Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Summary of the General Women's Session of Conference

Did you miss the General Women's Session of Conference?

Here is a summary of the talks given:


Discovering the Divinity Within

Rosemary M. Wixom
Primary General President
We come to this earth to nurture and discover the seeds of divine nature that are within us. …
Our divine nature has nothing to do with our personal accomplishments, the status we achieve, the number of marathons we run, or our popularity and self-esteem. Our divine nature comes from God. It was established in an existence that preceded our birth and will continue on into eternity.
We identify with our divine nature as we feel and give the love of our Father in Heaven. We have the agency to nurture it, let it flourish, and help it grow. Peter said we are given “precious promises” that we “might be partakers of the divine nature” [2 Peter 1:4]. As we understand who we are—daughters of God—we begin to feel those precious promises. …
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, “God sent you here to prepare for a future greater than anything you can imagine.” That future, a day at a time, comes alive when you do more than just exist; it comes alive when you live your life to fill the measure of your creation. This invites the Lord into your life, and you begin to let His will become yours.

Claim the Blessings of Your Covenants

Linda S. Reeves
Second Counselor, Relief Society General Presidency
Satan has raised a Korihor-like banner in our day with increasing success. What are some of his tools? Seductive romance novels, TV soap operas, married women and old boyfriends connecting on social media, and pornography. We must be so careful, dear sisters! We cannot play with Satan’s fiery darts and not get burned. I know nothing that will qualify us for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost as much as virtue.
Many in today’s world are looking for instant gratification and instant knowledge on the Internet. In contrast, we will be exceedingly blessed if we exercise faith and patience and go to our Heavenly Father, the source of all truth. So many answers and assurances can come through daily searching and studying the scriptures and with sincere and pleading prayer, but there are no such promises for the Internet. The prophet Jacob testifies: “For the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be” [Jacob 4:13]. …
… I believe that if we could daily remember and recognize the depth of the love that our Heavenly Father and our Savior have for us, we would be willing to do anything They asked to be back in Their presence again.

Here to Serve a Righteous Cause

Carole F. McConkie
First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency
The righteous cause we serve is the cause of Christ. It is the work of salvation. The Lord taught, “This is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” [Moses 1:39]. We are the cause for which Jesus Christ suffered, bled from every pore, and in perfect love gave His life. … We choose to serve the Lord in His righteous cause that we may become one with the Father and the Son. …
Here in mortality we have … covenanted to serve the Savior in the work of salvation. By participating in sacred priesthood ordinances, we pledge that we will embark in the service of God with heart, might, mind, and strength. We receive the Holy Ghost and seek His promptings to guide our efforts.
Righteousness emanates out to the world when we understand what God wants us to do and then we do it. …
In the strength of the Lord, we “can do all things” [Alma 26:12]. We continually seek His guidance in prayer, in the scriptures, and in the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. … Whatever our circumstances, wherever we are along the path toward salvation, we unite as one in our commitment to the Savior. We sustain one another in His service.

A Summer with Great-Aunt Rose

Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Second Counselor in the First Presidency
“There is enough that doesn’t go right in life, so anyone can work themselves into a puddle of pessimism and a mess of melancholy. But I know people who, even when things don’t work out, focus on the wonders and miracles of life. …
“… God didn’t design us to be sad. He created us to have joy! So if we trust Him, He will help us to notice the good, bright, hopeful things of life. And sure enough, the world will become brighter. No, it doesn’t happen instantly, but honestly, how many good things do? …
“… Now is part of eternity. It doesn’t only begin after we die! Faith and hope will open your eyes to the happiness that is placed before you now. …
“… Everything … in the gospel—all the shoulds and the musts and the thou shalts—lead to love. When we love God, we want to serve Him. We want to be like Him. When we love our neighbors, we stop thinking so much about our own problems and help others to solve theirs.” …
As you walk along your own bright path of discipleship, I pray that faith will fortify every footstep along your way; that hope will open your eyes to the glories Heavenly Father has in store for you; and that love for God and all His children will fill your hearts.

