Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Weekly Update February 22nd - February 28th

FAITH


Lesson Review:

"Lord, Is It I?" 


  Talk given by President Uchtdorf, Oct. 2014 conference



Doctrine:




Being able to see ourselves clearly is essential to our spiritual growth and well-being. If our weaknesses and shortcomings remain obscured in the shadows, then the redeeming power of the Savior cannot heal them and make them strengths. Ironically, our blindness toward our human weaknesses will also make us blind to the divine potential that our Father yearns to nurture within each of us. 




Invitation to Action: 

Will you please look inside your hearts and ask the simple question: “Lord, is it I?”

Have you disengaged—even slightly—from “the … gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to [your] trust”? Have you allowed “the god of this world” to darken your minds to “the light of the glorious gospel of Christ”?
My beloved friends, ask yourselves, “Where is my treasure?”  Is your heart set on the convenient things of this world, or is it focused on the teachings of the diligent Jesus Christ? “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Does the Spirit of God dwell in your hearts? Are you “rooted and grounded” in the love of God and of your fellowmen? Do you devote sufficient time and creativity to bringing happiness to your marriage and family? Do you give your energies to the sublime goal of comprehending and living “the breadth, and length, and depth, and height" of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ?


 Promised Blessings:

If it is your great desire to cultivate Christlike attributes of “faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, [and service],”  Heavenly Father will make you an instrument in His hands unto the salvation of many souls.

Those who want to improve and progress, those who learn of the Savior and desire to be like Him, those who humble themselves as a little child and seek to bring their thoughts and actions into harmony with our Father in Heaven—they will experience the miracle of the Savior’s Atonement. They will surely feel God’s resplendent Spirit. They will taste the indescribable joy that is the fruit of a meek and humble heart. They will be blessed with the desire and discipline to become true disciples of Jesus Christ.


 Read or Listen to the entire lesson here:  



FAMILY





I loved this talk given by President Bednar. "More Diligent and Concerned at Home"

We can become more diligent and concerned at home as we are more faithful in learning, living, and loving the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  He gives us three suggestions:

1.  Express Love and Show It.
2.  Bear Testimony and Live It
3.  Be Consistent

“Often we assume that [the people around us] must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. … We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us”  - President Monson

Feeling the power, the edification, and the constancy of testimony from a spouse, a parent, or a child is a rich blessing. Such testimony fortifies faith and provides direction. Such testimony generates light in a world that grows increasingly dark. Such testimony is the source of an eternal perspective and of enduring peace.

A public statement of love when the private actions of love are absent at home is hypocrisy—and weakens the foundation of a great work. Publicly declaring testimony when faithfulness and obedience are missing within our own homes is hypocrisy—and undermines the foundation of a great work. The commandment “Thou shalt not bear false witness” (Exodus 20:16) applies most pointedly to the hypocrite in each of us. We need to be and become more consistent. “But be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Listen or read the entire talk here:  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/more-diligent-and-concerned-at-home?lang=eng


RELIEF



This is the last week to do your February visiting teaching visits!  Once again we have a wonderful message of hope to share with our sisters.  Please make sure they know how much you love and care for them.  This message may be just what they need in their life right now.



SWEEPING THE EARTH AS IF A FLOOD:


 

"The Lord made it clear at the very start of this last dispensation that we were to take the gospel to all the world. What He said to the few priesthood holders in 1831 He says to the many now. Whatever our age, capacity, Church calling, or location, we are as one called to the work to help Him in His harvest of souls until He comes again. …
I pray that wherever we are and whatever duties we have in the priesthood of God, we will be united in the cause to bring the gospel to all the world and that we will encourage people we love to be cleansed from sin and to be happy with us in the kingdom of God." - President Eyring

See the short video here:  https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/we-are-one?lang=eng


Read, or listen to the entire article here:  https://www.lds.org/liahona/print/2005/02/questions-and-answers?lang=eng&clang=eng

WEEKLY CHALLENGE:  Practice bearing your testimony to your spouse and / or other family members.   

