Thursday, March 26, 2015

Weekly Update - March 22nd - March 28th

FAITH

"Stay in the Boat and Hold On" -  Conference Address given by Elder Russell M Ballard



Doctrine:



Most of us experience periods in our lives where the tranquil waters of life are appreciated. At other times, we encounter white-water rapids that are metaphorically comparable to those found in the 14-mile stretch through Cataract Canyon—challenges that may include physical and mental health issues, the death of a loved one, dashed dreams and hopes, and—for some—even a crisis of faith when faced with life’s problems, questions, and doubts.  (Make sure to read the article that tells the story of the raft trip through the Cataract Canyon)

President Young reminded the Saints: “We are on the old ship Zion. … [God] is at the helm and will stay there. … All is right, sing Hallelujah, for the Lord is here. He dictates, guides and directs. If the people will have implicit confidence in their God, never forsake their covenants nor their God, He will guide us right."

Invitation to Action: 




We need to experience a continuing conversion by increasing our faith in Jesus Christ and our faithfulness to His gospel throughout our lives—not just once but regularly. Alma asked, “And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren [and sisters], if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?”

We need to become like the sons of Mosiah, who “waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth.” We can become men and women “of a sound understanding.” This can be accomplished only by our “search[ing] the scriptures diligently, that [we] might know the word of God.”
 
In searching the scriptures and the words of past and current apostles and prophets, we should focus on studying, living, and loving the doctrine of Christ.
 
In addition to developing the habit of personal scripture reading, we need to be like the sons of Mosiah and give ourselves “to much prayer, and fasting."
 
It seems that these things which are not easily measured are of great importance. Stay focused on these simple things, and avoid becoming distracted.
 
As I have known people who have not stayed in the boat and have not held on with both hands during times of trials and troubles or who have not stayed in the boat during times of relative calm, I have observed that many of them have lost their focus on the central truths of the gospel—the reasons why they joined the Church in the first place; the reasons they remained fully committed and active in living gospel standards and blessing others through dedicated, consecrated service; and the ways in which the Church has been in their lives “a place of spiritual nourishment and growth."

 
 Promised Blessings:



If we keep our focus on the Lord, we are promised a blessing beyond comparison: “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.”



 Read or Listen to the entire lesson here:  
 
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2014/11/sunday-afternoon-session/stay-in-the-boat-and-hold-on?lang=eng 
 
 

FAMILY

  
General Conference is only a week away!  What great privilege it is to be able to hear the inspired words and messages of our prophets and leaders.   Are there things you and your family can do to be more prepared to receive the teachings?  
 
Why does preparing for general conference matter? It is a special opportunity we have to learn from living prophets and apostles and to receive personal revelation. What questions and challenges do you need direction and guidance on?
 
 
 
There in an article in this months Ensign giving several suggestions on preparing for conference.  You will find ideas for adults, teens, and kids. Read it here:
 
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/prepare-for?lang=eng
 
I have also found several websites that have great ideas on making the most of general conference.  Here are a few of them:
 
 
 
http://thehometeacher.org/2012/04/general-conference-easter-eggs.html
 
 
 
https://www.theredheadedhostess.com/teach/general-conference-teach/general-conference-notes-notes-topic/?pp=0
 
 
 
This website has great ideas for kids:
 
http://diapersanddivinity.com/2011/09/26/preparing-children-for-general-conference-packet-links/
 
 
 
 
General Conference is only twice a year. This is a time when the prophets, apostles, and members of the seventy speak to us. This meeting is an important meeting, and you should prepare for it. Here are 12 ways to prepare for General Conference.

1. Make a list of specific questions or issues you’re working on and would like help with.
2. Pray to feel the Spirit and about one or all the things on your list.
3. Learn about the General Authorities’ lives, families, etc.
4. Have a Family Home Evening about General Conference (how to act during, what happens, who speaks, etc.)
5. Read your Patriarchal Blessing if you have it
6. Get plenty of sleep the night before
7. Do all your cleaning and chores before Conference if you can
8. Plan to discuss the talks after you watch Conference. This helps you pay attention because you know you’ll have to have something interesting to say about it later.
9. Plan to listen for which talk to focus on for your Visiting/Home Teaching lesson
10. Plan and shop for meals the day before. Have a Conference food tradition.
11. Plan where and how to watch Conference in advance.
12. Find your journal or whatever you take notes in. Find a pen, too. 
 