You can watch and listen or read the talks here:

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Weekly update September 13th - September 19th

FAITH

"Beware of Pride"

Ezra Taft Benson - Chapter 18


Doctrine:


“Pride does not look up to God and care about what is right. It looks sideways to man and argues who is right. …
“Pride is characterized by ‘What do I want out of life?’ rather than by ‘What would God have me do with my life?’ It is self-will as opposed to God’s will. It is the fear of man over the fear of God.
“Humility responds to God’s will—to the fear of His judgments and to the needs of those around us. To the proud, the applause of the world rings in their ears; to the humble, the applause of heaven warms their hearts.”

  
Invitation to Action:


We can choose to humble ourselves by conquering enmity toward our brothers and sisters, esteeming them as ourselves, and lifting them as high or higher than we are. (See D&C 38:2481:584:106.)
We can choose to humble ourselves by receiving counsel and chastisement. (See Jacob 4:10Hel. 15:3D&C 63:55101:4–5108:1124:61, 84136:31Prov. 9:8.)
We can choose to humble ourselves by forgiving those who have offended us. (See 3 Ne. 13:11, 14D&C 64:10.)
We can choose to humble ourselves by rendering selfless service. (See Mosiah 2:16–17.)
We can choose to humble ourselves by going on missions and preaching the word that can humble others. (See Alma 4:1931:548:20.)
We can choose to humble ourselves by getting to the temple more frequently.
We can choose to humble ourselves by confessing and forsaking our sins and being born of God. (See D&C 58:43Mosiah 27:25–26Alma 5:7–14, 49.)
We can choose to humble ourselves by loving God, submitting our will to His, and putting Him first in our lives. (See 3 Ne. 11:1113:33Moro. 10:32.)
Let us choose to be humble. We can do it. I know we can.

Promised Blessings:


My dear brethren and sisters, we must prepare to redeem Zion. It was essentially the sin of pride that kept us from establishing Zion in the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It was the same sin of pride that brought consecration to an end among the Nephites. (See 4 Nephi 1:24–25.)
Pride is the great stumbling block to Zion. I repeat: Pride is the great stumbling block to Zion.
We must cleanse the inner vessel by conquering pride. (See Alma 6:2–4Matthew 23:25–26.)
We must yield “to the enticings of the Holy Spirit,” put off the prideful “natural man,” become “a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord,” and become “as a child, submissive, meek, humble.” (Mosiah 3:19; see also Alma 13:28.)
That we may do so and go on to fulfill our divine destiny is my fervent prayer.




 Read, study, or listen to the entire lesson here:  




To listen to or read President Benson conference talk, "Beware of Pride" 
given in April 1989 click here:  



FAMILY 


The Influence of Parents

Elder David A. Bednar
Parents who honor temple covenants are in a position to exert great spiritual influence over time on their children. Faithful members of the Church can find comfort in knowing that they can lay claim to the promises of divine guidance and power, through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost and the privileges of the priesthood, in their efforts to help family members receive the blessings of salvation and exaltation.
“… Such an influence cannot override the moral agency of a child but nonetheless can invite and beckon. Ultimately, a child must exercise his or her moral agency and respond in faith, repent with full purpose of heart, and act in accordance with the teachings of Christ.”

-Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Faithful Parents and Wayward Children: Sustaining Hope While Overcoming Misunderstanding,” Liahona, Mar. 2014, 19.

Another great story from this months Ensign was, "Prayer, A Mother's Gift."
Read how a mothers faith and prayer for her wayward son brought her son back into activity and even to serve a full time mission.

RELIEF 



Have you done your visiting teaching this month?
What a privledge we have to watch over and care for each other.

SWEEPING THE EARTH AS IF A FLOOD


Make sure you invite your friends to watch General Conference with you!  You can share the invitation on all your social media sites or make the invitation more personal.  



HOW ARE YOU PREPARING FOR CONFERENCE?



Making general conference meaningful and “a delight” takes some effort. Members around the world share what they do to prepare.


Read them here:  



Relief Society Announcements: 

Lesson Schedule

September 27th - Teaching for Our Time
October 3rd and 4th - General Conference

Save the date:

Relief Society Activity - November 5th.  More information to come.


Recipes on the blog:


It's time to add new recipes to the blog. Help me by sharing your favorite fall recipes!


Please send them to:  drbennett1@hotmail.com or call or text them to 208-351-7083.

