last us for one whole year.”

From her trust, confidence, and encouraging words came one of the greatest novels of American literature.  That was the year that Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote The Scarlet Letter…

(Chicken Soup for the Soul, Canfield)

 

Here are just two examples of how they spoke of each other...

 

Of his wife, whom he referred to as his "Dove", Hawthorne wrote that she "is, in the strictest sense, my sole companion; and I need no other—there is no vacancy in my mind, any more than in my heart... Thank God that I suffice for her boundless heart!"^[34]

 

Sophia greatly admired her husband's work. In one of her journals, she wrote: "I am always so dazzled and bewildered with the richness, the depth, the ... jewels of beauty in his productions that I am always looking forward to a second reading where I can ponder and muse and fully take in the miraculous wealth of thoughts".^[35]

 

 

I hope we will take the time to share our love and confidence with members of our family and dear friends.

 

Love, Sister Brock

You Matter to Him

We Are Greater Than We Suppose

But even though man is nothing, it fills me with wonder and awe to think that “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.”⁷

And while we may look at the vast expanse of the universe and say, “What is man in comparison to the glory of creation?” God Himself said we are the reason He created the universe! His work and glory—the purpose for this magnificent universe—is to save and exalt mankind.⁸ In other words, the vast expanse of eternity, the glories and mysteries of infinite space and time are all built for the benefit of ordinary mortals like you and me. Our Heavenly Father created the universe that we might reach our potential as His sons and daughters.

This is a paradox of man: compared to God, man is nothing; yet we are everything to God. While against the backdrop of infinite creation we may appear to be nothing, we have a spark of eternal fire burning within our breast. We have the incomprehensible promise of exaltation—worlds without end—within our grasp. And it is God’s great desire to help us reach it. 

You Matter to Him

My dear brothers and sisters, it may be true that man is nothing in comparison to the greatness of the universe. At times we may even feel insignificant, invisible, alone, or forgotten. But always remember—you matter to Him! If you ever doubt that, consider these four divine principles:

First, God loves the humble and meek, for they are “greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”¹⁷

Second, the Lord entrusts “the fulness of [His] gospel [to] be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world.”¹⁸ He has chosen “the weak things of the world [to] come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones”¹⁹ and to put to shame “the things which are mighty.”²⁰

Third, no matter where you live, no matter how humble your circumstances, how meager your employment, how limited your abilities, how ordinary your appearance, or how little your calling in the Church may appear to you, you are not invisible to your Heavenly Father. He loves you. He knows your humble heart and your acts of love and kindness. Together, they form a lasting testimony of your fidelity and faith.

Fourth and finally, please understand that what you see and experience now is not what forever will be. You will not feel loneliness, sorrow, pain, or discouragement forever. We have the faithful promise of God that He will neither forget nor forsake those who incline their hearts to Him.²¹Have hope and faith in that promise. Learn to love your Heavenly Father and become His disciple in word and in deed.

Be assured that if you but hold on, believe in Him, and remain faithful in keeping the commandments, one day you will experience for yourselves the promises revealed to the Apostle Paul: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf -- October 2011 General Conference 

"You Matter to Him"

The Women In Our Lives

President Gordon B. Hinckley honors the divine gifts possessed by women and testifies of their importance in God's plan.

"The women in our lives are creatures endowed with particular qualities, divine qualities which cause them to reach our in kindess and with love to those about them."

"You've always given me wings to fly, and I've loved you for it."

Flecks of Gold

This story illustrates the spiritual truth that Alma taught his son, Helaman. "By small and simple things are great blessings brought to pass."

"Our small and simple acts of kindness and service will accumulate into a life filled with love for Heavenly Father, Devotion to the work of the Lord, Jesus Christ and a sense of peace and joy." -- M. Russell Ballard

Have a Terrific Thursday!

Come What May... Wonderful Wednesday

Sisters,

I am so excited to have been given the opportunity to serve as the assistant secretary in the Relief Society.

It's Wednesday again and time for a Wonderful Wednesday message.