 RELIEF




 
Happy Birthday to the Relief Society This Month!
 
Relief Society Purposes are to: Increase Faith and Personal Righteousness, Strengthen Families and Homes and Seek Out and Help Those in Need.
 
President Gordon B. Hinckley once said at a National Press Club appearance, “People wonder what we do for our women.  I’ll tell you what we do.  We get out of their way and look with wonder at what they’re accomplishing.”  In the late 1800’s, Relief Society sisters were sending women to medical schools in the eastern U.S., a well as donating money toward their tuition, the Relief Society Magazine reported.  These female students were some of the first women in the country to graduate as medical doctors.  They returned to Utah to train additional women as nurses.  Deseret Hospital was run by the first all-female board of directors in the United States.  Dr. W.H. Groves donated money so that Groves LDS Hospital could open its doors.  The leaders in the Primary Association became concerned for the medical care of children and created a wing at the hospital called Primary Children’s.  The Cottonwood Stake Relief Society established its own maternity hospital.  (One was also set up by the Snowflake Arizona Stake Relief Society.) (Deseret News March 2014)
 
 
 
There was a great article printed in the Church News celebrating the Relief Society
 and it's purpose. 
 
What are we celebrating?  “We are celebrating who we are and what our work is. We are celebrating those who have gone before. And we are celebrating our purpose.”
 
The purpose of Relief Society, Sister Burton explained, is to “prepare women for the blessings of eternal life.” That is accomplished as sisters increase faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes as they make and keep sacred covenants, and offer relief to those in need, working in unity with priesthood holders, she added.

Sister Burton said understanding the purpose of Relief Society will not only bless the lives of individual women, but it will also help them bless the lives of others “in their homes and families and also in their communities.”

“Think of it. We are beloved daughters of a loving Father in Heaven. We are dedicated disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. And we are part of a great worldwide sisterhood. We are sisters.”
—Sister Linda K. Burton, Relief Society general president
 
The [Relief] Society is not only to relieve the poor, but to save souls. —Joseph Smith (Daughters in My Kingdom [2011], 24)

There are many sisters who are living in rags—spiritual rags. They are entitled to gorgeous robes, spiritual robes. … It is your privilege to go into homes and exchange robes for rags. —President Spencer W. Kimball (Daughters in My Kingdom, 117)

Although the name may be of modern date, the institution is of ancient origin. We were told by our martyred prophet that the same organization existed in the church anciently. —Eliza R. Snow, Relief Society general president, 1866–87 (Daughters in My Kingdom, 1)

Read the article here:  https://www.lds.org/church/news/relief-society-celebrates-birthday-and-more-march-17?lang=eng



Read, study, and learn more about the Relief Society in the "Daughters of Our Kingdom Book."  Visit the website for some wonderful quotes and inspiring videos.
 
https://www.lds.org/relief-society/daughters-in-my-kingdom?lang=eng
 
If you don't have your own copy, and would like a copy of the book. please see a member of the Relief Society Presidency. 
 


SWEEPING THE EARTH AS IF A FLOOD:

 
 Invite and Share via Social Media

Those of other faiths are welcome to participate in general conference sessions. Members may invite them using the Facebook event or by changing their cover image.  Visit lds.org to get your facebook image:  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/invite-others?lang=eng


                
To participate in general conference conversations on Twitter, use #LDSconf, or retweet quotes and images posted at @LDSchurch. See and use the list of speakers’ recommended hashtags to help extend their messages.

 
 
 

Relief Society Announcements:

  
The General Women's Broadcast will be held this Sunday, March 28th at 600 p.m.  All women and girls 8 years and older re invited to attend.  The meeting will be broadcast at the Stake Center from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
 
Our next Relief Society activity will be attending the production of the "Women at the Well."  This is a musical production recounting the experiences of may of the women who knew the Savior.  It will be held on Thursday, April 2nd at the Old Burton Church (West Burton Building) at 7:00 p.m.  Refreshments ill be served.  The music and messages are inspiring.
 
