Sunday, December 20, 2015

Today Andrea Tholstrom taught the Relief Society lesson from the Ezra Taft Benson manual, Chapter 24 "A Christ-Centered Life".

Andrea began by sharing a story about an event that happened a couple of weeks ago in their home. She had set out their family nativity on a table that she frequently walked by during the day. As she was passing by the nativity one day, she noticed someone had moved the animals so that they were circled around the baby Christ figure. When she asked her children about it, Sophie admitted she had moved the animals so that they could better see the Christ child. A couple of days later, Andrea noticed all the characters in the nativity were now facing in and circled around the Christ child. Again, Sophie admitted she had moved them because she wanted to be sure EVERYONE could see the baby. Andrea was touched by the actions of her daughter who wanted Christ to be the center of the nativity and wanted to be sure everyone could see Him.

Is our life centered around Christ?

The following was shared from the lesson manual, Chapter 24:

President Ezra Taft Benson frequently quoted the Savior’s counsel to the twelve Nephite disciples: “What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Nephi 27:27).

“I testify to you that there is no greater, more thrilling, and more soul-ennobling challenge than to try to learn of Christ and walk in His steps. Our model, Jesus Christ, walked this earth as ‘the Exemplar.’ He is our Advocate with the Father. He worked out the great atoning sacrifice so we could have a fullness of joy and be exalted in accordance with His grace and our repentance and righteousness. He did all things perfectly and commands that we be perfect even as He and His Father are perfect. (See 3 Ne. 12:48.)

“‘What would Jesus do?’ or ‘What would He have me do?’ are the paramount personal questions of this life. Walking in His way is the greatest achievement of life. That man or woman is most truly successful whose life most closely parallels that of the Master.”

As a class, we read 2 Peter 1:4-8. This scripture by the Apostle Peter spoke of the process by which a person can be made a partaker “of the divine nature”. This is important, for if we truly become partakers of the divine nature, we shall become like Him.

Andrea focused on 3 divine attributes of Christ: faith, patience, and kindness.

 

1) FAITH: Consider the beautiful account of Christ calming the storm. 

What are some of the storms we face in life? (Mental health issues, family members who are inactive or struggling with their faith, financial concerns, children fighting, the world attacking sacred beliefs, etc.) 

How can faith in Christ help us "calm our storms" and find peace? We must have faith in Jesus Christ. We must CHOOSE to have faith. It is a choice we make daily about where to place our trust and where to center our beliefs. It doesn't mean our storms or trials will instantly be removed but it does mean we can have firm hope that we will be successful and find ultimate peace THROUGH our trials. 

2) PATIENCE: Andrea shared the story about a favorite aunt of hers that has suffered some serious trials and challenges in her life but has consistently chosen to exercise patience and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

From the lesson manual: "Patience is another form of self-control. It is the ability to postpone gratification and to bridle one’s passions. In his relationships with loved ones, a patient man does not engage in impetuous behavior that he will later regret. Patience is composure under stress. A patient man is understanding of others’ faults.

A patient man also waits on the Lord. We sometimes read or hear of people who seek a blessing from the Lord, then grow impatient when it does not come swiftly. Part of the divine nature is to trust in the Lord enough to “be still and know that [he is] God” (D&C 101:16).

A [person] who is patient will be tolerant of the mistakes and failings of his loved ones. Because he loves them, he will not find fault nor criticize nor blame."

3) KINDNESS: Andrea shared the following images and story from the New Testament.

John 8:3-11

The Pharisees and scribes felt very justified in their treatment of this woman who was taken in adultery. Look at their faces. When she was brought before Christ, they expected the full extent of the Law of Moses to be exercised. She deserved it. She had sinned. But look at the Savior's face.

He chose to look upon her with kindness and compassion. How can His example influence how we look upon and treat others? Do we hope Christ will look upon us with forgiveness, kindness and compassion? Should we not do the same to others? 

