SUMMARY of SUNDAY LESSON, May 24th, 2015

Our Sunday lesson was Elder Bednar's talk from April 2015 General Conference titled, "Therefore They Hushed Their Fears." The lesson was taught by Amy Groves. The following is a summary of the lesson and some of the comments that were made in class. We would welcome all of  you to add any additional thoughts, feelings, experiences, or insights on this topic in the comment section below. We love having the benefit of learning from the diversity of experiences and personalities in our Relief Society!

As we navigate through our modern world, what are some of the fears that you have? 

Elder Bednar stated:

"In our daily lives, endless reports of criminal violence, famine, wars, corruption, terrorism, declining values, disease, and the destructive forces of nature can engender fear and apprehension. Surely we live in the season foretold by the Lord: “And in that day … the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them” (D&C 45:26).

My purpose is to describe how fear is dispelled through a correct knowledge of and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I earnestly pray the Holy Ghost will bless each of us as we consider together this important topic."

In Genesis, chapter 3, we read the account of Adam and Eve and the "fall" from the Garden of Eden to the mortal world. After partaking of the fruit and hearing the Lord's voice, what was the first emotion that they felt? (Genesis 3:9-10) How does allowing His children to experience and feel fear help us to grow and progress? What purpose can this emotion play in our spiritual development?

In the Book of Mormon, we read the account of Alma's people who were frightened and fearful of the advancing Lamanite army. In an effort to bring peace, Alma REMINDS the people of an important truth. What was this truth? And how did reminding his people help to strengthen their courage and faith? (Read Mosiah 23:27-28).

Elder Bednar reiterated the following regarding this account:

"Notice Alma did not hush the people’s fears. Rather, Alma counseled the believers to remember the Lord and the deliverance only He could bestow (see 2 Nephi 2:8). And knowledge of the Savior’s protecting watchcare enabled the people to hush their own fears.

Correct knowledge of and faith in the Lord empower us to hush our fears because Jesus Christ is the only source of enduring peace. He declared, “Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me” (D&C 19:23)."

Elder Bednar goes on to list 3 ways that will enable us to access the blessing of "hushing the fears that so easily and frequently beset us". They are (1) looking to Christ, (2) building upon the foundation of Christ, and (3) pressing forward with faith in Christ. Take time this week to study each of these 3 sections in Elder Bednar's talk. How can we implement each of these 3 principles in our daily lives and in blessing our families?

Consider the beautiful testimony and promise that Elder Bednar gives us in the conclusion of his talk:

"Godly fear is loving and trusting in Him. As we fear God more completely, we love Him more perfectly. And “perfect love casteth out all fear” (Moroni 8:16). I promise the bright light of godly fear will chase away the dark shadows of mortal fears (see D&C 50:25) as we look to the Savior, build upon Him as our foundation, and press forward on His covenant path with consecrated commitment."

CHALLENGE: In your journal, write down some of the fears that you are struggling with. Are there fears that are holding you back or preventing you from moving forward in the direction you desire. Study Elder Bednar's talk. How can you apply his guidance and counsel in addressing your personal fears and concerns? 

SUMMARY of SUNDAY, May 17th Lesson

We had the wonderful opportunity to be taught in Relief Society today by Sister Paula Cox, our stake Relief Society president. She taught Lesson #8 and Lesson #9 from the Ezra Taft Benson manual. Both lessons focus on the incredible blessings of the Book of Mormon and how we can better access those blessings in our families and personal lives.

Sister Cox began by sharing this beautiful and power testimony of the Book of Mormon given by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in a recent general conference talk. (Click on the link above to watch this Mormon Message.)

Here are some of the highlights from the lesson today.

• Read Moroni 10:4. "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost." What does this scripture teach us about gaining our OWN testimony and witness of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon? It isn't enough for us to just READ the words...what else do we need to do?

• Each of us are on our own spiritual journeys. Each of us have different life circumstances and different needs. We need not compare ourselves to each other with regards to how well we think we know or don't know the scriptures, how much we read, or how we read. Our goal is to evaluate where we are, what we are able to do, and to keep moving forward in our efforts to "feast on the scriptures" and to help our families to read the scriptures. 

• Cyndi Cox shared an interesting insight from 1 Nephi, Chapter 8. Read the account of Lehi's dream.  Notice there are 3 different groups of people mentioned by the prophet Lehi...those who find the iron rod and grasp it tightly, those who hold to the rod and then let go and fall away, and those who never even reach for the iron rod. How does the account of these different types of people in Lehi's dream relate to our efforts and dedication to studying and living the word of God found in the scriptures?