 
 
 

Lesson Schedule for March / April

March 29th - This week, as we celebrate the birth and the continued work of Relief Society, we ask each of you to take a few minutes to look through “Daughters in my Kingdom.”  Please choose a thought or a quote or a story from that manual that is particularly meaningful to you and come prepared to share it with us in Relief Society on Sunday.  We would like to hear from as many of you as possible!  Each of your testimonies is vital to the whole, and makes us untidily stronger.  We have been divinely organized for the purpose of strengthening one another!

April 4 - 5th - General Conference
April 12th - Ezra Taft Benson #7 - Joseph Smith, an Instrument in the Hands of the Lord
April 19th - Ezra Taft Benson #8 - The Power of the Word
April 25th - 26th - Stake Conference
 
 
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






Saturday, March 21, 2015

Weekly Update - March 15th - March 21st

FAITH

"Jesus Christ, Our Savior and Redeemer" - Ezra Taft Benson - Lesson 6


Doctrine:

No other single influence has had so great an impact on this earth as the life of Jesus the Christ. We cannot conceive of our lives without His teachings. Without Him we would be lost in a mirage of beliefs and worships born in fear and darkness where the sensual and materialistic hold sway. We are far short of the goal He set for us, but we must never lose sight of it, nor must we forget that our great climb toward the light, toward perfection, would not be possible except for His teaching, His life, His death, and His resurrection.
 
To have any measure of appreciation and gratitude for what [Jesus Christ] accomplished in our behalf, we must remember these vital truths:
 
Jesus came to earth to do our Father’s will.
He came with a foreknowledge that He would bear the burden of the sins of us all.
He knew he would be lifted up on the cross.
He was born to be the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind.
He was able to accomplish His mission because He was the Son of God and He possessed the power of God.
He was willing to accomplish His mission because He loves us.
No mortal being had the power or capability to redeem all other mortals from their lost and fallen condition, nor could any other voluntarily forfeit his life and thereby bring to pass a universal resurrection for all other mortals.
 
Only Jesus Christ was able and willing to accomplish such a redeeming act of love.
 
 

 
Invitation to Action: 

A most priceless blessing available to every member of the Church is a testimony of the divinity of Jesus Christ and His church. A testimony is one of the few possessions we may take with us when we leave this life.
 
To have a testimony of Jesus is to possess knowledge through the Holy Ghost of the divine mission of Jesus Christ.
 
A testimony of Jesus means that we accept the divine mission of Jesus Christ, embrace His gospel, and do His works. It also means we accept the prophetic mission of Joseph Smith and his successors and follow their counsel. As Jesus said, “Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.” (D&C 1:38.)
 
“Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend. …
 
“Believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things, see that ye do them.” (Mosiah 4:9–10; italics added.)
 
One of the purposes of this life is for us to be tested to see whether we “will do all things whatsoever the Lord” our God shall command us. (Abr. 3:25.) In short, we are to learn the will of the Lord and do it. We are to follow the model of Jesus Christ and be like Him.
 
We need more men and women of Christ who will always remember Him, who will keep His commandments which He has given them. The greatest yardstick of success is to see how closely we can walk each moment in His steps.18
 
Christ asked the question, “What manner of men ought [we] to be?” He then answered by saying we ought to be even as He is. (3 Ne. 27:27.)



 
 Promised Blessings:

“As one of His latter-day witnesses, I testify that He lives today. He is a resurrected Being. He is our Savior, our Lord, the very Son of God. I testify that He will come again as our glorified, resurrected Lord. That day is not far distant. To all who accept Him as Savior and Lord, His literal resurrection means that life does not end at death, for He promised: ‘Because I live, ye shall live also.’ (John 14:19.)”
 