"One who is kind is sympathetic and gentle with others. He is considerate of others’ feelings and courteous in his behavior. He has a helpful nature. Kindness pardons others’ weaknesses and faults. Kindness is extended to all—to the aged and the young, to animals, to those low of station as well as the high."

As we approach this Christmas season, may we each stop and contemplate how we can turn our lives more to the Savior. May we reach out to others and seek to alleviate their burdens through patience and kindness. 

5th Sunday Combined Meeting, November 2015

We met today as a combined group for a 5th Sunday lesson taught by Bishop Kevin Franson. Below you will find Bishop Franson's notes and quotes as well as additional comments and observations that were made by class members.

"Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith."  

(President Dieter Uchtdorf)

Consider the following quotes. How accurately do they describe the time we currently live in? Take particular note of the individual who is speaking and when the quote was given. (Clicking on the reference at the end of the quote will take you to the full article.)

Today there are many issues under debate as controversies rage all around us. It should be evident to all that we need divine direction, as men and women who argue their causes seem to be unable to come to workable or peaceable solutions. It is sad indeed that the world does not know or accept the fact that in our midst is a prophet through whom God can direct the solution of world problems.

First Presidency Message, August 1979, N. Eldon Tanner

I stress that I come neither as an alarmist nor as a pessimist, but as one who seeks in his gentle way to remind us of this reality lest we be struck “with wonder and astonishment” and become dismayed and dislocated by difficulties that emerge when “all hell is moved,” because the restored kingdom is really rolling now. We may never become accustomed to untrue and unjust criticism of us but we ought not to be immobilized by it. Neither should we be surprised at the proximity of such protagonists and the falsity and the fury of their pronouncements. President Joseph F. Smith said, “there are those—and they abound largely in our midst—who will shut their eyes to every virtue and to every good thing connected with this latter-day work, and will proud out floods of falsehood and misrepresentation against the people of God.” President Smith, who endured so much of that proximate persecution, did what we must also do. He said of such detract , “I forgive them for this. I leave them in the hands of the just Judge” (Gospel Doctrine, p. 337).

All Hell Is Moved, Elder Maxwell, November 1977

President Cannon, who knew that the adversary regards this telestial turf as his own, said that Satan will vigorously resist all rezoning efforts because this is his world. President Cannon further observed that the Saints—meaning you and I—must not make the mistake of assuming the existence of any truce between the forces of Satan and God. To believe so, said President Cannon, is “a very great delusion, and a very common one.”

President Cannon then warned that the forms of resistance to righteousness will strike us “with wonder and astonishment.” This, he said, would occur because “the war” which was waged in heaven has been transferred to the earth,” and that this conflict, he said, “will [come to] occupy the thoughts and minds of all the inhabitants of the earth” (Journal of Discourses 11:227–29). Brothers and sisters, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be at the epicenter of all that.
President Cannon, May 1866 [from Elder Maxwell's talk]

What do these quotes teach us about the Gospel?

They help to validate, sustain, and verify that these are prophets, seers, and revelators.

What do you learn from them?

What about today's events, issues, challenges?

We have prophets, seers, revelators

What are they currently saying?

Do we believe that they are prophets, seers, and revelators?

What if we still have questions? Where do we find answers?

• Desire to believe
• Scriptures/prophets :: what scriptures tell us to ask?

Mormon 9:21

James 1:5

• Do the will of God
• Prayer
• Ponder
• Fasting
• Trusted Friends
• Be obedient

• Counsel with those with priesthood keys (bishop, stake president, quorum president)
• Delegated authority with keys (auxiliary presidents)

Not…

The Internet

Social media

Must be careful in social media, doubts/questions are natural and normal, where and how we express them can impact others … greatly

Mormon 9:27

O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him.

(Another excellent resource regarding this topic is Elder Ballard's talk "God Is At the Helm" from the October 2015 General Conference. Click HERE for the link.)

