Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Weekly Update April 19th - April 25th

FAITH

"The Power of the Word"
Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson - Chapter 8


Doctrine:

“The word of God, as found in the scriptures, in the words of living prophets, and in personal revelation, has the power to fortify the Saints and arm them with the Spirit so they can resist evil, hold fast to the good, and find joy in this life.”
 

  
Invitation to Action: 
 
In a First Presidency message in 1976, President [Spencer W.] Kimball said:
 
“I am convinced that each of us, at least some time in our lives, must discover the scriptures for ourselves—and not just discover them once, but rediscover them again and again. …
“The Lord is not trifling with us when he gives us these things, for ‘unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.’ (Luke 12:48.) Access to these things means responsibility for them. We must study the scriptures according to the Lord’s commandment (see 3 Ne. 23:1–5); and we must let them govern our lives.” (Ensign, Sept. 1976, pp. 4–5.)
 
I urge you to recommit yourselves to a study of the scriptures. Immerse yourselves in them daily so you will have the power of the Spirit to attend you in your callings. Read them in your families and teach your children to love and treasure them. Then prayerfully and in counsel with others, seek every way possible to encourage the members of the Church to follow your example. If you do so, you will find, as Alma did, that “the word [has] a great tendency to lead people to do that which [is] just—yea, it [has] more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which [has] happened unto them.” (Alma 31:5.)
 
 

 
Promised Blessings:

Success in righteousness, the power to avoid deception and resist temptation, guidance in our daily lives, healing of the soul—these are but a few of the promises the Lord has given to those who will come to His word. Does the Lord promise and not fulfill? Surely if He tells us that these things will come to us if we lay hold upon His word, then the blessings can be ours. And if we do not, then the blessings may be lost. However diligent we may be in other areas, certain blessings are to be found only in the scriptures, only in coming to the word of the Lord and holding fast to it as we make our way through the mists of darkness to the tree of life.



 Read, study, or listen to the entire lesson here:  
 
 https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-ezra-taft-benson/chapter-8-the-power-of-the-word?lang=eng
 
 
 
You can hear and feel President Ezra Taft Benson of the Book or Mormon and it's importance in conference talks he gave.  Here are a couple of them:
 
The Book Of Mormon is the Word of God
 
"The Book of Mormon is the great standard we are to use. It shows that Joseph Smith was a prophet. It contains the words of Christ, and its great mission is to bring men to Christ and all other things are secondary. The golden question of the Book of Mormon is “Do you want to learn more of Christ?” The Book of Mormon is the great finder of the golden contact. It does not contain things which are “pleasing unto the world” (1 Ne. 6:5), and so the worldly are not interested in it. It is a great sieve."
 
"Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit. Otherwise he is placing his soul in jeopardy and neglecting that which could give spiritual and intellectual unity to his whole life. There is a difference between a convert who is built on the rock of Christ through the Book of Mormon and stays hold of that iron rod, and one who is not."
 
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1975/04/the-book-of-mormon-is-the-word-of-god?lang=eng
 
 
The Book of Mormon - Keystone of Our Religion
 
There are three ways in which the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion. It is the keystone in our witness of Christ. It is the keystone of our doctrine. It is the keystone of testimony.
 
“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness” (Ensign, May 1980, p. 67).
 
 https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1986/10/the-book-of-mormon-keystone-of-our-religion?lang=eng
 
 

FAMILY

 
 
 
Are you struggling with your family scripture study or just want to know how to make it more effective?  There is a great article found in the September 1987 Ensign titled, "Family Scripture Study" that gives four keys of family scripture study.  They are:  Commitment, Consistency, Individuality, and Variety.  It also gives seven ideas of different ways to study, "Read it aloud, memorize it,  look it up, tape record it, discuss it, share it, and plan a family-study activity." 
 
"Latter-day Saint parents recognize the tremendous importance of scripture study in the family. Not only does learning the gospel together stimulate feelings of family harmony and appreciation, but it establishes a foundation of truth upon which children can build throughout their lives."
 