Elder Joseph B. Worthlin gave a talk about two years ago entitled "Come What May and Love It." This short clip from his talk is really jam-packed with exactly what I think that the Wonderful Wednesday Messages are all about. It is a wonderfully uplifting message to get us through the rest of week.

I hope you'll take a few moments to watch, listen and be uplifted.

"Every tear today will eventually be returned one hundred fold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude." Elder Worthlin

Kimberly Gray

Setting Boundaries

This is a beautiful video focused on helping youth understand why we urge to keep the Law of Chastity. This is a great tool for parents of teenagers. Setting boundaries is a life-long skill that is necessary not just for staying sexually pure. As adults we have so many different people we interact with; neighbors, coworkers, and church members. Setting boundaries for you and your family is a skill that is helpful in fostering healthy relationships with others.

Simple Moments

Our world today is wonderful. We have so many opportunities, luxuries, and freedoms. We have accomplished so much as a people--and as individuals. There is always a great, ambitious push to do more. Sometimes our focus on achievements seems to be only pointed towards work, cleaning the house, or making sure we do that exercise routine daily. And yet, Elder Uchtdorf reminds us in this short video that the real accomplishments in life are the times that we stop, look around, and think of others--the times we experience love and joy with loved ones.

The other things will get done--or they wont. Yet in the end it will not matter whether you had a clean sink or not. I'll not judge your dirty dishes...

Read his full conference talk here:
http://lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/of-things-that-matter-most?lang=eng

Wonderful Wednesday: Missionaries

Dear Sisters,

This is the last Wonderful Wednesday message I'll be sending out as Bishop released me on Sunday. Its bittersweet to no longer be doing these messages.  It always seemed a little stressful to find a new video, write a new message, and remember to get it posted by Wednesday morning. But I always felt myself uplifted after watching these wonderful clips and feeling the spirit.  I hope they have helped each of you.

This weeks message is about missionaries.  We love the Elders.  They do so much for our ward, our friends and neighbors, and for the building up of the kingdom of God.  They work tirelessly every day to find those people who are in need of strength and truth.  As members, it is our responsibility to do our part and pray for those opportunities to be missionaries ourselves.  Every member a missionary.

However, as this video played, it was more than every member a missionary that came to mind.  As sisters, we are the ones who can truly help our Elders with those needs that the spirit cannot fulfill.  Each meal, kind word, or bit of encouragement helps these young men complete their 2 year calling.  Any mother who has sent a son out has prayed for a sister who would watch over her son.  We encourage each of you to be that sister.  Treat each elder the way you hope and pray your sons will be treated.  These young men, and women, are doing the Lord's work. Please help us make sure they are well treated and cared for.  

(Click to view the clip)

Missionaries

Love,

The Relief Society Presidency

Wonderful Wednesday: Humanitarian Aid

Dear Sisters,

In the wake of these most recent terrible storms, our brothers and sisters in Alabama and other areas are in great need.  They are in need of shelter, food, and many other things.  Our husbands, and others, have been called to give of their time and efforts to help remove debris, and do whatever else they can.

Some of us may have thought, why can't I go? Or perhaps, I'm glad that at least someone in our family is able to serve those who are in need.  We want each of you to know that even if you are staying home you are helping those people whom your husbands and sons have gone to serve.  Without your support it would be much more, if not impossible, for the necessary aid to be given.  We are all doing our part in one way or another.

The Church's Humanitarian Aid program is astounding.  The Church is constantly administering aid to those in need.  We are so blessed to be members of a church that is constantly giving without "being a respecter of persons." Regardless of race, economic status, religion, or any other categorization, the church extends its helpful hands simply to improve the lives of the people of the world.  It is our hope that we of us can follow in this example and reach out to those around us who are in need.

(Please click the link to view the video)

Humanitarian Program

Love,

The Relief Society Presidency

Wonderful Wednesday: Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

Good Morning Sisters!