• Developing a habit of reading and studying the scriptures is a process that occurs step by step in our lives. We need to celebrate the small successes and recognize that this important habit may look different and continue to evolve through the many different phases of our lives. The important thing is that we are DOING it, making time for it, and helping our families to develop and maintain this habit.

CHALLENGE: Sister Cox challenged each of us to "flood our lives" with the Book of Mormon.  

That may mean something different and have a different "look" in each of our individual lives. How do you seek to "flood your life" with the Book of Mormon? What strategies have worked for you in establishing personal or family scripture study?

Please share in the COMMENT section below! And please add any other comments or thoughts you had today in Relief Society that were important to you!

Sunday, May 17th PREPARATION

On Sunday, May 17th, we will be participating in our ward conference, a wonderful time to receive guidance and inspiration from our stake leaders. A member of the stake Relief Society presidency will be teaching our lesson in Relief Society. We would invite you to read this lesson ahead of time and come prepared to hear and feel the Spirit teach you PERSONALLY what your Heavenly Father wants you to know. The lesson will be Chapters 9 & 10: Flooding the Earth With the Book of Mormon from the Teachings of the Presidents: Ezra Taft Benson manual.

Click here to read Chapter 9.

Click here to read Chapter 10.

This last week, youth all over the world had an opportunity to participate in a live "face to face" chat with Elder David A. Bednar and his wife Susan. This was an amazing broadcast to watch. The Spirit was so strong as we heard questions from youth all over the world and heard the inspired answers from a member of the 12 apostles and his wife. One of the most interesting and inspiring moments occurred at the very beginning of the broadcast before any questions were asked. Elder and Sister Bednar gave the following advice to all those listening and participating in the broadcast. He said:

"We hope all those participating will hear much more than is said. Sister Bednar and I are not able to answer all the questions...we don't have the capacity to answer some of the really challenging questions people have. We aren't smart enough, don't have enough experience. But as together we interact, seeking for the companionship of the Holy Ghost, then people will receive thoughts and feelings, impressions and inspiration by the power of the Holy Ghost and they will hear things that are not said by the power of the Holy Ghost. That is what we really hope happens here tonight."

"You can get an answer to your question if you are prayerful and have a prayer in your heart. And even your question might not be asked, I bet you'll still receive an answer to your question." (Sister Susan Bednar)

We recently discussed in Relief Society the role and responsibility of the learner in our Sunday meetings. Elder and Sister Bednar gave inspired counsel to help us prepare as we attend our Sunday meetings...we need to prepare ourselves by reading the lessons, having questions prepared that we would like answered, and then come prepared to have the Spirit personally teach us what we need to know. As a Relief Society presidency, we pray that every week you will hear much more than is said. We pray the Spirit will answer your questions, provide guidance and reassurance, and expand your mind and spirit...but we each must do our part in order to be blessed with that type of experience. What an amazing spiritual feast we can have each Sunday if we come physically and spiritually prepared.

Please take a moment in the COMMENT section below and share any experiences YOU have had in preparing in advance to be taught and led by the Spirit. We would love to hear your thoughts!

(Here is the the link to watch the entire broadcast by Elder and Sister Bednar. You could watch one question and answer for a series of wonderful Family Home Evening lessons for the next few weeks. And be sure to watch their closing testimonies...powerful witnesses of the gospel.)

Power of the Word

We had the wonderful opportunity to gather with all our Relief Society sisters last Sunday and enjoy a lesson taught by Gary Scoville, a member of the bishopric. The topic was "Power of the Word" from chapter 8 found in the Teachings of the Presidents: Ezra Taft Benson manual. Consider the following quote from President Benson:

"I add my voice to these wise and inspired brethren and say to you that one of the most important things you can do as priesthood leaders is to immerse yourselves in the scriptures. Search them diligently. Feast upon the words of Christ. Learn the doctrine. Master the principles that are found therein. There are few other efforts that will bring greater dividends to your calling. There are few other ways to gain greater inspiration as you serve.

But that alone, as valuable as it is, is not enough. You must also bend your efforts and your activities to stimulating meaningful scripture study among the members of the Church. Often we spend great effort in trying to increase the activity levels in our stakes. We work diligently to raise the percentages of those attending sacrament meetings. We labor to get a higher percentage of our young men on missions. We strive to improve the numbers of those marrying in the temple. All of these are commendable efforts and important to the growth of the kingdom. But when individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, these other areas of activity will automatically come. Testimonies will increase. Commitment will be strengthened. Families will be fortified. Personal revelation will flow."