 
 
 

 RELIEF

 
 
Do you sometimes feel like it is hard to find the time to serve?  LDS Living had a fun article in their April 2014 issue that gives, "52 Ways to Give Bite-Sized Service." 
 
"Service doesn't have to take hours of planning and a large group to carry it out. Sometimes it's making one small adjustment to the things we already do each day."
 
 
   
Read the short article here and also watch a cute video: 
 
 

SWEEPING THE EARTH AS IF A FLOOD:

 
 
 
"The Book of Mormon is the instrument that God designed to “sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out [His] elect.” (Moses 7:62.) This sacred volume of scripture needs to become more central in our preaching, our teaching, and our missionary work."

"The time is long overdue for a massive flooding of the earth with the Book of Mormon for the many reasons which the Lord has given. In this age of the electronic media and the mass distribution of the printed word, God will hold us accountable if we do not now move the Book of Mormon in a monumental way."

"Now, my good Saints, we have a great work to perform in a very short time. We must flood the earth with the Book of Mormon—and get out from under God’s condemnation for having treated it lightly. (See D&C 84:54–58.)"

"I challenge all of us to prayerfully consider steps that we can personally take to bring this new witness for Christ more fully into our own lives and into a world that so desperately needs it."

 - Quotes by Ezra Taft Benson in a conference talk, "Flooding the Earth with the Book of Mormon."

Read or listen to it here:
 
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1988/10/flooding-the-earth-with-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng&query=ezra+taft+benson+book+of+Mormon 
 

Relief Society Announcements:

 
*Stake Conference will be held this weekend April 25th and 26th.

*Sister Cassie Jensen will be home this Thursday.  Give her a call or stop by to visit.  She won't be getting out a lot so she would really enjoy some company.

*Congratulations to the Munn's family on their arrival of their baby girl.  We will post a picture soon.

Calendar:

April 25th – 26th – Stake Conference
April 28th – Stake Transitioning Meeting for all Laurels  - R.S. Presidency
May 3rd – Presidency Message
May 10th – Ezra Taft Benson  #9 – The Book of Mormon – Keystone of Our Religion
May 17th – Ezra Taft Benson #10 – Flooding the Earth and Our Lives with the Book of Mormon
May 24th – Teachings For Our Time
May 31st – 5th Sunday
  
 
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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Monday, April 13, 2015

Weekly Update April 12th - April 18th

FAITH

"Joseph Smith:  An Instrument in the Hands of the Lord"
Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson - Chapter 7


Doctrine:

“Joseph Smith, the latter-day Prophet, was an instrument in the hands of the Lord in opening a new gospel dispensation, the last and greatest of all gospel dispensations.”
 
 
When God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ come to earth, as they did in 1820 when they appeared to the young boy prophet, Joseph Smith, it is not something that concerns only a handful of people. It is a message and a revelation intended for all of our Father’s children living upon the face of the earth. It was the greatest event that has ever happened in this world since the resurrection of the Master. Sometimes I think we are so close to it that we don’t fully appreciate its significance and importance and the magnitude of it.
 
The first vision of the Prophet Joseph Smith is bedrock theology to the Church.
 
The most evident truth that emerged from the Prophet’s experience in 1820 was the reality of God’s existence and the fact that Jesus Christ was indeed resurrected. He saw them as separate, distinct, glorified Personages who spoke to him as one man speaks to another.
 
 This was the most glorious manifestation of God the Father and the Son of which we have record.

 
Invitation to Action: 
 
The Book of Mormon is the most singular evidence of Joseph Smith’s calling as a prophet.
 
 
We invite you to test the validity of our witness about the origin of the Book of Mormon. You can do this by reading it and asking our Heavenly Father if these things are true. I promise you, if you are sincere, you will receive a confirmation of the truthfulness by the Holy Ghost. Millions, with soberness and sincerity, testify they know it is from God.
 
If the Book of Mormon is true, then Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith was His prophet, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, and it is being led today by a prophet receiving revelation.
 

 
Promised Blessings:

To get a vision of the magnitude of the Prophet’s earthly mission we must view it in the light of eternity. He was among “the noble and great ones” whom Abraham described as follows:

“Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;
“And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born.” (Abraham 3:22–23.)
 
