Continue in Patience

This is the title of President Uchtdorf's talk from the Priesthood Session of April 2010 Conference. I love to reread the last conference issue (May 2010) so I can get in the rhythm of listening to all the hours of counsel I will watch/listen to in the coming days. I LOVE General Conference!
But somehow, I missed the importance of this talk (for me) till I read it today. I need more "patience" in my life - for my life. I really appreciated the truth taught here that "patience isn't merely waiting" and showing patience might mean "delaying immediate gratification for future blessings." I often feel as if I am continually praying (complaining/worrying the Lord) about the same concerns or issues. This talk, though given at the last conference, was for me - TODAY!
I am anxious for this October Conference. I want to learn more about what the Lord would have be do and change about myself so that I can have a greater level of joy.
I love conference.

Super Saturday Follow-up

One week ago we enjoyed the Simply Sensational September Super Saturday Relief Society Activity. First, we have to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who came to the activity, to everyone who brought something for the breakfast, to everyone who shared their talents with us, and to everyone who helped in any way!

Here are a few pictures for those of you who missed our fun day. Hope you can all join us next year! (Recipes to come!)

Sand Bracelets

Recipe Magnet Boards

Laminated Placemats

Clay Nativity Sets

Memo/Photo Boards

Bread Demonstration with Lecithin

Hair Bows & Headbands

Gift in a Jar

Salsa & Pico de Gallo Cooking Class

Beaded Bracelets

We didn't get any pictures of the waffle breakfast but it sure was yummy! Thanks again to everyone who participated. We are so happy that you came!!!

GRANDMA'S COUNTRY FOODS ORDER NOW IN PROCESS!

Look for order forms at church on Sunday or refer to the email coming from D4 Relief Society with instructions and attached order form. As always, feel free to let me know if you have questions or need help with your order. Deadline to have your order turned in is now Thursday, October 14th.

Relief Society Women's Conference 2010

We have just finished watching this year's broadcast. As a family tradition, I have my daughter and daughters-in-law over and we have dinner and watch it together on the BYU channel. I was touched and struck by many of the thoughts/truths expressed but I was especially moved by President Monson's talk on "how we view each other". He gave a quote by Mother Theresa - "If you judge people, you have no time to love them." I know this to be true and want it to be a standard to live by!
What were some thoughts/impressions that you came away with from this conference?

RISD Clothes Closet Project

Sisters- It's that time of the year...many of us are cleaning out our closets to make room for the fall season. Not sure what to do with them, the RISD Clothes Closet is happy to help.

The RISD Clothes Closet is in need of gently used and new clothes for students Pre-k -12. The Clothes Closet is a service to our RISD students who don't have funds for clothes.

They have the greatest need for the following items (sizes listed are most in demand but will accept other sizes as well):

-gently used jeans boys sizes including the slims and husky 4, 6 and 7 (especially), 8, 10.
-gently used girls and teens jeans all sizes including the slims and husky 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16
-gently used girls and teen girls coats for the winter.
-NEW boys underwear BOXERS in sizes 4, 6, 8, 10.
-NEW girls underwear sizes 4, 6,
-NEW women’s underwear sizes 5, 12
-NEW and gently used bras and sports bras all sizes
-girls short sleeves shirts all sizes.
-gently used shorts for little girls and boys all sizes starting on sizes 4 until 16 and also teen boys shorts all sizes.

Collection date/time/place comming soon!

Diligence

President Eyring said,

“From the cross on Calvary, the Savior announced, “It is finished.” Then His spirit left His body, and His mortal remains were placed lovingly in a tomb. He taught us a lesson by what He did in three days in the spirit world, before His Resurrection, which I remember whenever I am tempted to feel that I have finished some hard task in His service and deserve a rest."(Act in All Diligence, April 2010 General Conference)

This Sunday we'll be discussing how we can serve the Lord diligently. We love each of you and recognize the service you give to others. Let's see what other lives we can bless when we reach out to do just a little more. And then we will find rest in our Savior.

Visitors Welcome

Following her hip replacement surgery, Kay Hollingsworth had been moved to Signature Pointe
(on the Lake - at Preston & Alexis Dr) - 14655 Preston Rd. - Room 411.

The Hollingsworths would love for people to visit.

Have a SUPER SATURDAY!

Remember, this weekend does not have to be "just" soccer games or grocery shopping - it can be SUPER. Our quarterly D4 Relief Society Meeting is this Saturday, Sept 18th, from 9 to noon at the church. Come and join us for breakfast, food demonstrations, crafts, friendshipping, and a "simply sensational" diversion from the normal weekend routine.
(This is a reminder for all the women who have been stuck in Outer Mongolia for the last month and have not heard of this amazing event!!!)

Sunday's Lesson

Dear Sisters,
Please review Lesson #17 in the Gospel Principles Manual. On Sunday we will be discussing the blessings of the restoration of the gospel.

Love,
Shirlee Chaillet

September Spotlight

KATIE PETERSEN

Grew up in: San Antonio
Something new or unique: At 7 years old she got to blow a whistle and say, “Let the greatest show on Earth begin!” at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus.
Favorite church hymn: I Know that My Redeemer Lives
Favorite food: Mexican
Favorite dessert: Chocolate and Peanut Butter
Favorite thing fun/hobby: Crafts and Scrap booking
Favorite book and movie: 3 Amigos and Skippy John Jones
Temple the Petersen married in: Logan Utah Temple
The family: Husband is Tagg and their son Zach, their little Guardian Angel.