We hope that you had a wonderful weekend and were able to be spiritually fed through the dedication of the Atlanta Temple.  We hope each of you will find time in your insanely busy lives to go and participate in those life-saving ordinances.  We are truly blessed to have the temple within our midst again.

This Sunday, as we're sure you know,  is Mother's Day.  Each and every one of us, whether married or not, whether we have kids or not,  are mothers.  We all influence each and every child we come in contact with.  It is our responsibility to be the example to all children, that we would be for our own.

As mothers, we understand the challenge and difficulty that comes with the job.  There are so many long days/nights that test us in every possibly way.  The illness, injuries, and emotions wear on us day after day.  It is one of, if not the most, thankless job there is, at least in words.   Every time you get a hug, a smile, a laugh, something adorable is said, or your child accomplishes something new, you feel renewed and filled with joy.  Being a mother is truly one of the hardest things each of us will every do, but it is also the best thing we could ever do.  No other occupation or past time will ever give you the satisfaction that comes with first steps, first smiles, or even high school graduation.

We encourage each of you to really listen to the words spoken by Elder Holland.  The Lord loves each and every one of us.  Cherish those precious moments and have a wonderful Mother's Day.

(Please Click the Link to View the Clip)

Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

Love,

The Relief Society Presidency

Wonderful Wednesday: Easter

Good Morning Sisters!

We hope that this last week before Easter has brought you moments to reflect upon the true meaning of the holiday that is quickly approaching.  Each of us wants to make every holiday special for our families.  We sincerely hope that while this season brings fun through egg hunts, dying Easter eggs, that we will also take the time to reflect upon, and teach our families, the true reason for Easter.

It was this holiday that Christ made the ultimate sacrifice, when the angels spoke seven of some of the most important words ever, "He is not here, He is Risen."  We hope that this season of Easter will bring the Savior, and his atonement closer to your hearts.

Happy Easter!

(Click the link to play video)

Easter

Love,

The Relief Society Presidency

Wonderful Wednesday: Sunday Will Come

Sisters,

Today we wanted to share this message of hope with you.  Trials and tribulations will always come our way.  Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to change or stop them.  However, we do know that no matter what comes your way there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

The Savior is there to help each and everyone of us.  C. Scott Grow of the Seventy reminded us in this most recent General Conference, that the Atonement is for everyone.  Not just those who have committed a sin.  May we each remember that Christ suffered all things, not just the burdens of the sins that would/had been committed.  Even in our darkest hour of sadness, no matter the cause of that sadness, Christ will provide the light waiting for you on the other side of your trials.

Remember that on that terrible Friday morning when the Savior of the world was crucified those who were closest to the Savior suffered immensely, but on Sunday he returned to lift their burdens.  He will do the same for us. Be strong, have faith, and remember that Sunday will always come.

(Click link to view video)

Sunday Will Come

Love,

The Relief Society Presidency

My Best Kept Secret

Every time we switch to a new focus area, I have the two months planned out (more or less) in advance and follow it each week. This week I had planned one topic, but I'm going to wait on that one because I just can't wait to share this with you! It's my best kept secret for scripture study and improving my own gospel literacy. Here it is:The LDS Scripture Citation Index Don't be scared off! This is not nearly as intimidating as it may sound. And I know you'll find it to be a wonderful resource. What is it? Basically, someone at BYU decided to start and fund an ongoing project to cross-reference all the scriptures mentioned in General Conference. They've gone back as far as 1942! So all you have to do is go to any verse of scripture, click on it, and you will find ALL the general conference talks that have used it! WOW! They've also recently added all the scripture references from the Journal of Discourses and the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. And if there is a certain general authority you have in mind, you can tell which of the talks were by which general authority. Why do I love this index? Three reasons:

1. If I get to a scripture and I have questions about its meaning, I can go to the General Conference talks to see how it used in context by general authorities who are specifically given the keys to interpret and expound on these subjects. Wonderful! This helps my own personal understanding of scripture and the personal inspiration and revelation I receive from them.
2. If I am reading a verse I usually understand in one way, I can glean NEW insights and ideas from seeing how the scripture has been used in varying talks on different topics.
3. If I feel I'm getting stagnant or stuck in a particular book of scripture, this always jump starts me, giving me food for thought and new ways to consider the passages I am studying. There's no such thing as the same old thing!And since I love to feast on General Conference talks, this is the perfect meld of the two.