So it was with Joseph Smith. He too was there. He too sat in council with the noble and great ones. Occupying a prominent place of honor and distinction, he unquestionably helped in the planning and execution of the great work of the Lord to “bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man,” the salvation of all our Father’s children [see Moses 1:39]. His mission had had, and was to have, impact on all who had come to earth, all who then dwelt on earth, and the millions yet unborn.

The greatest activity in this world or in the world to come is directly related to the work and mission of Joseph Smith—man of destiny, prophet of God. That work is the salvation and eternal life of man. For that great purpose this earth was created, prophets of God are called, heavenly messengers are sent forth, and on sacred and important occasions even God, the Father of us all, condescends to come to earth and to introduce his beloved Son.


 
Read, study, or listen to the entire lesson here:  
 
 https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-ezra-taft-benson/chapter-7-joseph-smith-an-instrument-in-the-hands-of-the-lord?lang=eng
 
One of the most powerful testimonies of Joseph Smith and the Book or Mormon was given in a talk, "Safety for the Soul" by Jeffrey Holland.  You can listen or read it here:
 
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/safety-for-the-soul?lang=eng
 
***The video link is also a great tool to share with your friends or relatives that are struggling with their own testimonies. ***
 
 

FAMILY

 
 
Family is the center of life and is the key to eternal happiness.
"Why Marriage and Family Matter - Everywhere in the World." - Elder Tom Perry
 
We believe that marriage and family ties can continue beyond the grave—that marriages performed by those who have the proper authority in His temples will continue to be valid in the world to come. Our marriage ceremonies eliminate the words “till death do us part” and instead say, “for time and for all eternity.”
 
We also believe that strong traditional families are not only the basic units of a stable society, a stable economy, and a stable culture of values—but that they are also the basic units of eternity and of the kingdom and government of God.
 
We believe that the organization and government of heaven will be built around families and extended families.
 
It is because of our belief that marriages and families are eternal that we, as a church, want to be a leader and a participant in worldwide movements to strengthen them. We know that it is not only those who are actively religious who share common values and priorities of lasting marriages and strong family relationships. A great number of secular people have concluded that a committed marriage and family lifestyle is the most sensible, the most economical, and the happiest way to live.
 
No one has ever come up with a more efficient way to raise the next generation than a household of married parents with children.
 
My brothers and sisters, the restored gospel centers on marriage and family. It is also on marriage and family where we can unite most with other faiths. It is around marriage and family where we will find our greatest commonality with the rest of the world. It is around marriage and family that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has the greatest opportunity to be a light on the hill.
 
Let me close by bearing witness (and my nine decades on this earth fully qualify me to say this) that the older I get, the more I realize that family is the center of life and is the key to eternal happiness.
 
Read or listen to the entire talk here:
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-and-family-matter-everywhere-in-the-world?lang=eng 
 
 

 RELIEF


 
Your fast offering will do more than help feed and clothe bodies. It will heal and change hearts.
 “Is Not This the Fast That I Have Chosen?”  - President Henry B Eyring
 
So the Lord has given us a simple commandment with a marvelous promise. In the Church today we are offered the opportunity to fast once a month and give a generous fast offering through our bishop or branch president for the benefit of the poor and the needy. Some of what you give will be used to help those around you, perhaps someone in your own family. The Lord’s servants will pray and fast for the revelation to know whom to help and what help to give. That which is not needed to help people in your local Church unit will become available to bless other Church members across the world who are in need.
 
The commandment to fast for the poor has many blessings attached to it. President Spencer W. Kimball called failing to follow that law a sin of omission with a heavy cost. He wrote: “Rich promises are made by the Lord to those who fast and assist the needy. … Inspiration and spiritual guidance will come with righteousness and closeness to our Heavenly Father. To omit to do this righteous act of fasting would deprive us of these blessings.”
 
Read or listen to the talk here: 
 
 

SWEEPING THE EARTH AS IF A FLOOD:


 
 
Viewed from that eternal perspective, what we are to do seems so simple and clear, but I know that member missionary work can be challenging and sometimes frightening. Please allow me to suggest three simple things that we can do to assist in this divinely commissioned responsibility.
 
