Uniting Sisters Worldwide

Maybe you heard the recent announcement about changes to the annual General Relief Society Meeting/Young Women Meeting. Check out the November 2013 article, First Presidency Announces New General Women’s Meeting. The article states that "The general women’s meeting will be held the Saturday before each general conference and will be conducted by the general presidencies of the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary organizations. All women, young women, and girls age eight years old and older will be invited to attend."

How exciting for the opportunity to have women of all ages in the same room, learning together about what it means to be a Daughter of God!

In the past week, there have been even more changes in the auxiliary programs of the Church (Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society) in order to reach more sisters worldwide and unify efforts to serve the women, young women, children, and families of the Church. As a way to represent Young Women and leaders internationally, the newly called Young Women general board includes members outside of Utah and outside of the United States. 

Additionally, auxiliary training "will now be delivered to sisters worldwide through an integrated, global, web-based training effort that will be provided in key languages." The auxiliary training used to take place in Salt Lake in conjunction with the April General Conference. The new worldwide training will be held at the beginning of June, so as to allow the general auxiliary leaders the opportunity to be inspired by recent General Conference messages as they prepare for the training. 

Check out the Church News article to learn more about the growth and changes that will affect all of us and our families! Auxiliary Changes Designed to Unify Sisters Worldwide

Sister Rosemary M. Wixom, Primary general president; Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women general president; and Sister Linda K. Burton, Relief Society general president, talk about changes that will help their organizations reach out to a growing international Church membership.

Lesson Recap and Video link

Daughters of God: Listening to the RIGHT Voice Inside of Us

Given by Devon Linn

Sunday, May 12 (Mother's Day)

So this topic today seems to be something the Lord wants us, as sisters in our ward, to discuss, and it has come from multiple promptings. First, I asked the Bishop a couple of months ago if there was anything new he wanted us to focus on for the year, and he told me that he felt really strongly that the sisters in our ward need to remember to try to see themselves the way that the Lord sees them. I mulled that over for awhile and we have planned a few lessons and activities around that general theme. But then I prayed for promptings of what we needed to hear during General Conference last month and I suddenly felt really strongly during President Uchtdorf's talk during the Priesthood Session that what he was saying was really really important for all of us to think about. As I went back to re-read what the Bishop had directed me on, I was amazed how exactly they aligned.  

I am going to read the portion of President Uchtdorf's talk that the Spirit struck as me being the most important thing for us all to hear (but since it was given during the Priesthood session, I am taking the liberty of changing all of the "sons and brothers" to "daughters and sisters" since the message is universal):

One title that defines all of us in the most fundamental way is [daughter] of Heavenly Father. No matter what else we are or do in life, we must never forget that we are God’s literal spirit children. We were His children before we came to this world, and we will be His children forevermore. This basic truth should change the way we look at ourselves, our brothers and sisters, and life itself.

Unfortunately, none of us quite lives up to everything that this title implies, “for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

It can be discouraging at times to know what it means to be a [daughter] of God and yet come up short. The adversary likes to take advantage of these feelings. Satan would rather that you define yourself by your sins instead of your divine potential.  [sisters], don’t listen to him.

We have all seen a toddler learn to walk. He takes a small step and totters. He falls. Do we scold such an attempt? Of course not. What father would punish a toddler for stumbling? We encourage, we applaud, and we praise because with every small step, the child is becoming more like his parents.

Now, [sisters], compared to the perfection of God, we mortals are scarcely more than awkward, faltering toddlers. But our loving Heavenly Father wants us to become more like Him, and, dear [sisters], that should be our eternal goal too. God understands that we get there not in an instant but by taking one step at a time.

I do not believe in a God who would set up rules and commandments only to wait for us to fail so He could punish us. I believe in a Heavenly Father who is loving and caring and who rejoices in our every effort to stand tall and walk toward Him. Even when we stumble, He urges us not to be discouraged—never to give up or flee our allotted field of service—but to take courage, find our faith, and keep trying.

2013 April General Conference, Four Titles, Priesthood Session - By  Dieter F. Uchtdorf

So we are HIS DAUGHTERS. We should know what that means, but we often forget to think of ourselves first and foremost as "daughters of God." I think this can be best shown with the example of how we, as women, think and talk about ourselves. One example is how women can become such complete pros at giving disclaimers or excuses over all sorts of things..."this gift isn't perfect...I look awful cause I'm not wearing any mascara...my house isn't clean (when it sure looks it)....I'm the world's worst Visiting Teacher..." even my personal favorite "I shouldn't be allowed to teach this lesson -- I should be sitting there listening to someone else teach it, cause I'm not perfect at this topic yet..." (which obviously doesn't apply to this lesson, since I can't say that NOW that we're talking about it.)