Bottom line? I hope you will check it out!  Add it as a bookmark, and visit often when you're in need of a little extra inspiration. Enjoy!


Love,


The Relief Society Presidency

Temple Dedication Website

Sisters, 


This website is for the temple dedication.  It should have everything you need to know :)

http://www.atlantatemplecelebration.com/ Love,  The Relief Society Presidency

Wonderful Wednesday: Unselfish Service

Good Morning Sisters!

Happy March!!  Spring has sprung and we are all enjoying the wonderful weather.  The parks are full of mom's and their kids playing and taking in all the sunshine, planting flowers and gardens is becoming a priority once again, and spring cleaning fever is starting to set in.  Don't you just love spring??

This week our message is from Elder Dallin H. Oaks. His talk is about how the Savior wants us to follow Him.  Christ said, when ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

The example Elder Oaks gives is of a mother to her child.  The sacrifices that are required to help teach and raise that child.  Mothers don't think "what will I get out of raising this child?"  Motherhood is all about sacrificing for the betterment of your children, not yourself.

Think, how amazing would our society be if everyone sacrificed themselves for their neighbor as much as a mother does for her children?  We challenge each of you to do some random act of kindness this week for someone who is outside your comfort zone.  You will be amazed at how it makes you feel :)

(Please click the link to view the video)

Unselfish Service

Love,

The Relief Society Presidency

Blog Info

Hello Everyone!!

Just wanted to make sure that everyone knows that this blog is not endorsed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is in no way an official lds site.

As the blog updater I just wanted to make sure you had my name and number in case you need anything.  My name Sister J. Davies and my number is 801-709-0339.


Thanks!

Wonderful Wednesday: The Silver Dollars

Good Morning Sisters!

This weeks message is two-fold, it encompasses both gratitude and service.

It is amazing how wonderful it feels when we are selfless and help out those in need.  Giving of our time and efforts is perhaps the best thing we can ever do.  Whether we are serving our children, husband, or those outside our family, the service we render to others will buoy us up no matter what we are facing at the time.  Serving others can seem challenging when we have so much going on in our own lives, but we have been told time and time again that no matter what we are facing, if we serve others we will be blessed.  We encourage each of you to find a way to do one act of service everyday.  It does not need to be big and grand, something as simple as making lunch for your children or husband or sending a friendly text/email/phone call to a friend is all you need to help improve each and every day. :)

Each of us know how it feels to be the recipient of an act of service.  The feeling of gratitude is overwhelming, and can even bring us to tears.  But what if we do not recognize the service?  How, then, are we suppose to feel gratitude?  We would ask you sisters to be on the lookout for any act of service in your lives.  The smallest gesture could make a great deal of difference to you.  Perhaps the phone you received today was exactly what you needed or your child ran up and gave you hug for no reason.  These things do us immeasurable good.  We need to step back and recognize them in our lives.  If we do, they will make an even more wondrous impact to each and every one of us.

President Hinckely told this wonderful story about a pair of boots and 2 silver dollars.  I hope it touches your hearts as it did mine.

(Please click the link to view)

The Silver Dollars

Love,

The Relief Society Presidency

Wonderful Wednesday: What Matters Most

Good Morning Sisters!

On this Wednesday morning our thoughts and prayers are with Sister Rachel Seaver and her family.  We hope that each of you will join us in fasting and prayer for the Seavers at this difficult time.

Today's message is from President Monson.  With Valentine's Day only a few days away, our thoughts are focused on those who are most important in your life.  We are writing and mailing Valentines, planning a date with our significant other, and making making Valentines cookies with our little ones.  There are so many ways that we each choose to show those that we love how we feel during Valentine's.  What an amazing difference it would make in each of our lives if we spent as much time and energy expressing our feelings of love all the year through.