First, we should exercise our faith and pray individually and as families, asking for help in finding ways to share the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord to open the way. Prayerfully set a date with your family to have someone in your home for the missionaries to teach. Remember, brothers and sisters, this is the Lord’s Church. Let Him guide you through constant prayer. With a prayer in your heart, talk to everyone you can. Don’t prejudge. Don’t withhold the good news from anyone. Talk to everyone, and trust in the promised power of the Spirit to give you the words you should say. Let them make the decision to accept or reject your invitation. Over time, the Lord will put into your path those who are seeking the truth. He is the Good Shepherd. He knows His sheep, and they will know His voice, spoken through you, and they will follow Him (see John 10).
 
President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “It will be a great day when our people not only pray for the missionaries throughout the world, but ask the Lord to help them to assist the missionaries who are laboring in their own ward” (“Missionary Service,” First Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 2003, 19).
 
Second, leaders must lead by example. The Spirit will prompt and guide you in finding those interested in our message. Your personal worthiness will give you the courage and the spiritual power to inspire your members to actively help the missionaries.
 
The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have made it clear that missionary work is to be centered in the ward. Stake presidents and bishops have the responsibility and accountability to help members find the pure in heart and prepare them for baptism and for a life of service within their wards and stakes. President Hinckley has also said, “I would like to suggest that every bishop in the Church give as a motto to his people, ‘Let’s all work to grow the ward’"
 
Third, member missionary work does not require the development of strategies or gimmicks. It does require faith—real faith and trust in the Lord. It also requires genuine love. The first great commandment is to “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. … The second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matt. 22:37, 39).
 
So let the power of love guide us in sharing the gospel with family members, friends, neighbors, business associates, and any other people we encounter as we go through life. Most everyone wants to enjoy peace and happiness. That is a natural human desire. People want to find answers to the problems they face. This is increasingly true in the world we now live in.
 
Some members say, “I’m afraid to share the gospel because I might offend someone.” Experience has shown that people are not offended when the sharing is motivated by the spirit of love and concern. How could anyone be offended when we say something like this: “I love the way my church helps me” and then add whatever the Spirit directs. It’s when we appear only to be fulfilling an assignment and we fail to express real interest and love that we offend others. Don’t ever forget, brothers and sisters, that you and I have in our possession the very points of doctrine that will bring people to the Lord. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ has within it the power to bring deep and abiding happiness to the human soul—something that will be valued and cherished for the rest of time and for all eternity. We are not just trying to get people to join our Church; we are sharing with them the fulness of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. But as powerful as our message is, it cannot be imposed or forced upon people. It can only be shared—heart to heart, soul to soul, spirit to spirit—by being good neighbors and by caring and showing love. We need to be watchful for one another and reach out to one another. And as we do so, we will radiate the gospel in our own lives, and it will radiate to the people the blessings the gospel has to offer.
 
Let us follow the admonition of the Prophet Joseph Smith, “After all that has been said, [our] greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel” (History of the Church, 2:478).
We can and we must do better, brothers and sisters. I pray that the Lord will grant to each one of us the faith and courage to increase our participation in supporting our full-time missionaries in sharing the restored gospel with all of God’s children throughout the world. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
 
From the talk given by M.Russell  Ballard in the April 2003 Ensign.
"The Essential Role of Member Missionary Work."
 
Listen or read the talk here:
 


Relief Society Announcements:

 
 
*Transcripts from General Conference are now available online at lds.org.
*Stake Conference will be held on April 25th and 26th.
*BYU Women's Conference will be held April 30th - May 1st.  The theme for the Conference is "My soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord" (2 Nephi 11:5)  General session speakers include Elder M. Russell Ballard and Bonnie L. Oscarson.  If you are interested in attending, you can register online, or call 877-221-6716.  For those who can't attend in person, Elder Ballard's talk will be streamed live Friday at 3:45 on BYUTV as well as on the home page of lds.org.
*An exhibit featuring some of the early documents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is on public display at the Church History Library on Temple Square in Salt Lake City.  "Foundations of Faith" includes 26 books, manuscripts and other historical documents that date back to the 19th century and the beginnings of Mormonism.  
*The Visiting Teaching message this month is entitled, "The Attributes of Jesus Christ:  Without Guile or Hypocrisy."  Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:  "To beguile is to deceive or lead astray. . . .A person without guile is a person of innocence, honest intent, and pure motives, whose life reflects the simple practice of conforming his [orher] daily actions to principles of integrity."