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

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



PRIMARY PROGRAM



Dear Parents:

It is time to prepare for the Sacrament Meeting Presentation (primary program). I have given each child a speaking part and ask that you work with them to memorize their part. Some of the children have parts written out for them. Others need to complete the sentence. Some are given questions and some need to retell a scripture story or personal experience. I've asked that all parts stay within the time limit of 45 seconds. When the children retell scripture stories you may prompt them with questions but I would like the children to use their own words to retell the story. Please return completed, the unfinished parts, to me so that I can include them in the final draft. If you have any questions you may contact me at 541-5106 or email nmvrt22@hotmail.com. Thank you so much for all you do to support the Primary!

Sincerely, Sister Heiner


Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation 2015

This is My Beloved Son
Sunbeams:
1)Daniel Oliphant
"We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." Article of Faith 1
2) Memphis McNair
God is the Father of my spirit.
3) Hannah Hartline
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I know Jesus loves me because_____________________________________________________________.
4) Luke Clark
I feel my Savior's love when____________________________________.
5) Annley Draney
I can show my love for Jesus by________________________________.

I Know That My Savior Loves Me
CTR 6:
6)Emalyn Draney
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
7) Tristan Moss
In your own words please tell about the Last Supper
Luke 22:13-14, 19-20 (please keep within 45 seconds)
8) Carson Munns
In your own words please tell about Christ in Gethsemane
Luke 22:39-44 (please keep within 45 seconds)
9) Jonah Wolford
In your own words please tell about the Crucifixion
Luke 23:33-38, 46 (please keep within 45 seconds)
10) Nathan Ricks
In your own words please tell about the Resurrection
John 20:11-18 (please keep within 45 seconds)
11) Caimbree        Judd
"We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel." Article of Faith 3
12)Sarah Robison
I am grateful for the Savior because__________________________.
13) Willem Wasden
I am grateful for the Savior because__________________________.
14)Charles Tietjen
The Savior will help me to______________________________________.
15) River McNair
I can follow the Saviors example by___________________________________________________________________.

He Sent His Son
CTR 4&5
16) Maren Ball
"He spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began." Luke 1:70
17) Tayson Judd
God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He led them to safety. Through the power of God, he parted the Red Sea and they crossed on dry ground.
18) Abigail Moss
Lehi was called by God while in Jerusalem. He was told to flee with his family to a promised land. Through his faithfulness we have another testament of Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon.
19) Brighton Hansen
Joseph Smith was called by God as a boy. Because of Josephs humble prayer we have the fulness of the Gospel.
20) Taylor Ricks
President Monson is our prophet today. I can follow him by___________________________________________________________________.

Follow the Prophet
Valiant 8
21) Lakoda Ricks
Jesus Christ restored the fulness of the Gospel through Joseph Smith.

22) Adam Peterson
Joseph read in the Bible, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God." He went to the woods to pray. Joseph saw a pillar of light over his head. He saw two beings. Heavenly Father pointed to Jesus Christ and said, "This is My Beloved Son."
23) Drew Wolford
Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God.
24) Dylan Nef
The keys of the Priesthood were restored through Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery by John the Baptist, Peter, James, and John.
25) Peyton Sharp
Please bear your testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith.

The Church of Jesus Christ
CTR 7A
26) Kate Heiner
"We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost." Article of Faith 4
27) Alyssa Clark
What does it mean to have faith in Jesus Christ? (please answer and return to Sister Heiner)
28)Michelle Ricks
How does faith in Jesus Christ help you obey? (please answer and return to Sister Heiner)
29) Joshua Haslem
Repentance includes feeling sorry, asking for forgiveness, righting the wrong, and not repeating the wrong.
30) Elli Hansen
Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ I have the opportunity to repent when I do something wrong.
31) Joshua Winger
Please tell us about your baptism and how you felt. (answer and return to Sister Heiner, please keep within 45 seconds)
32) Hazen Torgerson
Please tell us how you felt when you received the gift of the Holy Ghost. (answer and return to Sister Heiner, please keep within 45 seconds)

I Have Faith
CTR 7B
33) Nolan Gee
"By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things" Moroni 10:5
34) Nickolas Roberts
Three separate beings makeup the Godhead. The Father and Son have bodies of flesh and bones. The Holy Ghost does not have a body but is a personage of spirit.

35) Kamryn Stromberg

The Holy Ghost can comfort and teach us, change our hearts, fill us with hope and love, protect us from harm, and testify of Christ.
36) Robin Ball
The Holy Ghost speaks to us in a still, small voice. By listening for the quiet voice I am able to hear and obey.
37) Reagan Widerburg
As I make important decisions in my life, the Holy Ghost can guide me.
38) Damian Maurer
I can invite the Holy Ghost into my life by___________________.