President Uchtdorf gave a perfect example of this habit of women in his talk "Happiness, Your Heritage" (from the Relief Society Broadcast in Sep. 2008).  He explained the differences between how his wife feels when she cooks a perfectly prepared, delicious, beautifully presented meal and yet always has some disclaimer about needing a bit more ginger, or using just one bay leaf next time. President Uchtdorf, on the other hand, feels proud of his cooking when he burns toast or cooks fried eggs extra runny.

Even if you think, "oh, I don't do that" you occasionally do it without even realizing it, whether it's about your house, your clothes, a gift you give, your strengths and weaknesses, or even your thoughts or behavior. But it's not the disclaimers themselves that's the problem -- the root problem is HOW we are seeing and thinking of ourselves and where those voices and thoughts are coming from. 

I think it's important we understand the "why" and look inside our hearts and honestly ask ourselves some questions:

Why do we do this? What makes us feel that we need to focus on the negatives about ourselves?

Answers from class:

• Feeling insecure in ourselves and our strengths
• Fear of Being Judged (and partly, by judging others)
• Feeling less than others because of comparing ourselves unfairly
• Fear of being thought to be imperfect (or feeling guilty that we AREN'T perfect)
• Fear that we aren't as good or loved as others
• We are focused on OUR imperfections, yet only see other's presentable best
• Feelings of our unworthiness, and disappointing the Lord
• Feeling that we have to do everything ourselves, and fear of falling short.

ALL OF THESE COME FROM LISTENING TO THE WRONG VOICE! It is Satan who is making us think and feel these ways, as not good enough, not righteous enough, not worthy enough, not pretty enough, not friendly enough, not enough, enough, ENOUGH!

So we need to ask ourselves another question:

How can we stop listening to Satan's Lies and instead listen to the Savior?

• Spend our time and energy doing the things that help us feel the Spirit on a consistent basis. He is the real "JUDGE" to help us listen to the right voice.  This includes all of the "Sunday School answers" like pray, scripture study, and church attendance.

• Pray for DISCERNMENT specifically and often - that we can see ourselves the way the Lord does. Pray for EACH OTHER -- especially your fellow sisters in the gospel  Pray that they see themselves more positively.

• Remind each other! When we hear each other saying negative things about themselves, maybe say..."Oh, none of that. Give yourself a pat on the back this time, you are amazing!"

• Take the time each week during the sacrament to pay attention to the right voice to guide you in your focus to overcome weaknesses. What a perfect time and place to renew that covenant with the Lord and aligning to His plans for you!

• EVALUATE OUR PROMPTINGS CAREFULLY (Guilt vs. Shame)  If we're doing something that goes against the Lord's commandments for us then the Spirit can tell us to change -- but the Spirit is never going to make us feel bad about ourselves for things that aren't spiritually important for ourselves or others. President Coe talked about this at the Adult Session of stake conference last week when he talked about Guilt versus Shame.  He taught that we need to evaluate what things in our life give us a sense of guilt -- what things make us feel the euphoria of confidence in the Lord -- and what things make us feel shameful and alone. He taught that the Lord, even when He shows us our faults, always uses a spirit of Hope. We need to focus on listening to the promptings to change that bring us the Lord's confidence and to avoid the voices that pull us into shame and isolation.

Start Today: Listen to the RIGHT Voice! 

True joy, the elusive thing we are all searching for, comes only through a firsthand, personal, intimate daily relationship with Jesus Christ–this is our goal. Don't let Satan's lies keep you from Him.

Quote: Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside. -Dieter F. Uchtdorf

  

You are each amazing women, and I hope that the point of this lesson resonates with our gospel knowledge that we are divine daughters of God.  We are great as we are... with make-up, without make-up, with enough money, without enough money, with a dirty kitchen or a burnt dinner or a gift someone doesn't want....the Lord sees us as amazing and "good enough" because we are HIS, and He made us!  I know that someday we are going to be blown away when we realize what He sees as really important, because I have seen that in you. The service you all give so readily, the comfort to those in need, the ministering to your visiting teaching sisters....YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!!!!  Please start recognizing that in your lives.  Please give yourself the same benefit of the doubt that the Lord expects us to give each other.  And you will find, in humility with the Spirit this truth-- you are the Lord's creation that you are often throwing darts at.  You are HIS, and the great things you do are gifts from him.  Don't throw mud on His masterpiece.