Calendar:

 
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 28th – Stake Transitioning Meeting for all Laurels  - R.S. Presidency
April 25th – 26th – Stake Conference
May 3rd – Presidency Message
May 10th – Ezra Taft Benson  #9 – The Book of Mormon – Keystone of Our Religion
May 17th – Ezra Taft Benson #10 – Flooding the Earth and Our Lives with the Book of Mormon
May 24th – Teachings For Our Time
May 31st – 5th Sunday
  
 
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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Sunday, April 12, 2015

Weekly Update - April 5th - April 11th - GENERAL CONFERENCE

Invitations from the Prophet

Attend the temple
During the April 2015 general conference, President Thomas S. Monson bore testimony of the blessings of temple attendance:
“As we go to the temple, as we remember the covenants we make there, we will be better able to overcome those temptations and to bear our trials,” he said. “In the temple we can find peace. …
“May our Heavenly Father bless us that we may have the spirit of temple worship, that we may be obedient to His commandments, and that we may follow carefully the steps of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Express gratitude for Jesus Christ's gifts
As we celebrate Easter, “may we offer prayers of gratitude for His great and marvelous gifts to us.”

Reflect on responsibilities and duty of callings
“Let us consider our callings,” he said. “Let us reflect on our responsibilities; let us determine our duty; and let us follow Jesus Christ, our Lord.”
Quoting Doctrine and Covenants 121:45, he said, “Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly.”

Learn of and follow Jesus Christ
“We are engaged in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ,” he concluded. “Let us learn of Him. Let us follow in His footsteps. Let us live by His precepts.”

 



Did you Miss General Conference?

Watch or read the talks here:

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2015/04?cid=HP_SU_4-5-2015_dPTH_fGC_xLIDyL1-B_&lang=eng

Read the talk summaries here:

https://www.lds.org/church/news/2015-april-general-conference/2015-april-general-conference-at-a-glance?cid=HP_SA_4-4-2015_dPAAST_fCHNWS_xLIDyL2-2_&lang=eng


Watch and share video clips from conference:

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/april-2015-general-conference-video-quotes?cid=HP_FR_4-3-2015_dOCS_fSHR_xLIDyL2-4_&lang=eng



Announcements:

 
*Stake Conference will be held on April 25th and 26th.
*BYU Women's Conference will be held April 30th - May 1st.  The theme for the Conference is "My soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord" (2 Nephi 11:5)  General session speakers include Elder M. Russell Ballard and Bonnie L. Oscarson.  If you are interested in attending, you can register online, or call 877-221-6716.  For those who can't attend in person, Elder Ballard's talk will be streamed live Friday at 3:45 on BYUTV as well as on the home page of lds.org.
*An exhibit featuring some of the early documents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is on public display at the Church History Library on Temple Square in Salt Lake City.  "Foundations of Faith" includes 26 books, manuscripts and other historical documents that date back to the 19th century and the beginnings of Mormonism.  
*The Visiting Teaching message this month is entitled, "The Attributes of Jesus Christ:  Without Guile or Hypocrisy."  Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:  "To beguile is to deceive or lead astray. . . .A person without guile is a person of innocence, honest intent, and pure motives, whose life reflects the simple practice of conforming his [orher] daily actions to principles of integrity."
 

Calendar:

 
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 28th – Stake Transitioning Meeting for all Laurels  - R.S. Presidency
April 25th – 26th – Stake Conference
May 3rd – Presidency Message
May 10th – Ezra Taft Benson  #9 – The Book of Mormon – Keystone of Our Religion
May 17th – Ezra Taft Benson #10 – Flooding the Earth and Our Lives with the Book of Mormon
May 24th – Teachings For Our Time
May 31st – 5th Sunday

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Weekly Update - March 29th - April 4th

FAITH

This week we shared quotes a thoughts from, "Daughters in My Kingdom."  (The history and work of the Relief Society)  It was great way to end the month of the Relief's Society's birthday celebration.