Regional Conference: September 2015

An amazing summary of the Regional Conference that was held in September. Thank you to whoever took these notes and shared it on google docs.

Regional Conference (please click here for the link)

Lesson Schedule for Remainder of 2015

Over the last 2 months, we have had some adjustments made to our Relief Society lesson schedule for the remainder of this year. Here is the current "revised" schedule:

10/4 General Conference 

10/11 Ezra Taft Benson Manual Chapter 19: Leadership (Teacher: Lyndsie Mendenhall)

10/18 Ezra Taft Benson Manual Chapter 20: "Feed My Sheep" (Teacher: Katia Brebberman)

10/25 Teachings for Our Time Elder Oaks, "The Parable of the Sower"  (Teacher: Amy Groves)

11/1 Leader Training & Discussion (Teacher: Amy Carr)

11/8 Ezra Taft Benson Manual Chapter 21: Principles of Temporal and Spiritual Welfare 

(Teacher: Lyndsie Mendenhall)

11/15 Ezra Taft Benson Manual Chapter 22: Carrying the Gospel to the World 

(Teacher: Katia Brebberman)

11/22 Teachings for Our Time (from October 2015 conference) (Teacher: Amy Groves)

11/29 As Directed by Bishopric 

12/6 Leader Training & Discussion (Teacher: Cynthia Ruchti)

12/13 Ezra Taft Benson Manual Chapter 23: "Strengthen Thy Stakes" (Teacher: Lyndsie Mendenhall)

12/20 Ezra Taft Benson Manual Chapter 24: A Christ-Centered Life (Teacher: Katia Brebberman)

12/27 Teachings for Our Time (from October 2015 conference) (Teacher: Amy Groves)

Food Storage Class: Wheat Handouts

Dear OH Sisters,

We are so blessed to have Libby Sharp as our ward food storage specialist! Over the last year, she has shared a variety of knowledge with the women in our ward regarding how to purchase, store, and utilize food storage "staples". She has held several "mini classes" at her home on a variety of topics. Please watch for announcements regarding the dates, times, and topics so that you can take advantage of and participate in this wonderful training if you desire.

Last month, Libby held a mini class of using wheat. Here are the handouts that were shared at this meeting:

Grains Cooking Sheet (please click on this link to see a copy of the handout)

Wheat With No Grinder (please click on this link to see a copy of the handout)

Please contact Libby Sharp if you have any additional questions or suggestions to add.

Thank you!

PREPARE for Relief Society

Dear Sisters and Young Women,

     We are looking forward to meeting together tomorrow during the 3rd hour at church! It is a wonderful opportunity for us to share our time, thoughts and testimonies with one another as women and young women. As Sister Marjorie Hinckley said, “Oh, how we need each other. Those of us who are old need you who are young. And, hopefully, you who are young need some of us who are old. It is a sociological fact that women need women. We need deep and satisfying and loyal friendships with each other.”⁶ 

We are excited to be seated among each other tomorrow and feeling strength in our divine role as daughters of God!"

   We will be discussing a talk given by President Monson called "Be a Light to the World" click here for the link  

 Would you please spend a few moments reading through his address and as you do, please be thinking of the following questions; 

1. How does knowing that I was endowed from birth with the Light of Christ help me share His light with others?

 2. What am I doing each day to rely on the counsel of God and not on my own wisdom? How do I share Christ's light?

3. Have I had an experience or experiences of shining with and sharing God's light that have made an impact in my life?

     If you would like to email any examples of your own experience of either personally sharing the light and truth of Christ, standing as a beacon of truth and light or having been on the receiving end of such an experience, I would love to share them during our class tomorrow. It can be done anonymously if you choose. 

Thank you so much for participating in our discussion and your thoughtful preparation to add to the spirit of our meeting. See you tomorrow!