And if you need help reminding yourself what the RIGHT voice sounds like, it will sound something like this:

You are a DAUGHTER of God.  You are his child!  He loves you unconditionally. He knows your individual potential and progress. He does not rank you or compare you with anyone else. He KNOWS you're not perfect, yet he is proud of your righteous desires!

And above all remind yourself that no mistake, no weakness, no past behavior or trial is outside of the healing and redemptive power of the Atonement. His grace is sufficient to make you whole.  And we need to bear testimony to that truth by how we treat and think about ourselves everyday.

Here is the video we didn't get time to watch, because we were too busy eating cheesecake. Enjoy watching, and remember that each of us are individuals and that we are HIS daughters!

Mormon Messages: Daughter of God Video (2 minutes)

Lesson: The Powers of Heaven

Yesterday our lesson was on The Powers of Heaven, Elder David A. Bednar, taught by Trudy Cook

I love that Trudy prints out the talk and numbers the sections so that we can refer to various sections during our discussion.

And discussion is what we had. Trudy acknowledged that we all have different feelings and questions about the Priesthood because these are valid for women in the church today. But it was also acknowledged that we are thankful for the restoration of the authority to act in God's name, and that it's blessed our lives.

I invite each of you to consider how you would respond to the following question posed to the members of the Church many years ago by President David O. McKay: “If at this moment each one of you were asked to state in one sentence or phrase the most distinguishing feature of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, what would be your answer?” (“The Mission of the Church and Its Members,” Improvement Era, Nov. 1956, 781).

The response President McKay gave to his own question was the “divine authority” of the priesthood. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands apart from other churches that claim their authority is derived from historical succession, the scriptures, or theological training. We make the distinctive declaration that priesthood authority has been conferred by the laying on of hands directly from heavenly messengers to the Prophet Joseph Smith.

I think it's important to recognize that the Priesthood is the current mechanism of administration that makes possible the salvation of all on earth at this time. The future may be different. Think of the promises made in the temple about what is ordained and may be fulfilled for us.

Priesthood is the means whereby the Lord acts through men to save souls. One of the defining features of the Church of Jesus Christ, both anciently and today, is His authority. There can be no true Church without divine authority.

The expectations for how the Priesthood is to be handled are clear.

A priesthood holder is expected to exercise this sacred authority in accordance with God’s holy mind, will, and purposes. Nothing about the priesthood is self-centered. The priesthood always is used to serve, to bless, and to strengthen other people.

Priesthood power can only be accessed upon personal righteousness. I have felt that many times from good men who truly seek the Lord's will.

As we do our best to fulfill our priesthood responsibilities, we can be blessed with priesthood power. The power of the priesthood is God’s power operating through men and boys like us and requires personal righteousness, faithfulness, obedience, and diligence. A boy or a man may receive priesthood authority by the laying on of hands but will have no priesthood power if he is disobedient, unworthy, or unwilling to serve.

And we know that the powers of heaven are available to all through personal righteousness, faith, prayer, and our own relationship to God and Christ. Yet we long to be more equally yoked.

The sisters rarely complained or criticized, but they often responded as follows: “Please help my husband understand his responsibility as a priesthood leader in our home. I am happy to take the lead in scripture study, family prayer, and family home evening, and I will continue to do so. But I wish my husband would be an equal partner and provide the strong priesthood leadership only he can give. Please help my husband learn how to become a patriarch and a priesthood leader in our home who presides and protects.”

I reflect often on the sincerity of those sisters and their request. Priesthood leaders hear similar concerns today. Many wives are pleading for husbands who have not only priesthood authority but also priesthood power. They yearn to be equally yoked with a faithful husband and priesthood companion in the work of creating a Christ-centered and gospel-focused home.

This talk is also instructive in that it joins many Priesthood talks where the men and boys of the church are encouraged (chastised?!) to be clean, righteous examples, on the Lord's errand, worthy to act when needed. Sisters, we need to know that our concerns are known and the leadership tries to address them.

Brethren, I promise that if you and I will prayerfully ponder the pleas of these sisters, the Holy Ghost will help us to see ourselves as we really are (see D&C 93:24) and help us recognize the things we need to change and improve. And the time to act is now!