President Monson said, "Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved."

We truly hope that each and every one of us can take this message to heart.

(Click the link to view the message.)

What Matters Most

Have a wonderful Valentines Day!

Love,

The Relief Society Presidency

Wonderful Wednesday: Love One Another

Good Morning Sisters!

As it is now February, a new holiday is approaching!  Valentines Day!  The one and only holiday that simply focuses on love.  Typically, we think of the love of one spouse to another, but during this season, we hope that each of you will focus on the love you have for those around you as well.


The Savior said that the two greatest commandments of all are to love thy God and to love thy neighbor.  It may not always be easy to love those we come into contact with, but if we truly try to serve those around us, love will come.  It is impossible to serve someone selflessly and not feel love for that person. 


President Gordon B. Hinckley said, "Love is the only force that can erase the differences between people."  No matter what differences we each have, if we strive to love each other those differences will disappear.  


Loving your neighbor is crucial for many reasons.  If they aren't members then showing kindness can spread the gospel, or simply help a friendhsip form when there otherwise wouldn't have been one.  But loving those around you does more for your own spirit than it does for others.  It is very difficult to feel down and discouraged about your own life when you are busy helping and creating bonds of love for those you interact with.  


We encourage each and every one of you to make loving your neighbor, spouse, or any one else for that matter, a top priority in your life.  The benefits will be astounding!


(Click the link to view the video)


Love One Another

Love,

The Relief Society Presidency

Announcments: Gardening & Temple Rededication

Sisters,

We would like you to review this website prior to our gardening activity:

Gardening Website

Also, here is some information about the temple rededication:

There will be a cultural event held in connection with the

 re-dedication of the Atlanta Temple.  It will be Saturday, April 30th

 at the Atlanta Civic Center.  All of the youth from the 14 1/2 stakes

 of the temple region will participate in this event. 

If you are interested in helping or

would like more information, please contact

Mary Marshall at 770-592-9313.

Mark your calendar now!

The Dedication will be held in 2 sessions the following Sunday, May 1st, 2011.

Love, 

The Relief Society Presidency

Wonderful Wednesday: Virtue

Good Afternoon Sisters!

Apologies for the lack of our wonderful wednesday messages the past two weeks.

As members of the Church our ultimate goal is to enter the temple and make those sacred covenants we spend so many years hearing about.  But what is the key?  And how do we navigate through the murky waters of today's society?

Websters dictionary defines virtue as conforming to a set of morals.  We know our morals, and now we need to decide who we are going to be.  Even though we have moved on from the young women's program, our values should never change.

Being virtuous women of the Lord will truly do more for our families, and ourselves, than anything else we could ever do.  It is the key to helping our children and friends enter into that most holy of buildings to make and receive those sacred covenants.

We hope that each and everyone of you will make it your goal to live the Young Women Theme and the Relief Society motto.

Be thou and example.

(Please click the link to view the message)

Virtue

Love,

The Relief Society Presidency

Wonderful Wednesday: Come What May and Love It

Good Morning Sisters!

Happy New Year!

Welcome 2011! We hope your New Years celebrations went smoothly.

Another year is upon us.  So many things are up ahead, good and bad.  At times we all wish for a crystal ball.  Surely we all would like to be able to see what this year holds in store for each of us.  Perhaps the best advice for starting a new year and the challenges ahead came from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin.

Elder Wirthlin shared a wonderful piece of advice with each of us during a past general conference.  He said "come what may and love it."  We cannot predict the future.  We cannot know what trials we are going to be faced with, but we can decide how to handle them.  Just remember that the Lord will never ask you do more than you can handle. Each and every experience we face can and will teach us new things.  It is our responsibility to take a step back and find the meanings within.

We would encourage each of you to take Elder Wirthlin's wonderful advice and make this your new motto for the year: "Come What May and Love It."

Click the link below to view the message:

Come What May and Love It

Love,

The Relief Society Presidency