Notes from Sister Beck's Fireside

 

While I took notes, I know many of you did too and would love for you to add what you heard here too.

 

The Friday Fireside

We had the privilege of hearing from Sister Beck, General Relief Society President, on Friday, May 21 in a fireside at the Valley Forge Stake center. The format of the meeting was essentially questions and answers.

Sister Beck said she loves meetings like this because hearing from the members keeps the church leaders real and connected.

Q.  How are the General Auxiliary Boards chosen and what do they do?

A.  D&C 107:98 - Whereas other officers of the church, who belong not unto the Twelve, neither to the Seventy, are not under the responsibility to travel among all nations, but are to travel as their circumstances shall allow, notwithstanding they may hold as high and responsible offices in the church.

There are five auxiliaries of the church that operate under the direction of the first presidency...Relief Society, Young Women, Primary, Sunday School and Aaronic PH/Young Men each with a general board.

There of 10 women on the Relief Society Board and are called to share the work. When the Presidency is released the board is released. They share the duties of the work. They are often women the presidency knew before. The board is the "farm team" for Presidencies. Sister Beck was a member of the YW board before being called to be the General Relief Society president.

Q. In a recent talk you spoke about developing the skill or ability to receive revelation as the most important ability to develop. Can you speak more about that?

A. Revelation is the Lord's way to teach us. We should crave it. The crassness of the world makes it difficult. Revelation is the key to understanding things of God. It quickens our minds and bodies.We could feel weak but the Spirit gives us power.

D&C 133:58-59 - To prepare the weak for those things which are coming on the earth, and for the Lord’s errand in the day when the weak shall confound the wise, and the little one become a strong nation, and two shall put their tens of thousands to flight. And by the weak things of the earth the Lord shall thresh the nations by the power of his Spirit.

Keeping the Spirit is hard when life isn't perfect. Sister Beck tells of babsitting grandchildren and trying to prepare for a talk about the Spirit. One of her granddaughters cried and screamed for hours. When she spoke to the sisters later that day she realized God had given her that experience to help her understand how it is for the young moms she was speaking to.

D&C 11: 12-14 - And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit. Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy; And then shall ye know, or by this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me, which are pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith believing in me that you shall receive.

 Q.  What is there for single sisters over 30 in the church?

A. Establish spiritual habits. Think of it as training. What training? Sister Beck's 86-year-old mother is dealing with being a widow during the last year. Her years of scripture study, praying every morning, and temple covenants and attendance continue to help her. The pattern pays off.

Also we all need to help each other create, support and sustain marriage.

Young Women feel the loss of the cheering and clapping for them that stops when they go to Relief Society. But when we make covenants in the temple to give our all to building up the kingdom, the focus is no longer on ourselves. We don't need to be noticed but need to turn and help others and serve.

D&C 84:20 - Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.

When we become a covenant people we have a lot more to give than we get. Help each other, sustain one another, look out for each other.

Other tidbits:
Scripture study: As a young mother commit yourself to spend some time every day in the scriptures, even if it's just one verse. They will have a cumulative effect on your life. She like to get a cheap copy of the Book of Mormon, write a question in the front, read with that in mind and write the answers in the back as she goes.

Tough economy: Don't spend more than you bring in. Read the pamphlet "All Is Safely Gathered In". Get out of debt. When you are out of debt you will be able to better serve.

Role of women in the church: The Lord expects his daughters to contribute equally to building the kingdom. Choosing the good part means being a part of the work. LDS women serve on councils, in presidencies, and in organizations in 30,000 units worldwide.

Help for those in need: The Bishop has a "toolbox" to help those in need...employment services, welfare, and Addiction Recovery Program. Do you believe you can be healed? Matt. 9:27-28 - And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

Feel free to post what you remembered.

e