Relief Society Announcements:

*Remember that we do not have our regular meetings this Sunday, March 1st.  Instead we will be listening to the General Broadcast.  You and your families can attend and listen to the broadcast from any ward building.

*Please also remember the upcoming Stake Women of Christ Fireside:  

      "Becoming a More Holy Woman."

     Sunday, March 1st at 6 PM @ the Stake Center.  

 Eleven women from the stake will be sharing topics that apply to us today.  You will have the opportunity to choose to attend 3 breakout sessions.  


Lesson Schedule for March: 

March 1st- General Area Broadcast (see announcements)
March 8th- Ezra Taft Benson - Chapter 5
March 15th - Ezra Taft Benson - Chapter 6
March 22nd - Teachings For Our Time
March 29th - Bishop's Choice


Recipes on the blog:
If you have a recipe you would like to share send them to:  drbennett1@hotmail.com or call or text them to 208-351-7083. We would love to have your favorite holiday recipes!

Visit the ward recipe blog:  www.burton4threcipes.blogspot.com

Visit the Relief Society blog:  www.burton4thrs.blogspot.com
 
 










































































Thursday, February 19, 2015

Weekly Update- February 15th - February 22nd

Faith


Lesson Review:

"Living Joyfully In Troubles Times" 

  Ezra Taft Benson - Chapter 4


 

Doctrine:


 
 
 We will all have disappointments and discouragements—that is part of life. But if we will have faith, our setbacks will be but a moment and success will come out of our seeming failures. Our Heavenly Father can accomplish miracles through each of us if we will but place our confidence and trust in Him.
 
It is a great blessing to have an inner peace, to have an assurance, to have a spirit of serenity and inward calm during times of strife and struggle, during times of sorrow and reverses. It is soul-satisfying to know that God is at the helm, that He is mindful of His children, and that we can with full confidence place our trust in Him.

Invitation to Action: 

We have no cause to really worry. Live the gospel, keep the commandments. Attend to your prayers night and morning in your home. Maintain the standards of the Church. Try and live calmly and cheerfully. … Happiness must be earned from day to day. But it is worth the effort.

Do we realize that happiness here and now consists in freely, lovingly, joyfully acknowledging God’s will for us—and doing it in all ways and all affairs big and small? To live perfectly is to live happily. To live happily is to grow in spiritual strength toward perfection. Every action performed in accord with God’s will is part of that growth. Let us not partition our lives. Let us unify our lives, being contemptuous of fictitious honors and glories that do not come with God’s approval. Let us remember that the real source of our strength and happiness is beyond the reach of men and circumstances.

 
Be cheerful in all that you do. Live joyfully. Live happily. Live enthusiastically, knowing that God does not dwell in gloom and melancholy, but in light and love.
 
 

 Promised Blessings:
 
Let your minds be filled with the goal of being like the Lord, and you will crowd out depressing thoughts as you anxiously seek to know him and do his will. “Let this mind be in you,” said Paul. (Philip. 2:5.) “Look unto me in every thought,” said Jesus. (D&C 6:36.) And what will follow if we do? “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.” (Isa. 26:3.)
 
We will never be alone if we live as we should, because our Father will always be with us to bless us. He wants us to be successful. He wants us to be happy. He wants us to achieve the good goals we set. He will do His part if we do our part.
 
 
 

 Read or Listen to the entire lesson here:  

FAMILY



 6 Ways To Strengthen Family Love:
  1. Learn together. During family scripture time and everyday teaching moments, discover the gospel together.
  2. Pray together. As you call on Heavenly Father, you will find that He loves each of you.
  3. Hold family home evening. Set aside a time each week when you can count on being together.
  4. Make wise media choices. Ensure that what enters your home is edifying.
  5. Serve side by side. Grow closer together through service, such as helping a neighbor, sharing the gospel, or doing family history.
  6. Express love daily. In word and deed, show Christlike kindness.

What are the most important things you could do to strengthen the love in your family? The six above are among the best. Find more about strengthening your family at family.lds.org.