Doctrine:


 
In the first meeting of the Relief Society, Sister Emma Smith said, "We are going to do something extraordinary."  She was right.  The history of Relief Society is filled with examples of ordinary women who have accomplished extraordinary things as they have exercised faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  Relief Society was established to help prepare daughters of God for the blessing of eternal life.

President Spencer W. Kimball, the twelfth President of the Church, said, “We know that women who have deep appreciation for the past will be concerned about shaping a righteous future.”     A study of this book can help women increase their appreciation for the past and their understanding of their spiritual heritage.
 
The history of Relief Society teaches the divine identity and infinite worth of daughters of God. It is a Spirit-filled story of strong, faithful, purposeful women who have served with little public recognition. Through a study of this history, Latter-day Saints can see that our Heavenly Father knows His daughters, that He loves them, that He trusts them with sacred responsibilities, and that He guides them as they fufill those responsibilities. In their efforts, the women of the Church have united with men who hold the priesthood to build God’s kingdom on the earth and strengthen the homes of Zion.

 
Invitation to Action: 


 
Joseph Smith taught Relief Society sisters of their nobility as daughters of God, helping them understand that God loved them and had grand purposes for them to fulfill. Women in the Church play essential roles in Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation—just as important as the roles played by men who hold the priesthood. The Lord has endowed women with an innate desire to serve and bless others, and He has entrusted them with a sacred responsibility to use their gifts to help save His children.
 
Women sometimes forget their true nobility and give in to the diversions and temptations of the world. Concerned about this trend, Sister Mary Ellen Smoot, the thirteenth Relief Society general president, and her counselors, Sisters Virginia U. Jensen and Sheri L. Dew, felt a need to help the women of the Church remember their identity. In a general Relief Society meeting, they expressed what it means to be daughters of God:
 
“We are beloved spirit daughters of God, and our lives have meaning, purpose, and direction. As a worldwide sisterhood, we are united in our devotion to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Exemplar. We are women of faith, virtue, vision, and charity who:
“Increase our testimonies of Jesus Christ through prayer and scripture study.
“Seek spiritual strength by following the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
“Dedicate ourselves to strengthening marriages, families, and homes.
“Find nobility in motherhood and joy in womanhood.
“Delight in service and good works.
“Love life and learning.
“Stand for truth and righteousness.
“Sustain the priesthood as the authority of God on earth.
“Rejoice in the blessings of the temple, understand our divine destiny, and strive for exaltation.”
 
"I have been quoted as saying, 'Do the best you can.' But I want to emphasize that it be the very best.  We are too prone to be satisfied with mediocre performance.  We are capable of doing so much better." - Gordon B Hinckley (Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan 10, 2004) 

 

 Promised Blessings:



Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “We believe in and are counting on your goodness and your strength, your propensity for virtue and valor, your kindness and courage, your strength and resilience. We believe in your mission as women of God. … We believe that the Church simply will not accomplish what it must without your faith and faithfulness, your innate tendency to put the well-being of others ahead of your own, and your spiritual strength and tenacity. And we believe that God’s plan is for you to become queens and to receive the highest blessings any woman can receive in time or eternity.”

As women live up to their privilege and potential as daughters of God, they prepare themselves for the blessing of eternal life. This is the glorious destiny God has in store for His faithful daughters.



 
 
 
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 
 
One of my favorite video's is found here:
"A Righteous Women"
https://www.lds.org/callings/relief-society/messages-from-leaders/daughters-in-my-kingdom/video-archive?lang=eng#righteous-women
 

FAMILY

 

 
Did you miss the General Women's Broadcast last Saturday?  The messages given were all about the family.  Each talk was wonderful and very inspiring!  Here is a brief summary of the speakers topics:
 
Our Homes with Light and Truth
Cheryl A. Esplin
Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency
When filled with the Spirit and with gospel truth, we have the power to withstand the outside forces of the world that surround and push against us. However, if we are not filled spiritually, we don’t have the inner strength to resist the outside pressures and can collapse when forces push against us.