Discuss this with the men in your lives, with support and encouragement.

e

General Conference: Missionary age announcement

Did you get to listen to or watch all of conference? If not, you can find all the music and talks here.

You'll want to hear President Monson's announcement of two new temples and a change in the missionary age requirements. There was an audible gasp and stunned looks on everyone's face.



You may find the press conference, given afterwards, interesting too:

Printable: I'm a Mormon

This came out shortly after Sister Anne Dibbs conference talk today.

http://twitpic.com/b1nf1r

Lesson: Covenants

One of the most important concepts of revealed religion is that of a sacred covenant. It is a sacred promise with God. He fixes the terms. Each person may choose to accept those terms. If one accepts the terms of the covenant and obeys God's law, he or she receives the blessings associated with the covenant.

"And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated."
Doctrine & Covenants 130:21

Through the ages, God has made covenants with His children. The covenant God made with Abraham and later reaffirmed with Isaac and Jacob is of transcendent significance. It contained several promises including:

*Jesus the Christ would be born through Abraham's lineage.
*Abraham's posterity would be numerous, entitled to an eternal increase, and also entitled to bear the priesthood.
*Abraham would become a father of many nations.
*Certain lands would be inherited by his posterity.
*All nations of the earth would be blessed by his seed.
*And that covenant would be everlasting.

Some of us are the literal seed of Abraham; others are gathered into his family by adoption. The Lord makes no distinction. Together we receive these promised blessings--if we seek the Lord and obey His commandments.

Ours is the seed foreordained to help fulfill the Abrahamic covenant. Ours is the seed foreordained and prepared to bless all people of the world. That is why priesthood duty includes missionary work.
The Book of Mormon is a tangible sign that the Lord has commenced to gather His children of covenant Israel.

When we realize that we are children of the covenant, we know who we are and what God expects of us. His law is written in our hearts. He is our God and we are His people. Committed children of the covenant remain steadfast, even in the midst of adversity. When that doctrine is deeply implanted in our hearts, even the sting of death is soothed and our spiritual stamina is strengthened.

The pioneers are a great example of people who were committed children of the covenant, remaining steadfast even in the midst of adversity.

Clip from Legacy start at 38:50 to 42:49

This quote captures the spirit of those who make and keep sacred covenants.

"In the book Daughters in My Kingdom, we read about Sister Hedwig Biereichel, a woman in Germany who suffered much sorrow and deprivation during World War II. Because of her love and charitable nature, and even in her own great need, she willingly shared her food with starving prisoners of war. Later, when asked how she was able to "keep a testimony during all [those] trials," she replied in effect, "I didn't keep a testimony through those times--the testimony kept me."

Personal Revelation and Testimony, Barbara Thompson, Ensign November 2011

Just like the pioneers and Sister Biereichel, we will be blessed and strengthened to face the challenges of this mortal life as we keep our sacred covenants.

Teachings for our Times:
Covenants, Russell M. Nelson, Ensign November 2011

Conference Special You Won't Want to Miss

Deb Chiapelli wanted me to share this with you. It's about a special being aired on Sunday between conference sessions. Catch it if you can.

http://babrownfam.blogspot.com/2011/09/dear-family-and-friends.html

Dear Family and friends,

Our family has has been working with Deseret Media on a conference special that will be shown between the Sunday sessions of conference on October 2. It is on recovery from a pornography addiction. Ben was abused when he was eight. The shame he felt from that abuse led him into a pornography addiction that he has dealt with it his whole life.

I found out about his addiction a year after we were married. Consequently I was devastated and felt incredibly betrayed. Over the course of our marriage his addiction has cycled. The constant fear and turmoil was very devastating to me. After Gracie was born I hit a new low. Miraculously I found a therapist in town that specifies in pornography addiction recovery. This group of therapists are pioneering an effort to show the world the devastating effects this addiction has on woman. Ben and I have been in extensive therapy for over 2 years now and during that time Ben has been sober.

Enjoy Conference weekend. We'll still have support group on Sunday evening at 7:30pm. We're on Step 1. Come with resolve to start a anew!

Ellen

Forget-me-not

Sugardoodle.net posted this great visual reminder from President Uchtdorf's soon to be classic talk:

Now we just need to REMEMBER (which for me is sometimes easier said than done!) Beautiful image from a beautiful talk!