 

RELIEF
 



“Of all people, we must surely realize that there can be no true worship of Him who is the Christ without giving of ourselves. Why are missionaries happy? Because they lose themselves in the service of others” President Gordon B. Hinckley.
 
“The only way under the heavens whereby a person can be sanctified is in selfless service” Elder William R. Bradford.
 
“Service with all of our heart and mind is a high challenge for all of us. It must be motivated only by the pure love of Christ” Elder Dallin H. Oaks.
 
“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matt. 25:40).
 

Sweeping the Earth As If a Flood: 

 
Do you get nervous about sharing the gospel?  Here's a couple of quotes from and a link to an article printed in the Feb 2005 Liahona, containing suggestions and answers to overcoming your fears.
 
 
 

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said, “The intensity of our desire to share the gospel is a great indicator of the extent of our personal conversion” (“Sharing the Gospel,” Liahona, Jan. 2002, 7; Ensign, Nov. 2001). You have the desire. Now let that desire grow into action as you practice sharing the gospel (see Alma 32). 
 
“Do not let fear overcome your efforts. … Fear comes not from God but from the evil one. The adversary of all truth would put into your heart a reluctance to make an effort. Cast that fear aside and be valiant in the cause of truth and righteousness and faith. If you now decide that this will become the pattern of your life, you will not have to make that decision again.” President Gordon B. Hinckley, “Words of the Living Prophet,” Liahona, June 1998, 26; “Excerpts from Recent Addresses of President Gordon B. Hinckley,” Ensign, Jan. 1998, 72.
 
 
 

Relief Society Announcements:


We are excited about our upcoming Relief Society Activity, this Sunday, February 22nd @ 6:30 p.m.!  Elder Alan C. Batt, and his wife Millie will be speaking to us.  All adults ages 18 and older are invited to attend.  A nursery will be provided.  We will meet in the Chapel for the fireside.  Following the meeting, we will have light refreshments in the Cultural Hall.  We look forward to being together and enjoying a great meeting!

Please also remember the upcoming Stake Women of Christ Fireside:  

      "Becoming a More Holy Woman."

     March 1st at 6 PM @ the Stake Center.  

 Eleven women from the stake will be sharing topics that apply to us today.  You will have the opportunity to choose to attend 3 breakout sessions.  

Congratulations to the Oliphant's on their handsome new addition!

Alexander David Oliphant
Born: Jan 18th, 2015
Weight:  7 lbs 3 oz 
Length: 20 inches
 

Lesson Schedule for February/March: 

February 22nd - Teachings For Our Time
March 1st- General Area Broadcast (see announcements)
March 8th- Ezra Taft Benson - Chapter 5
March 15th - Ezra Taft Benson - Chapter 6
March 22nd - Teachings For Our Time
March 29th - Bishop's Choice


Recipes on the blog:
 
If you have a recipe you would like to share send them to:  drbennett1@hotmail.com or call or text them to 208-351-7083. We would love to have your favorite holiday recipes!
 Visit the ward recipe blog:  www.burton4threcipes.blogspot.com
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 


 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 


 

 

 
  

 
 


 


 


 



 

 
 
 





 

 




 
 
 
 
 






 

 


 

Monday, February 16, 2015

Weekly Update: February 8th - February 14th


Faith 



Lesson Review:

"Freedom of Choice, an Eternal Principle" 

  Ezra Taft Benson - Chapter 3



Doctrine:



"Agency has been given to all of us to make important decisions that will have bearing on our salvation.  Those decision affect our happiness in eternity."

Freedom of choice is a God-given eternal principle.  The great plan of liberty is the plan of the gospel.  There is no coercion about it; no force, no intimidation.  A man is free to accept the gospel or reject it.  He may accept it and then refuse to live it, or he may accept it and live it fully.  But God will never force us to live the gospel.  He will use persuasion through His servants.  He will call us and He will direct us and He will persuade us and encourage us and He will bless us when we respond, but He will never force the human mind.



