Sunday, April 25, 2010

Book of Mormon

Aubrie gave a great lesson on the Book of Mormon - Brianna Williamson had some great things to say:

  1. We read some of the verses from 1 Nephi 8 and talked about the tree of life; how every person was surrounded by mists of darkness and some lost their way and others held to the rod and others held to the rod but eventually let go and lost their way.
  2. I think what really struck me was the at the end Aubrie mentioned a talk that is now a video online in the "Mormon Messages" section of lds.org by Elder Holland titled, "Safety for the Soul." One of the quotes that she emphasized was when he told of the importance of reading the Book of Mormon by asking, "If it was delivered by an angel, don't you think it's important and that we should read it?" 
  3. Last, we talked about how the Book of Mormon is here to help us with anything and everything. Aubrie gave us each a Book of Mormon and encouraged us to pray for somebody that we think could use help and personalize that Book of Mormon to them. Aubrie told of a personal story with how she personalized a book to her brother by inserting his name into verses and writing in the margin why certain verses were important to remember.
 Thanks so much to Aubrie and Brianna! Don't forget to read your scriptures daily!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Stake Relief Society Event

This last Saturday we had a stake Relief Society activity where Sister Ivory (President Ivory's mother) spoke.  The spirit was strong and her talk was extremely inspiring.  Here are some notes from her talk.

Every sister received a hand out with the theme of the meeting that read:

"The key to happiness is to celebrate the day- serving with love and a grateful heart."

She began her talk by reading a story-

A little old lady went to the mirror one morning and noticed that she had only three hairs on her head. As she looked into the mirror, she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today." That's exactly what she did. And, she had a great day.

The next morning, at the mirror once again, the little old lady noticed that she only had two hairs on her head. Looking herself right in the eye, she said, "Today, I think I'll part my hair down the middle." That's exactly what she did. And, she had a great day.

The next day, as the little old lady looked into the mirror, there was only one hair on her head. She looked at that one lonely hair and said, "Today I think I'll wear my hair in a pony tail." That's exactly what she did. And she had a great day.

The following morning the little old lady looked into the mirror and there wasn't a single hair on her head. Her eyes lit up, and she said, "Yeah! I don't have to fix my hair today!"

The Ivory family feels that they are the luckiest family in the world despite their heart-aches and trials.  Doesn't the Lord want us all to feel that way on a daily basis regardless of our struggles?  She encouraged us to "make peace with our challenges".

Having a positive attitude doesn't come easy for some.  It is something you have to work at.  For those who work harder at attaining this it comes easier.  So, dig in and "celebrate the now".  Don't focus on yesterday or tomorrow.  If you have a hard time then start by pretending you are happy and blessed. 

Elder Richard G. Scott said, "You are here on earth for a divine purpose. It is not to be endlessly entertained or to be constantly in full pursuit of pleasure. You are here to be tried, to prove yourself so that you can receive the additional blessings God has for you. 2 The tempering effect of patience is required. 3 Some blessings will be delivered here in this life; others will come beyond the veil. The Lord is intent on your personal growth and development. That progress is accelerated when you willingly allow Him to lead you through every growth experience you encounter, whether initially it be to your individual liking or not. When you trust in the Lord, when you are willing to let your heart and your mind be centered in His will, when you ask to be led by the Spirit to do His will, you are assured of the greatest happiness along the way and the most fulfilling attainment from this mortal experience. If you question everything you are asked to do, or dig in your heels at every unpleasant challenge, you make it harder for the Lord to bless you."

A terrific reason for us to be happy is found in the knowledge we have of who we are and our purpose on this earth.  2 Nephi 2:25 reads, "...men are, that they might have joy."

One of the best ways to keep your spirits up is by loosing yourself in the service of others.  Read over the lyrics in the hymn, Lord I Would Follow Thee.  Also, be grateful for everything...the good and the bad!  “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps. 118:24).

Sister Ivory ended her talk with a quote from Albert Schweitzer, "Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success." 

Sister Ivory's simple testimony truly touched those who came.  It left us with a greater resolve to be happy and remember Christ in all things.  We are blessed!  We pray that you will go about your days with a smile on your face and a heart over flowing with gratitude.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Blood Drive

The University Stake Blood Drive conducted by the American Red Cross will take place April 26th at the Stake Center, 470 South Mario Capecchi Drive, from 3:00PM - 8:00PM.  This is a quick process, so if you're interested and can spare a half an hour or so, please comment below! A sign up sheet will also be passed around the ward, so you'll also be able to sign up there! 



Wednesday, April 7, 2010

General Conference

Sister Julie B. Beck spoke during the first session of General Conference.
To hear her address, click here!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Seeking and Receiving Personal Revelation

Seeking and Receiving Personal Revelation,” Liahona, Apr 2010, 7
Teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.

How Can I Seek Personal Revelation?

“We prepare to receive personal revelation as the prophets do, by studying the scriptures, fasting, praying, and building faith. Faith is the key. Remember Joseph’s preparation for the First Vision:
“‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. …
“‘But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.’”1
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
“Prayer is your personal key to heaven. The lock is on your side of the veil.
“But that is not all. To one who thought that revelation would flow without effort, the Lord said:
“‘You have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.
“‘But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.’”2
President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

How Can I Receive Personal Revelation?

“In its more familiar forms, revelation or inspiration comes by means of words or thoughts communicated to the mind (see Enos 1:10; D&C 8:2–3), by sudden enlightenment (see D&C 6:14–15), by positive or negative feelings about proposed courses of action, or even by inspiring performances, as in the performing arts. As President Boyd K. Packer, … President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has stated, ‘Inspiration comes more as a feeling than as a sound.’”3
Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
“The temple is a house of learning. Much of the instruction imparted in the temple is symbolic and learned by the Spirit. This means we are taught from on high. … Our understanding of the meaning of the ordinances and covenants will increase as we return to the temple often with the attitude of learning and contemplating the eternal truths taught. … Let us enjoy the spiritual strength and the revelation we receive as we attend the temple regularly.”4
Silvia H. Allred, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency.

Helps for Visiting Teaching

As a visiting teacher, you can receive impressions of the Spirit as to the needs of your sisters and how to meet those needs. As you teach this message, share, as appropriate, any inspiration or help you have received regarding visiting teaching.
Personal Preparation