 

 

 Read or Listen to the entire lesson here:  
 
 https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-ezra-taft-benson/chapter-6-jesus-christ-our-savior-and-redeemer?lang=eng
 
 

FAMILY

  
General Conference is only two weeks away.  What great privilege it is to be able to hear the inspired words and messages of our prophets and leaders.  I always love the spirit that I feel especially those times which I have prepared for conference before hand.  Are there things you and your family can do to be more prepared to receive the teachings?  Do you have specific questions you would like to have answered?  Now is the time to ponder and prepare.  Next week I will share some ideas I have found to help us prepare for this special weekend.  However, I would love to share your ideas too!  Please send me things that your family does before hand or on conference day to make it more meaningful and special. (email to:  drbennett1@hotmail.com)
 
 
 
Oh, how we need general conference! Through conferences our faith is fortified and our testimonies deepened. And when we are converted, we strengthen each other to stand strong amid the fiery darts of these last days.
 
 We may not know all the reasons why the prophets and conference speakers address us with certain topics in conference, but the Lord does. President Harold B. Lee taught: “The only safety we have as members of this church is to … give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall give through His prophet. There will be some things that take patience and faith. You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may contradict your [personal] views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life. But if you listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord Himself, with patience and faith, the promise is that ‘the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; … and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory’ (D&C 21:6).”
 
Did you know that gospel topics for conference do not come easily for those giving the talks?   
 
This principle is true for all members of the Church as we prepare to participate in ward, stake, and general conferences. We study out in our minds what we need and desire from Heavenly Father, and we pray to understand and apply that which we are taught. As the time for conference arrives, we sacrifice other activities, “lay[ing] aside the things of this world, [to] seek for the things of a better.”
Then we gather our families to hear the word of the Lord, as King Benjamin’s people did.
 
Children and youth love to be included. We make a serious mistake if we assume that the conference is above their intellect and spiritual sensitivity. To the young members of the Church, I promise that if you will listen, you will feel the Spirit well up within you. The Lord will tell you what He wants you to do with your life.
 
My brothers and sisters, I bear my special witness that the Lord Jesus Christ lives and stands at the head of this Church. This is His general conference. I promise you in His name that if you pray with a sincere desire to hear your Heavenly Father’s voice in the messages of this conference, you will discover that He has spoken to you to help you, to strengthen you, and to lead you home into His presence. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. - Elder Robert D Hales  taken from conference address, "General Conference:  Strengthening Faith and Testimony."
 
 
 

 RELIEF



 
Happy Birthday to the Relief Society This Month!
 
Relief Society Purposes are to: Increase Faith and Personal Righteousness, Strengthen Families and Homes and Seek Out and Help Those in Need.
 

The Pure Love of Christ”: Charity in Action

“Our eternal happiness will be in proportion to the way that we devote ourselves to helping others.”  -George Albert Smith- In Conference Report, Oct. 1936, 71

 Relief Society sisters in Europe experienced great devastation from World War II. They also demonstrated praiseworthy courage in serving one another in spite of harrowing conditions. They continued faithful and relied on their testimonies and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Their lives and testimonies from this period are truly inspiring.

 After the war, Maria Speidel, who served as the president of the Germany Stuttgart District Relief Society, wrote:

“The past five years have been difficult ones and we have become very humble. Our trust in the Lord and our testimony of his Church have been our pillar of strength. He has kept us mercifully, and although there was much to suffer, he has given to us a measure of his strength. Some of us have lost all our earthly possessions, every tangible thing ever dear to us, and when we say ‘It is better to walk with God in the darkness than without him in the light,’ we know whereof we speak. …

 "… With joy we sing the songs of Zion and put our trust in the Lord. He maketh all things well.”

Gertrude Zippro, another district Relief Society president, walked with God in the darkness many nights to love and serve her sisters. She lived in Holland at a time when the country was under military occupation. Because guards often stopped and searched travelers, she carried identification with her so she could visit branch Relief Societies in the district.

 
 Gertrude Zippro, center, with her sisters and children
Daughters in my kingdom pg 76-77

Read, study, and learn more about the Relief Society in the "Daughters of Our Kingdom Book."  Visit the website for some wonderful quotes and inspiring videos.
 
https://www.lds.org/relief-society/daughters-in-my-kingdom?lang=eng
 
If you don't have your own copy, and would like a copy of the book. please see a member of the Relief Society Presidency. 
 