Invitation to Action: 

Life is a testing time in man's eternal existence, during which he is given...the right to choose between right and wrong...On those choices hang great consequences, not only in this life, but even more important, in the life to come.  There are boundaries beyond which Satan cannot go.  Within those bounds, he is presently being permitted to offer an unrighteous alternative to God's righteous principles, thus allowing men to choose between good and evil and thereby determine the station they shall occupy in the next life.

 

Promised Blessings:

God loves you as He loves each and every one of His children, and His desire and purpose and glory is to have you return to Him pure and undefiled, having proven yourselves worthy of an eternity of joy in His presence.

 Read or Listen to the entire lesson here:  

 
 

FAMILY


 
Counsel Together Oft:  Family Counsels for Couples
 
By Nichole Eck - January 2015 Ensign
 
 Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has taught that “family councils are ideal forums for effective communication to take place.” They are, he explained, a time to “talk about the needs of the family and the needs of individual members of the family, … solve problems, make family decisions, [and] plan day-to-day and long-range family activities and goals.”
 
If you haven’t had a family council, you can start today. If you have children living with you, you can include them. However, it is also important that husbands and wives have a separate family council where they can discuss family and personal issues privately.
 
Here are some principles and practical suggestions you can apply to your family councils between husband and wife:
 
1.  Start With Prayer - “When communication with Heavenly Father breaks down, communication between spouses also breaks down."
 
2.  Decide Together-  "Consensus of the council members must be obtained, through prayer and discussion, to achieve that unity which is prerequisite to the Lord’s help.”
 
3.  Evaluate Yourself- “Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” (Matthew 7:3).
 
4.  Talk About Hard Stuff-  “Every family has problems and challenges. But successful families try to work together toward solutions instead of resorting to criticism and contention."
 
5.  Keep It Positive - "If you call family councils only “in times of stress … and never to recognize … achievements or to compliment [your family members] and show your love to them, then they will learn to dread family councils.”
 
6.  Persevere- “Let us do the best we can and try to improve each day. When our imperfections appear, we can keep trying to correct them. We can be more forgiving of flaws in ourselves and among those we love.” 
 

If you don’t know what to talk about in a family council, consider questions like these:  

  • How can we divide up the work so that each member shares home responsibilities and feels good about what he or she is doing?    
  • What sort of media will we allow in the house?      
  • What new skills can we learn as a family?      
  • What can we do as a family to eliminate quarreling?      
  • What activities will encourage us to keep the Sabbath day holy?      
  • How can we prepare for a natural disaster?      
  • How will we be more involved in our community?      
  • What new traditions can we start as a family?      
  • How can we be better about managing our finances?      
  • What can we do to spiritually strengthen our marriage? 
Read the whole article here: 


 

RELIEF





A story is told that during the bombing of a city in World War II, a large statue of Jesus Christ was severely damaged. When the townspeople found the statue among the rubble, they mourned because it had been a beloved symbol of their faith and of God’s presence in their lives.

Experts were able to repair most of the statue, but its hands had been damaged so severely that they could not be restored. Some suggested that they hire a sculptor to make new hands, but others wanted to leave it as it was—a permanent reminder of the tragedy of war. Ultimately, the statue remained without hands. However, the people of the city added on the base of the statue of Jesus Christ a sign with these words: "You are my hands."

"As we emulate His perfect example, our hands can become His hands; our eyes, His eyes; our heart, His heart." From the April 2010 General Conference talk "You Are My Hands" by Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Read or listen to his talk here:

 

Sweeping the Earth As If a Flood:


 

 

Relief Society Announcements:

There will be an adult fireside for all adults 18 and up on
Sunday, February 22nd @ 6:30 p.m.  Elder Alan Batt of the Area 70 will be sharing a great message.  Sunday dress.

"Becoming a More Holy Woman" - Stake Relief Society Fireside will be March 1 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Stake Center.  Please dress Sunday best.  There will be no nursery provided.