Daughters of God
Carole M. Stephens
First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency
We each belong to and are needed in the family of God. Earthly families all look different. And while we do the best we can to create strong traditional families, membership in the family of God is not contingent upon any kind of status—marital status, parental status, financial status, social status, or even the kind of status we post on social media. …

Defenders of the Proclamation
Bonnie L. Oscarson
Young Women General President
There are three principles taught in the [family] proclamation which I think are especially in need of steadfast defenders. The first is marriage between a man and a woman.  The next principle which calls for our defending voices is elevating the divine roles of mothers and fathers.  The last principle we need to stand and defend is the sanctity of the home.

The Comforter
Henry B. Eyring
First Counselor in the First Presidency
Many are praying to Heavenly Father for relief, for help in carrying their burdens of grief, loneliness, and fear. Heavenly Father hears those prayers and understands their needs. He and His Beloved Son, the resurrected Jesus Christ, have promised help [see Matthew 11:28–30].
 
 
Listen or read the talks here:  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2015/04?cid=HP_SA_3-28-2015_dPTH_fGC_xLIDyL1-B_&lang=eng 
 
Make sure you listen to the music here too!
 
 
 

 RELIEF

 
 
"Charity Never Faileth" - Daughters of My Kingdom Chapter 5
 
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."
 
With a testimony that the Relief Society had been organized by revelation, Sister Wells and her counselors, Clarissa S. Williams and Julina L. Smith, were committed to preserving the principles upon which the society had been founded. In October 1913 they said:
“We do declare it our purpose to keep intact the original name and initial spirit and purpose of this great organization, holding fast to the inspired teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith when he revealed the plan by which women were to be empowered through the calling of the priesthood to be grouped into suitable organizations for the purpose of ministering to the sick, assisting the needy, comforting the aged, warning the unwary, and succoring the orphans.”
 
Relief Society seal
   
A few months earlier, this sense of purpose had led Sister Wells and her counselors to establish a motto that would become a constant reminder of the organization’s founding principles and inspired origins. They chose a scriptural declaration: “Charity never faileth.” These three words embraced the charge that the Prophet Joseph Smith had given the Relief Society sisters: to “relieve the poor” and to “save souls.”
 
 Another great video to watch is, "Seek Out and Help Those in Need"

 


SWEEPING THE EARTH AS IF A FLOOD:

 
 
 
This week is a perfect time to invite your friends and family to hear messages of the Savior as we celebrate Easter.  There are many people who need to know they have a Savior, that there was an atonement, and that they can be happy again because they can be forgiven and live with our Heavenly Father again.

Here is a great video to share on Facebook, Instagram, through email, on google, ect.

Celebrate Easter Because Jesus Christ Lives

http://www.mormon.org/easter?cid=HP_FR_3-27-2015_dMIS_fMRMN_xLIDyL1-A_

See and easily share this video and other Easter videos by visiting:  http://www.mormon.org/easter?cid=HP_FR_3-27-2015_dMIS_fMRMN_xLIDyL1-A_



We also have a great opportunity with conference coming up.  Make sure you are inviting those around you to watch and/or listen.

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.

 
 
 
 
A FUN video for you to view and/or share is:
 
General Conference Makes Me Happy
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWks7wPumWk
 
 
 
 

Relief Society Announcements:

 
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

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
 
 
We have had more precious and cute babies born in the ward recently.
Congratulations to their families!
 
Colter Millward
Born:  February 17th
 6 lbs -19 inches
 
Ainsley Ann Wolford
Born:  March 10th
7 lbs 4 oz - 20.5 inches
 
 
Lucy Carma Hurd
Born 2/23
6 lbs 14 oz - 20 inches
 
 
 
Also, Congratulations to our recently engaged sisters in the ward!  They will make beautiful brides!
Jennah Coray is getting married July 11th
Sarah Powell is getting married June 19th
 
 
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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