SWEEPING THE EARTH AS IF A FLOOD:

 
 
For some sharing the gospel is easy.  That is not true for me.  My husband has been a great example of sharing with others using pass-along cards.  Elder Jeffrey Holland gave  great missionary talk and mentions them in his talk,  "Witness unto Me."
 
"For those who find it difficult to initiate missionary conversations—and many do—the Church’s newly produced pass-along cards are a lovely, effortless way to let others know some of your basic beliefs and how they may learn more."
 
 
President Gordon B. Hinckley said in a Churchwide broadcast:
 
“My heart reaches out to you missionaries. You simply cannot do it alone and do it well. You must have the help of others. That power to help lies within each of us. …
“Now, my brethren and sisters, we can let the missionaries try to do it alone, or we can help them. If they do it alone, they will knock on doors day after day and the harvest will be meager. Or as members we can assist them in finding and teaching investigators. …
 
“Brothers and sisters, all of you out in the wards and stakes and in the districts and branches, I invite you to become a vast army with enthusiasm for this work and a great overarching desire to assist the missionaries in the tremendous responsibility they have to carry the gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.”"Thank you also for praying for the missionaries. Everyone prays for the missionaries. May it ever be so. In that same spirit, we should also pray for those who are (or who need to be) meeting the missionaries. In Zarahemla, members were commanded to “join in fasting and mighty prayer”  for those who had not yet joined the Church of God. We can do the same.
 
We can also pray daily for our own personal missionary experiences. Pray that under the divine management of such things, the missionary opportunity you want is already being prepared in the heart of someone who longs for and looks for what you have. “There are many yet on the earth … who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it.”     Pray that they will find you! And then be alert, because there are multitudes in your world who feel a famine in their lives, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the word of the Lord.
 
Like all prophets and apostles, the Prophet Joseph Smith understood the deep meaning of John’s request when he said, “After all that has been said, [our] greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel.” 10 I bear witness of that gospel and of Jesus Christ, who embodied it. I testify that “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” 11 and that saving those souls through the redeeming Atonement of His Beloved Son is at the very heart of His work and His glory. 12 In pursuing that work I testify with Jeremiah that this last great missionary declaration to modern Israel will, in the end, be a greater miracle than ancient Israel’s crossing of the Red Sea. 13 That we will courageously and enthusiastically share the miracle of this message, I pray in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen."
 
Elder Hollands talk gives great advice on carrying on a conversation with someone searching for the gospel.  Read or listen to his talk here:  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2001/04/witnesses-unto-me?lang=eng 

 

Relief Society Announcements:

  
The General Women's Broadcast will be held on Sunday, March 28th at 600 p.m.  All women and girls 8 years and older re invited to attend.  The meeting will be broadcast at the Stake Center from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
 
Our next Relief Society activity will be attending the production of the "Women at the Well."  This is a musical production recounting the experiences of may of the women who knew the Savior.  It will be held on Thursday, April 2nd at the Old Burton Church (West Burton Building) at 7:00 p.m.  Refreshments ill be served.  The music and messages are inspiring.
 
 


 
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, March 12, 2015

Weekly Update - March 8th - March 14th

FAITH

"Principals of True Repentance" - Ezra Taft Benson - Lesson 5



Doctrine: 

"For those who pay the price required by true repentance, the promise is sure.  You can be clean again.  The despair can be lifted.  The sweet peace of forgiveness will flow into your lives."
 
My beloved brothers and sisters, as we seek to qualify to be members of Christ’s Church—members in the sense in which He uses the term, members who have repented and come unto Him—let us remember these six principles:
 
First, the gospel is the Lord’s plan of happiness, and repentance is designed to bring us joy.
 
Second, true repentance is based on and flows from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no other way.
 
Third, true repentance involves a change of heart and not just a change of behavior.
 
Fourth, part of this mighty change of heart is to feel godly sorrow for our sins. This is what is meant by a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
 
Fifth, God’s gifts are sufficient to help us overcome every sin and weakness if we will but turn to Him for help.
 