 Lesson Schedule February:

February 1st - President's Instruction
February 8th - Ezra Taft Benson #3 - "Freedom of Choice, an Eternal Principle"
February 15th - Ezra Taft Benson #4 - "Living Joyfully I Troubled Times"
February 22nd - Teachings For Our Time 
 
2015 Relief Society Curriculum:

Teachings of President's of the Church - Ezra Taft Benson

  
Recipes on the blog:

If you have a recipe you would like to share send them to:  drbennett1@hotmail.com or call or text them to 208-351-7083. We would love to have your favorite holiday recipes!

Visit the ward recipe blog:  www.burton4threcipes.blogspot.com









 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 

 

 


  


Friday, February 13, 2015

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

I hope you all know how much you are loved! 


 
Happy Valentines Day!
 
Check back on Saturday for the weekly blog update.
 
 

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Weekly update Feb 1st - Feb 7th

Faith

 

Lesson Review:

"What Makes You Smile?" 

 

Presidency Message

Doctrine:


“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” (Proverbs 17:22)


“Good humor truly is medicine to the soul.  Humor can ease tension, relieve uncomfortable or embarrassing situations, change attitudes, generate love and understanding, and add sparkle to life.” (FHE Manual) 

“Jesus found special joy and happiness in children and said all of us should be more like them – guiless and pure, quick to laugh.” (Jeffrey R. Holland) 

“I am satisfied that our Father in Heaven likes to see His children happy – not miserable, but happy.” 

Some unfortunate souls think that joy is a luxury, one of life’s frills they cannot afford or do not deserve.  But. . . it is God who decided that joy is the very purpose for our existence.”  (President Gordon B. Hinckley)  


 

Lightheartedness vs. Light-mindedness:

“Light-mindedness is thoughtless—literally, without thought. It is empty, meaningless, and wasteful. Often there is hypocrisy and scorn associated with light-minded laughter. It is irreverent and unholy. It separates us from the Spirit. It’s the things we talk and laugh about that don’t encourage, cheer, or edify.”

“Lightheartedness is goodness—joyful goodness. It includes all that blesses and happifies us and others. It’s being of good cheer while focusing on the things that matter. It’s a virtue.”  (Mary Allen Edmunds – 2004 Women’s Conference)

“Light-mindedness is a deliberate irreverence that trivializes the sacred and at worst becomes sacrilege and blasphemy.”  

“Lightheartedness, on the other hand, refers to the zestful joy found in wholesome gospel living. Just as scriptures warn against the inappropriate, they also teach us to worship “with a glad heart and a cheerful countenance” (D&C 59:15). (“If We Can Laugh at It, We Can Live with It” – Brad Wilcox)


Invitation to Action: 

 

*  Smile!
 
 Sister Beck:  “At one time I was going through some challenges . . . and one of my daughters came home from school . . . . I said, “I don’t feel like I’m contributing what I should or what I could,” and she said, “You could smile. Mother, you could smile.” I thought, “That is a great service.” Smiling took on added meaning for me. Being happy around my family and other people was necessary.”  (Julie B. Beck)

*  Learn to Laugh

“The first thing we can do is learn to laugh. Have you ever seen an angry driver who, when someone else makes a mistake, reacts as though that person has insulted his honor, his family, his dog, and his ancestors all the way back to Adam? Or have you had an encounter with an overhanging cupboard door left open at the wrong place and the wrong time which has been cursed, condemned, and avenged by a sore-headed victim?”

“There is an antidote for times such as these: learn to laugh.”  (Come What May and Love It – Elder Wirthlin)

*  Develop a Sense of Humor:

“Cultivating good humor may be helpful in finding our own identity. Young people who are trying to find out who they really are often have concerns as to their ability to meet and cope with the challenges that confront them and that lie ahead. They will find that it is easier to ride over the bumps and come quickly to their own identity if they cultivate the good humor that comes naturally. It is important that we all learn to laugh at ourselves.”  (President Faust)

*  Teaching and Disciplining with Humor:

President Hugh B. Brown (Counselor in the First Presidency 1883 - 1975) – “A wholesome sense of humor will be a safety valve that will enable you to apply the lighter touch to heavy problems and to learn some lessons in problem solving that sweat and tears often fail to dissolve.”
 