Image created by Jocelyn at www.beinglds.blogspot.com - Thanks Jocelyn!

Live Blogging of RS Women's Conference

Hi sisters,

Can't join you at the stake center, so I'll have to view it at home on the computer. I'll be live blogging just to keep myself focused.

Saratoga Utah Choir: The Morning Breaks. White shirts, dark skirts, pink rose corsages. Love seeing the sign interpreters.

Sister Julie B. Beck is conducting. She addresses us.

Title: "What I hope my granddaughters will understand about Relief Society"

RS today is organized after a pattern of discipleship that existed in the ancient church. Women have always been vital to the church. To Martha, Christ encouraged to choose the better part. Faithful women continue to contribute to the growth of the church.

As the Lord restored his church, He again followed the pattern of discipleship. Emma was given instructions in how to increase in faith and righteousness. The Lord has always needed faithful women. Men's missions were possible due to sisters who cared for home, and businesses, and welcomed new members and fellow-shipped them.

Privileges, blessings and gifts of the priesthood come to women through Relief Society. The priesthood pattern...called, sustained and set apart to do a work...teach, inspire, organize sisters to assist in salvation.

RS is an essential part of preparing the saints for the temple.  First RS meetings, facing the hill..."a select society...choice, virtuous and holy". The first sisters valued the temple..."the grand prize and first goal." Pay attention in the temple...to be armed with power and blessed to receive the key of the knowledge and power of God, as committed disciples.

The important influence and capacity of the Relief Society worldwide...an ever-expanding sisterhood. Early efforts established patterns of discipleship now applied globally...but adapted in an ever-changing world.

Unrealized expectations, disease, war, natural disasters, addictions...bleach the bones of strength and exhaust us. In every ward there is a RS to strengthen each other in own homes and communities. Impressive and heroic work. Never inconsequential. A place of safety and a refuge, to protect the homes of Zion. We are taught and strengthened. The influence of righteous women blesses many of our Heavenly Father's children.

Learn one step at a time through Visiting Teaching. We used to focus on visits and teaching, and many written and unwritten rules. With so much need for relief and rescue...we need to follow a higher path...sincerely caring for His children. Now we report about spiritual well-being and improve in our ability to do what He would do if He were here. CARE ABOUT OUR SISTERS. Not the perfection of our statistics.

"My visiting teacher helps me grow spiritually and care about me and my family, and takes action without being invited."

Bishop and RS President need sisters to help with caring for all in the ward.

Seek inspiration of the Almighty and we will see the miraculous.

VT can be the pattern of discipleship that the Lord will recognize when He comes again.

The RS History is a witness...timeless truths and examples that will bless our lives. The First Presidency invite us to study it.

Become strong faithful women who apply the principles and patterns of Relief Society in our lives.

Choir: Sweet is the Work

Silvia Allred, First Counselor

Joseph's teachings became the foundation of Relief Society. Always consistent with the teachings of the prophets. Paul referenced faith, hope and charity, but the greatest is charity. Then he listed the qualities of charity.

Joseph said, "Don't be limited in your views regarding your neighbor's virtues...let your hearts expand, bear with faults and errors of mankind."

Charity is not a single act...it's a state of being. Kind feelings that engender loving actions. Bestowed upon the Lord's true disciple....a divine gift to seek and pray for.

How will we develop charity? Desire, pray that we may be filled with it. Reading the scriptures daily.

The Savior said "Feed my sheep." We should minister to those around us. Compassion to all. Forgive.

Joseph Smith practiced charity, kindness, affection, compassion and concern.

Pres. Monson wears the mantle of charity...a true minister of the Lord. "Accept people as they truly are."

Through charity we are willing to serve when it is inconvenient. Kind, self-less, accepting, loving. It's how we become more like the Savior.

Visiting teachers, through small acts of charity, you follow the Savior and minister.

One woman's visiting teachers take her to the doctor and the hospital and care for her home and family. Another sister wanted to learn to read, her v.t. sat with her and practiced. Other visiting teachers served a young mother and these acts softened the heart of her nonmember husband. The history is filled with such accounts of selfless service.

Feelings of charity come from the atonement of our Savior.

We can find joy even when our unmet needs are great.

Live up to privileges...angels will be associates, said Joseph Smith.

Dedicated visiting teachers visit and care for one another. They follow the Savior's example. Their acts of charity have a healing power.