 Finally, we must remember that most repentance does not involve sensational or dramatic changes, but rather is a step-by-step, steady, and consistent movement toward godliness.
 
 

 
Invitation to Action: 

We must not lose hope. Hope is an anchor to the souls of men. Satan would have us cast away that anchor. In this way he can bring discouragement and surrender. But we must not lose hope. The Lord is pleased with every effort, even the tiny, daily ones in which we strive to be more like Him. Though we may see that we have far to go on the road to perfection, we must not give up hope.15
For those who pay the price required by true repentance, the promise is sure. You can be clean again. The despair can be lifted. The sweet peace of forgiveness will flow into your lives.
The words of the Lord through Isaiah are sure: “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isa. 1:18).
 
And in this dispensation the Lord spoke with equal clarity when He said, “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more” (D&C 58:42).
 
 
 

      
“True repentance is based on and flows from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  There is no other way."

 Promised Blessings:

If we will strive to incorporate these principles into our lives and implement them on a daily basis, we shall then qualify to be more than members of record in the Church of Jesus Christ. As true members, we have claim to His promise: “Whosoever is of my church, and endureth of my church to the end, him will I establish upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.” (D&C 10:69.)
 
 

 Read or Listen to the entire lesson here:  
 
https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-ezra-taft-benson/chapter-5-principles-of-true-repentance?lang=eng
 
Another great talk by Elder Holland is, "Broken Things to Mend"
 
When He says to the poor in spirit, “Come unto me,” He means He knows the way out and He knows the way up." 
 
Read of listen to it here: 
 
 https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/04/broken-things-to-mend?lang=eng
 
 
 

FAMILY

 
 
Have you read the article in this months Ensign entitled, "Talking about Tough Topics?"  It gives some great advice.  Here are the highlights:
 
"When your children face challenges, it’s important to talk to them in ways that will strengthen your relationship with them." -  By Sheree Lyn Clarke - Clinical Psychologist, LDS Family Services
 
There are many difficult issues your children could face, such as bullying, bad language, cheating at school, same-sex attraction, eating disorders, depression, and suicidal thoughts, for example. As a Latter-day Saint parent, you know you “have a sacred duty to rear your children in love and righteousness,”2 but how do you go about that when your children struggle with difficult issues, whether in their own lives or in the lives of their friends? Here are some guidelines:
 
Ask questions that invite conversation. You can ask a question like this: “It looks like something may be bothering you. Do you want to talk about it?” This question not only acknowledges that you have noticed that something is bothering your child, but it also opens a door for your child to share as much (or little) as he or she chooses.
 
Listen to understand. Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “The time to listen is when someone needs to be heard. Children are naturally eager to share their experiences. … If they try to express their anguish, is it possible for us to listen openly to a shocking experience without going into a state of shock ourselves? Can we listen without interrupting and without making snap judgments that slam shut the door of dialogue? It can remain open with the soothing reassurance that we believe in them and understand their feelings. Adults should not pretend an experience did not happen just because they might wish otherwise.”
 
Show respect. The scriptures give excellent guidance on how to create an environment of love and respect. Notice some of the key words in Doctrine and Covenants 121:41–42: persuasion (not force), long-suffering (not immediate, forced compliance or impatience), gentleness (not loud, aggressive, intense communication), meekness (not proud or domineering responses), kindness (not cruel manipulation), and love unfeigned (genuine, sincere expressions of love). As we deepen our conversion, “the way we treat others becomes increasingly filled with patience, kindness, a gentle acceptance, and a desire to play a positive role in their lives.”
 
Control your anger. “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty” (Proverbs 16:32), and “the spirit of contention … is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger” (3 Nephi 11:29). Anger drives away the Spirit and has the potential to destroy fragile parent-child relationships. In general conference, President Hinckley said, “I plead with you to control your tempers, to put a smile upon your faces, which will erase anger; speak out with words of love and peace, appreciation, and respect. If you will do this, your lives will be without regret. Your marriages and family relationships will be preserved. You will be much happier.”
 
Strengthen the relationship. All of these suggestions can be helpful, but if you can’t remember them when you are in the middle of a difficult conversation with your child, simply ask yourself, “How can I use this situation with my child as an opportunity to strengthen our relationship?” Then listen to and follow the inspiration you receive.
 