The Holy Ghost
CTR 4&5
39) Chloe Tietjen
Jesus said, "Come, follow me."
40) Kruze Torgerson
When I am baptized I will be following Jesus Christs' example.
41) Jayce Merrill-Mortensen
I can follow Jesus Christs' example by________________________.
42) Kelsey Munns
The mission of the church is to invite all to come unto Christ. In Moroni 10:32 it says, "Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him."
43) Abram Gee
When we repent we come unto Christ. In the Book of Mormon there is a story about Alma the Younger. He was very wicked and was trying to destroy the church. One day an angel came and told him to stop trying to destroy the church. Alma repented and became an amazing leader of the church. We all do things that are wrong. The great news is, we can repent! And we can be amazing just like Alma after he repented! I am so thankful Jesus made it possible for us to repent so we can be happy and feel good inside.
44) Macy Ricks
When I share the gospel, give service, and keep the commandments, I am helping others to come unto Christ.
45)Johsua Taylor
Doctrine and Covenants section 133 verse 37 says, "And this gospel shall be preached unto every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people."

Come Follow Me
Valiant 9
46) Desiree Maurer
Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He is a God of miracles. Miracles show that Christ has power over the earth.
47) Reed Hansen
In your own words share the story when Jesus filled the nets with fish (Luke 5:1-11, please keep within 45 seconds)
48) Isabelle Gee
In your own words share the story of Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:36-39, please keep within 45 seconds)
49) Sharly Widerburg
"For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles...and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith." 2 Nephi 27:32
50) Jack Heiner
Two blind men cried unto Jesus. They wanted to be healed. Then Jesus said, "Do you believe?" The two blind men said, "Yes!" So Jesus healed them. After that Jesus said, "Don't tell anyone." But they did!
51) Lora Zollinger
In your own words share the story of the raising of Jairus's daughter (Mark 5:21-24, 35-43, please keep within 45 seconds)
52)Brigham Ricks
"And neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith; wherefore they first believed in the Son of God." Ether 12:18
53) Graycee Roberts
Please share how miracles have blessed Graycees life when you've had faith in Jesus Christ. (please keep within 45 seconds)
54) Emerson Stromberg
Please share your testimony of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ (reference John 20:1-18 please keep within 45 seconds)

Tell Me the Stories of Jesus
Valiant 10
55) David Green
"If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15
56)Telia Zollinger
When I keep the Sabbath Day Holy, not only do I receive blessings but I show Jesus Christ that I love Him.
57) Tel Bair
By living the Gospel Standards, I am an example to others and I show my love for Jesus Christ.
58)Marley McNair
Please read My Gospel Standards (found on the back of the Faith in God book) and choose a Standard you feel is important to follow. This will be your primary program part.
59) Rachel Oliphant
Please read My Gospel Standards (found on the back of the Faith in God book) and choose a Standard you feel is important to follow. This will be your primary program part.
60) Eva Ball
Please share what it means to you to "love one another"
(reference John 13:34-35, please keep within 45 seconds)
61) Elexa Wasden
When I show gratitude for Jesus Christ, I am showing my love for Him. I am grateful for the Savior because ______________________________________________________________________.
62) Claire Heiner
When I was born my parents and other members of my family were excited. I was a blessing to their lives. When Jesus Christ was born, those living on earth and in Heaven were excited. Since the beginning, prophets have testified that a Savior would be born. Because of the Savior I can live with my Heavenly Father again!
63) Stephen Haslem
The life of Jesus Christ is a gift to the world. I give gifts to the Savior when I ____________________________________________.
64) Kyler Judd
Jesus Christ will return to the earth someday. I can prepare for His second coming by ____________________________.
65) Jade Ricks
Some ways that I can prepare for the return of the Savior are, ________________________________________________________.
66) Hadlie Nef
Because Jesus Christ overcame death through His Resurrection, I will be resurrected too.
67) Noah Wolford
In Doctrine and Covenants section 76 verse 22 the Prophet Joseph Smith and his counselor, Sidney Rigdon bear testimony of Jesus Christ. "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!"

I Know That My Redeemer Lives





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