When you read the RS history you'll find this important gospel principle woven through the whole book.

Use all your resources to do good to all those around you including your own family.

Sister Barbara Thompson, Second Counselor, Cleave unto the covenants you have made

Her parents have passed on and she has had the opportunity to read their precious records, partriarchal blessings...promises were made that Satan would have no power over her if she kept her covenants.

Cleave to covenants and joy and protection will come.

Principles and ordinances are received by covenants. Cleave, adhere firmly and closely. Promised blessings follow.

Baptism, faith, repentance to prepare, commitment to keep commandments and bear one another's burdens. Promised to always have His spirit to be with us.

Relief Society prepares His daughters to receive the blessings of the temple..."out of darkness into marvelous light."

Early saints spent their time days and nights in the temple so that they could receive their endowment in the temple.

All that we are and all that we possess...to do good...the temple is source of these covenants.

Joy and blessings come...we obtain salvation through His name and His atonement. King Benjamin's people made covenants to keep commandments...joy, remission of sins.

Ammon and brethren helped thousands come unto Christ. "How great reason we have to rejoice...heart is brim with joy." Making and keeping covenants to have his Spirit to be with us and fill us with joy.

Sarah Rich, Nauvoo woman: "Many blessings in the House of the Lord...comfort, joy, sustain in unknown journey before us."

When people sift through our possessions after we die will they find evidence that we kept our covenants?

Keeping covenants is true joy and happiness, comfort and peace, protection from the world.

Choir and congregation: Hark, All Ye Nations

President Uchtdorf:

Walking through a beautiful garden, noticed the tiniest flower...forget-me-not. Means so much to me. Easy to overlook, yet beautiful blue, mirrors the skies.

German legend: God left one plant unnamed...small voice said, "Forget me not, Lord."

5 petals, 5 things to remember:

1. Forget not to be patient with yourself.

God is fully aware that you and I are not perfect. The people you think are perfect, are not. We spend so much time comparing our weaknesses with their strengths. We never celebrate our good efforts because they seem less. God wants to help us to turn all our weaknesses to strengths...long-term goal. Stay of the path of discipleship...keeping working on it...stop punishing yourself. Be compassionate and patient with yourself. Be thankful for all the small successes in your life. God notices them and they are not small to him. Our journey toward perfection is long but we can find wonder and delight in the tiniest steps

2. Recognize good sacrifice from foolish sacrifice.

Every person and situation is different. How can we tell the difference for our own situation? "Am I committing my time and energy to the things that matter most?"

3. Forget not to be happy now.

In Willy Wonka story everyone was desperate to find the golden ticket and forget the simple joy of the candy bar. Many are waiting for the golden ticket to happiness...perfect marriage, magazine home...putting our happiness on hold. Some dream for the ideal, one thing that we put our lives on hold for. We may become bitter and angry. We fail to notice the blessings we do have. If we spend our days waiting for fabulous roses we could miss the beauty and wonder of the forget-me-nots all around us. Never stop hoping for the righteous desires of your heart, but see the rich ordinary moments around us, the everyday moments. Thread by thread of gratitude weaved throughout our lives.

4. Forget not the "why" of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The gospel is not a long list of tasks, to-do list, busy schedules. The gospel is not an obligation but a pathway...to peace and glory and fulfillment in the life to come. The what and how is necessary but the majesty springs from the why. When we remember why we has the gospel, is becomes light, precious and sweet. Let's not be unaware of the beautiful landscape around us, why we obey...mundane into majestic, obedience to consecration.

5. Forget not that the Lord loves you.

Sometimes we feel insignificant. I proclaim with all my heart and soul...you are not forgotten. Sisters wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, no matter how dark the days may seem, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be...your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. The most majestic and powerful being of the universe...knows you and your name. You are the daughters of His kingdom. He loves you because you are his child. The love of God and power of the gospel are redemptive and saving...dress any wound, heal any hurt, soften any sorrow. Continue to increase in faith and personal righteousness. Accept the gospel as your way of life. Treasure the gift of service in RS...strengthen home and families, seek our those who need your help.

I hope the forget-me-not will be a symbol of your lives, of the little things that can make your happy.

Thank you for all you do to bring the joy of the gospel of Jesus Christ to others.

Never forget that you are truly precious daughters in God's kingdom.

Choir: Now Let Us Rejoice

That's it! What great words of counsel from our leaders. Just what I needed to hear. How about you?

e