Love,

Hannah Jones 

Sabbath Day Observance: Sunday, August 31, 2015

The following notes are from Bishop Franson's presentation to the Orchard Hills ward on the importance of Sabbath Day observance. As a Relief Society, we would like to encourage our sisters to review these notes and to prayerfully consider how we might we fulfill the bishop's challenge of setting one goal that we can start to work on with our families to increase the power of the Sabbath Day in our individual lives and in those of our family. Pay particular attention to the beautiful promises that are given to those who keep this sacred commandment. They are powerful!

Introduction

What are you concerned about or what is concerning in the world?

What are trends that are concerning to you? (World, nation, community, home)

*Today we are going to discuss a powerful solution to these concerns and how to turn the tide on the effect these modern day trends have on our families. 

Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone:

"Whenever we find problems in the church, we usually find them under one of two umbrellas or canopies: either transgression or lack of faith in Jesus Christ."

Sabbath Day Topic Introduction

(The bishop shared video clips from a general training meeting that was held by members of the 12 apostles and other general auxillary leaders. Unfortunately these clips are not available so we have summarized their messages below.)

Elder Nelson video clip:

• Concern for those who are lost, key for  building and strengthening faith is Sabbath day observance, preventing the erosion of our faith

Elder Ballard video clip:

• Considerable time spent researching options, of all available … Sabbath day observance is key

First Building Block

Cornerstone is Christ

1 Peter 2: chapter summary

Helaman 5:12: build upon the rock

1 Cor 10:4: drink from the spiritual rock = Sacrament meeting

We, as a bishopric, hope you have heard this emphasis:

§  Worked hard to follow counsel of prophets and apostles

§  We will continue to remind for two reasons:

§  We all need reminders to learn

§  We are not all here every week, we miss things

§  Mission critical: proper understanding of doctrine of Sacrament will go a long way to proper observance of Sabbath day

§  It we don't have this as a basis, we are just going through motions

§  If you feel like you are going through motions, let's start today to improve

Learn Doctrine Directly from Apostles

Elder Anderson

Covenants are not stagnant

§  Renewing our baptismal covenants is not used in the scriptures

§  The sacrament is a beautiful time to commit to renew all our covenants

§  Sacrament is partaking of the fruit and renew our souls and our commitment

§  Covenants are not stagnant, they are active and require action

§  Power in covenants

§  When we make and keep covenants, the Lord will be yoked with us

Elder Holland

Personal, repeatable ordinance

§  Remember that this is an ordinance

§  Only ordinance that we repeat for ourselves

Elder Hales

Always remember Him, invitation to parents to prepare

§  Witnessing unto the Father

§  Mothers and fathers prepare the children so that they know

§  Turn toward the Lord and away from the adversary

Elder Oaks

Take upon us the name of Christ -> means to do the work of Christ

§  Seems to mean taking on the work of the Lord

§ Must be built upon the work of the gospel

§  All these things are done in the name of Christ

§  Forgiveness of sins comes through His name, salvation comes …, faith in or believe in in order to be saved, temples are built, proclaim his name

§ Moses 6:52

§ Mosiah 3:17

§ Mosiah 3:9

§ Alma 11:40

§  I will handle my share of the work of Christ, with that "great share" being what we are called to do

Discussion

How can we help deepen understanding of the significance of the Sacrament?

(The following are some of the answers shared by ward members in response to this question).

• Starts with training at home. We can discuss and practice skills such as sitting quietly, focusing, concentrating on tasks, etc.
• What are we bringing to sacrament meeting for our children to do? Is it different then the regular week day "activities"? Does it reflect where we are and who we should be focusing on?
• We need to prepare as individuals and families to partake in the sacred ordinance of the sacrament. We need to discuss what types of preparations would help us to this.
• Simply reminding our children on our way to church that we are preparing to participate in a sacred ordinance. Asking them to consider what we are doing this for?

Impact on Families and Sisters

What is the impact of this emphasis on Sacrament and Sabbath day observance on sisters and families?