 

 
Promised Blessings:

President Howard W. Hunter:  “I want to say to all within the sound of my voice tonight that you have every reason in this world to be happy and to be optimistic and to be confident.”

 “Our task is to have the gospel in our lives and to be a bright light, a city set upon a hill that reflects the beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the joy and happiness that will always come to every people in every age who keep the commandments.”

“I think it is incumbent upon us to rejoice a little more and despair a little less…..”

“We have every reason in time and eternity to rejoice and give thanks for the quality of our lives and the promises we have been given.” (An Anchor to the Souls of Men)

 

Testimony:

Melvin J. Ballard:
… I found myself one evening in the dreams of the night in that sacred building, the temple. After a season of prayer and rejoicing I was informed that I should have the privilege of entering into one of those rooms, to meet a glorious personage, and, as I entered the door, I saw, seated on a raised platform, the most glorious being my eyes have ever beheld or that I ever conceived existed in all the eternal worlds.

As I approached to be introduced, He arose and stepped towards me with extended arms, and He smiled as He softly spoke my name. If I shall live to be a million years old, I shall never forget that smile. He took me into His arms and kissed me, pressed me to His bosom, and blessed me, until the marrow of my bones seemed to melt! When He had finished, I fell at His feet, and, as I bathed them with my tears and kisses, I saw the prints of the nails in the feet of the Redeemer of the world. The feeling that I had in the presence of Him who hath all things in His hands, to have His love, His affection, and His blessing was such that if I can receive that of which I had but a foretaste, I would give all that I am, all that I ever hope to be, to feel what I then felt!

… I see Jesus not now upon the cross. I do not see His brow pierced with thorns nor His hands torn with the nails, but I see Him smiling, with extended arms, saying to us all: “Come unto me!” (Melvin J. Ballard – Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)
May we draw our family and others to us as we reflect the smile of the Savior in our own lives!



 

FAMILY

 
 
“Marriage is the foundry for social order, the fountain of virtue, and the foundation for eternal exaltation. Marriage has been divinely designated as an eternal and everlasting covenant. Marriage is sanctified when it is cherished and honored in holiness. That union is not merely between husband and wife; it embraces a partnership with God.”
 
—Russell M. Nelson
“Nurturing Marriage,” Ensign, May 2006

 

RELIEF




Being compassionate is another great work of our Heavenly Father and a fundamental characteristic of who we are as a people. We are commanded to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.” 7 Disciples of Christ throughout all ages of the world have been distinguished by their compassion. Those who follow the Savior “mourn with those that mourn … and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.”        
When we reach out to bless the lives of others, our lives are blessed as well. Service and sacrifice open the windows of heaven, allowing choice blessings to descend upon us. Surely our beloved Heavenly Father smiles upon those who care for the least of His children.
 
 

Sweeping the Earth As If a Flood:

 
 

 

Relief Society Announcements:



There will be an adult fireside for all adults 18 and up on
Sunday, February 22nd @ 6:30 p.m.  Elder Alan Batt of the Area 70 will be sharing a great message.  Sunday dress.

"Becoming a More Holy Woman" - Stake Relief Society Fireside will be March 1 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Stake Center.  Please dress Sunday best.  There will be no nursery provided.

 

Lesson Schedule for February:



February 1st - President's Instruction
February 8th - Ezra Taft Benson #3 - "Freedom of Choice, an Eternal Principle"
January 18th - Ezra Taft Benson #4 - "Living Joyfully I Troubled Times"
January 25th - Teachings For Our Time



2015 Relief Society Curriculum:

Teachings of President's of the Church - Ezra Taft Benson

  
Recipes on the blog:

If you have a recipe you would like to share send them to:  drbennett1@hotmail.com or call or text them to 208-351-7083. We would love to have your favorite holiday recipes!

Visit the ward recipe blog:  www.burton4threcipes.blogspot.com

RS

RS