Keep trying. Parenting can be very difficult, yet you can succeed if you keep trying. President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95) offered these words of encouragement: “A successful parent is one who has loved, one who has sacrificed, and one who has cared for, taught, and ministered to the needs of a child. If you have done all of these and your child is still wayward or troublesome or worldly, it could well be that you are, nevertheless, a successful parent.”
 
Talking with Teenagers
Talking about challenges is difficult enough but can be even more so with teenagers, who are struggling to form their own identities—independent of their parents. Adolescents deal with enormous academic, emotional, and social pressures. Their belief and value systems are sometimes called into question by friends and peers. Their relationships with their parents can become fragile at this stage of their development, and it is not uncommon for teenagers to end up feeling confused, alone, anxious, uncertain, helpless, isolated, and even depressed.
Parents who understand and are sensitive to these developmental challenges can better help their teenagers at a time when they need their parents most.
 

 RELIEF



 
Happy Birthday to the Relief Society This Month!
 
Relief Society Purposes are to: Increase Faith and Personal Righteousness, Strengthen Families and Homes and Seek Out and Help Those in Need.

It used to be that during visiting teaching visits, the sisters would collect an offering for the poor. In 1944, it was decided that the Relief Society would discontinue the collection of charity funds by the visiting teachers. When this announcement was given, one lady said, "They have sounded the death knell of visiting teaching........who's going to want to go door to door just to visit?" Sister Belle S. Spafford, second counselor in the General Relief Society presidency spoke up and said, "I don't believe it's the death knell. I believe it is the rebirth of visiting teaching." That proved to be true. From then on the program began to flourish and women who had not served before asked to be visiting teachers. 

Daughters in my Kingdom. Page 108-109

 
Read, study, and learn more about the Relief Society in the "Daughters of Our Kingdom Book."  Visit the website for some wonderful quotes and inspiring videos.
 
https://www.lds.org/relief-society/daughters-in-my-kingdom?lang=eng
 
If you don't have your own copy, and would like a copy of the book. please see a member of the Relief Society Presidency. 
 


SWEEPING THE EARTH AS IF A FLOOD:

LDS Living posted a great article on how to share the gospel online.

 
 
Church leaders encouraged Latter-day Saints to use technology and social media to hasten the work of salvation. Find out what you can do to follow this counsel with the tips below!
 

1. Follow the prophet and apostles on social media

The prophet and apostles have accounts on Google+, Facebook, and Twitter. You can follow their pages to see inspiring posts and photos about their teachings. You can like these posts and photos, leave comments, and share them so that your friends can be inspired as well. 
 

2. Talk about the joys of the gospel

As you share your life with others on social media, be sure to let the light of the gospel shine through
 

3. Participate in online gospel discussions

There are many ways to participate in gospel discussions online (see article for ways to do this)

4. Post a review of your meetinghouse and temple 


5. Share general conference with your friends

General conference may be one of the best ways to introduce your friends to the Church. There are many easy ways to invite your friends to watch conference. If you are not comfortable inviting them to your home or to your meetinghouse to watch it, tell them about all the ways they can watch it in their home on TV, radio, the Internet, mobile apps, and social media. (See conference.lds.org for details.)

6. Connect with the world online

Keep in touch with those you have met, worked with, or served with.

 
7. Become Facebook friends with missionaries


8. Set up your own Mormon.org profile

(Instructions were given in last weeks update or find the instructions again in the article)


*Please see the article for more details on each of these tips.  So many are waiting to hear the message we have to share.  We never know who our messages will touch with little effort on our part.

 Read the entire article here:  http://www.ldsliving.com/story/78180-8-unique-and-painless-ways-to-share-the-gospel-online

 

Relief Society Announcements:

 
If you missed the Women of Christ's Fireside put on by the stake Sunday you can visit their blog:  http://womenofchristfireside.blogspot.com/  to see the handouts and other resources used in the breakout classes.
 
Congratulations to Hurd's and Wolford's on the birth of their babies!
 
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
 





 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 



 

 
 
 
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