What an incredible promise that as we personally immerse ourselves in the scriptures and feast upon the word of God, we will have the insight, strength, and guidance to bless our families and those around us in remarkable ways. 

Brother Scoville shared the following scriptures and asked us to consider the many blessings we have been promised if we will faithfully search, study, and apply the scriptures in our daily lives. This would be a wonderful activity to share with your family and to utilize in your own personal study time.

Book of Mormon Intro, 4th paragraph

Psalms 19:7

Jacob 2:8

Joshua 1:8

2 Nephi 32:3

1 Nephi 15:23-24

2 Nephi 31:20

Alma 31:5

Alma 36:26

Alma 37:44

Helaman 3:29

Romans 15:4

2 Timothy 3:15

Hebrews 4:12

Psalms 119:105

DC 84:85

JS-M 1:37

As you read each scripture, take a moment to jot down the blessing that is promised. It is astounding to realize how far reaching the blessings of scripture study can be in every aspect of our lives.

We would love to have you share any additional thoughts, comments, experiences or ideas you have had or have regarding how to study the scriptures and how the scriptures have personally blessed your life! What other thoughts did you have during the lesson?

Please feel free to share in the COMMENT section. 

LESSON for SUNDAY, MAY 2

The title of today's lesson in Relief Society was "Responsibilities of the Learner" and was taught by Amy Carr.

The main ideas, scriptures, quotes, and activities were taken from a wonderful lesson found in Doctrine & Covenants and Church History Seminary Teacher Manual, Lesson 7: The Role of the Learner. I would encourage you to follow the link and read the lesson. It is filled with wonderful "food for thought" as we consider what OUR responsibilities are as a gospel learners. 

I am in a phase of motherhood/life right now where sometimes just showing up to church feels like a herculean feat! But the Lord has counseled us that there is so much more we can learn and so many blessings when we choose to actually participate...to "feast" on the word. Learning is not a passive process...it has to be active. Good teaching can only do so much. It is the learner's responsibility to participate in the teaching and then ACT on what they have learned. Elder David A. Bednar said the following about this process of learning:

"Learning by faith requires spiritual, mental, and physical exertion and not just passive reception...A student must exercise faith and act in order to obtain the knowledge for himself or herself".

As sisters in the Relief Society, we have the great opportunity to be active participants and learners in the Lord's gospel and in His work. In an effort to include all our Relief Society sisters, not just those who are physically able to attend Relief Society on Sunday, we have started this blog which we hope will facilitate an ongoing discussion about the things we are learning, discussing in Relief Society, experiencing in our every day lives, questions we have, and additional thoughts on gospel topics. We hope to hear from ALL of our sisters in the ward!

Each week, you will find 2 resources available on the blog. 

First, we will post what the lesson will be on Sunday and any preparation that the teacher would love to have the sisters do. If you will not be in Relief Society, please feel free to share your thoughts, feelings, experiences, etc. in the comment section so that all of us can benefit from each other's experiences and testimonies. 

Second, we will have a short summary of the lesson with the teacher's challenge to all the sisters to ACT upon what they have learned. Again, we would LOVE to have all our sisters share in the comment section any experiences, observations, feelings, etc. 

My challenge to each of the sisters this week is 2 things. First, take the opportunity to read the Relief Society lesson for next week which is Chapter 8 in the Ezra Taft Benson manual entitled, "Power of the Word". Take a moment to reflect on what you have read and jot down any observations, feelings, experiences, or questions you may have in your journal or study notebook. We would love to have you share those on the blog in the comment section if you are comfortable.

Second, complete the following study on Joseph Smith and what he learned about ACTING on the gospel word. 

Read the following verses from Joseph Smith’s History. As you read each verse, answer the following question…

How did Joseph make an effort to learn spiritual truths?

Joseph Smith—History 1:8   _______________________________________

Joseph Smith—History 1:10   _______________________________________

Joseph Smith—History 1:11   _______________________________________

Joseph Smith—History 1:12   _______________________________________

Joseph Smith—History 1:13   _______________________________________

Joseph Smith—History 1:14   _______________________________________

Joseph Smith—History 1:15   _______________________________________

Joseph Smith—History 1:16   _______________________________________

Joseph Smith—History 1:18   _______________________________________