Sister Oscarson video clip:

Special concerns for sisters during sacrament meeting

§  May feel like they are only attending as a form of habit or duty

§  Most come to fed and spiritually nourished

§  Single sisters come to be lifted in spirit

Sister Wixom video clip:

Children at church

§  Counsel together beginning in ward council

·   Ask children what they can do

·   Start the teaching at home

§  Be thoughtful and tolerant of children and those adults with children

·   We need to be creatively persistent in helping children with reverence in church

·   We can all be better in assisting those who need help in sacrament meeting

Sabbath Day Observance at Home

Up to this point, we have been focused on Sacrament meeting … what about the rest of Church and the rest of the day at home?

• Activity: Scripture Study

Exodus 31:13, Ezekiel 20:20: Sabbath as a sign

D&C 59:9-10: Unspotted from the world

3 Nephi 18:9-12: Fulfilling the commandments of the Sacrament, building upon the rock of Christ

Genesis 2:2-3: Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ set the example

Exodus 20:8-11: part of Ten Commandments (also Deut. 5:12, Mosiah 13:16, 18:23)

Isaiah 58:13-14: not do thine own ways, not find thine own pleasure, … ride upon high places

Mark 2:27: Sabbath made for man, not man for Sabbath

When considering whether or not an activity might be appropriate for Sunday, stop and ask, "What sign am I giving the Lord in doing this activity on His day?"

What if this is overwhelming to me? Or I feel like a slacker?

Elder Christofferson

We might be tempted to criticize of judge ourselves … this is a NEW DAY

We need to avoid a "Wo is me…" attitude -- it begins with us now, we have the opportunity to change

Questions: Review as couples and/or individuals

Review the following questions, either with your spouse or on your own.

Take notes on your thoughts

What did you learn?

What did you learn that wasn't said?

What have you learned from what others have learned?

What are you [we] going to do moving forward?

Start today to make a plan. Click on the following links for a way to jump start the discussion at home with your family! 

How Would Your Family Describe the Sabbath? (includes free printables to help family members write down and remember their goals!)

Making a Sabbath Day Plan (also includes a free printable to record your family's goal and post it somewhere as a reminder)

A Day To Focus on What Matters Most (a Mormon message and great FHE lesson to share)

Blessings of the Sabbath Day (a beautiful article with thoughts from members all over the world about the blessings they have seen in their lives from keeping this commandment)

The Sabbath Is a Delight (Elder Russell M. Nelson's talk from April 2015 General Conference)

Conclusion from Elder Bednar

Basic principle: make available priesthood ordinances and covenants to husband, wife, children to help them be happy at home

Multi-generational families

Sabbath Day observance at church and home should complement each other

This is the essence of Come Follow Me

Personal invitation to all non-members and less-active members to come and partake of the Sabbath Day

Testimony

§  Importance of multi-generational families

§  Key to sustained growth of the Church

§  Sustained preparation of our children

§  Focus of all we do as parents, grandparents, etc.

§  Importance of grandparents continued involvement

§  These things may seem like Sunday school answers

§  Quote from Dean: “They are not simply Sunday school answers…, they are "the" answers.”

§  They will help, that's why they are "the" answers

§  Elder Wirthlin

§  "The storms of the evil one [refer back to list at beginning] can be stopped at the very entrance of our homes."

§  Extremely powerful promise, that is what we want, isn't it?

§  Sabbath day observance can stop the storms

§  Christ is the key, faith in Him, we must look to the tree of life [Christ] ourselves and point others to Him

§  1 Nephi 8:11-12

§  1 Nephi 11:7

§  Ultimately, Sabbath day observance will lead to temple attendance

§  This is where we should be

§  Evaluate our demographics and circumstances

§  It should be our "calling card"

§  It is the key to multi-generational families

Challenge (from President Rich): 

What is one thing that we can take from training that we can implement (or improve upon) as part of our responsibilities at home?