PROVIDENT LIVING--ORDER THIS MONTH

From: GRANDMA'S COUNTRY FOODS

Sisters!!! We will be doing an order this month for POWDERED MILK (Country Cream brand). Also available from the same company are things like Chocolate Milk, SAF Instant Yeast, Dough Enhancer and Vital Wheat Gluten. I will have order forms on Sunday so take one if you are interested.

Order will be due to Kim Adair by SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th!

Start thinking of what you'd like to order. You can look at the company website to see what they have available by going to http://www.grandmascountryfoods.com/.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me!

The Church of Jesus Christ in Former Times

Come to Relief Society this Sunday to learn about The Church of Jesus Christ in Former Times! We will be discussing lesson 16 in the Gospel Principles Manual. This is a great lesson to help us understand what features identify the Church of Jesus Christ and the organization found within His Church. I am so grateful to have His true church restored and on the Earth today. Please come prepared to share any insights you have gained while studying this lesson this week.

35 years a CONVERT of Relief Society

I have actually been a member of the church since my baptism at 8 years old. I have just celebrated my 37th wedding anniversary. David and I moved to Dallas upon graduation from college 35 years ago. And it was in the Dallas 4th Ward that I learned the true value of Relief Society.
I, of course, had endured the "quasi" Relief Societies that existed at BYU. As a student I could not really afford any of the crafts and none of the other students were that accomplished in a skill set to even teach. But that all changed when I moved to Dallas.
I was desperately homesick. I was pregnant with my second child. I missed the stimulus of a college campus and all it afforded. And I thought the women in the Dallas 4th ward were much older than me and a little scary. I felt attending Relief Society on Tuesdays was a "suggestion" as opposed to a law of obedience. I did not have any money to participate in the crafts and/or contribute to the luncheons (part of the set-up back then) with the homemaking meetings at that time.
It was a Tuesday during the Fall, much like our Super Saturday on the 18th, and D4 RS was doing crafts for Christmas. I decided to bite the bullet and make a wreath. A dear woman, Barbara Dunn who is still in R2 RS, was helping to defray the costs with the fabric. I sat next to another woman with red hair and a ready smile, Karen Bateman. I had no native ability with anything having to do with decorating or fabric or symmetry. However, I sat next to my new friend Karen, who understood that this wreath was much more than a decoration. It would be something I could finish and enjoy in the days to come and she was right!
I did need a lot of help on how to tie the ribbon onto the wreath and then "fluff" it. I wish I had saved it as a wonderful memory of a testimony shift. I made some friends that day - real eternal connections. AND, I had come to the meeting feeling big and pregnant and lost in a set of grown up details and yet I came away appreciating the potential of what a sisterhood outside my family meant. A little of the fear and dread of a new place and situation began to drift away.
I do not think everyone is for everyone. But I do know that participation in Relief Society is for everyone. One can find "someone" amidst the "everyone" that will help create a mental shift in a way that will help lighten the load, or gain insight, or be a reprieve from the burdens one might carry.
I do not believe I am overstating it when I say that events such as our Super Saturday on September 18th are more than a suggestion depending on time constraints - but really an answer to our own prayers or the person sitting next to us!

" The Women's Soul Connection "

What do I need to do to have hope?
When you feel fearful, heartbroken, or alone, you should turn to your Heavenly Father and pray to Him to help you face and overcome your trials. Heavenly Father will not always take your afflictions away, but through the gospel of Jesus Christ and the influence and direction of the Holy Spirit , He will give comfort and lead you with love through the storms you face.

In the New Testament, we receive the promise that if we strive to live the gospel of Jesus Christ, we will grow in our ability to "abound in hope" (Romans 15:13). As you pray more often, seeking Heavenly Father's forgiveness and love, as well as studying the scriptures and following the teachings of Christ, your hope will in crease.

How can hope help me?
Everyone experiences discouragement and difficulty. There are even times when the darkness may seem unbearable. At these times, hope in Jesus Christ and the principles He taugh can lift us up and carry us through trials, despair, temptations, and sorrow.
Hope can encourage and inspire us as we look to Jesus Christ as a source of joy and happiness.

Might?

"...men are, that they might have joy." 2 Nephi 2:25
Why is the word "might" used and what does it mean? Come ready to discuss your thoughts at our Relief Society lesson tomorrow!

We'll Sing and We'll Shout with the Armies of Heaven -! A TEMPLE IN KIEV UKRAINE

I have a grandson serving in the Ukraine Kiev Mission - The first temple was dedicated in Eastern Europe last week - His letter was so filled with the Spirit, I thought I would share part of it on the Blog.

Yesterday was a miraculous day that really opened my understanding, and expanded my vision. Yesterday was a day that the Lord had been preparing the Ukrainian people for a very long time. Every aspect of it was a miracle, and I count myself so lucky to have been a part of it. This day will go down in history as a turning point for the Saints in Eastern Europe. The Temple is the Lord’s gift to the Ukrainian people, and so very few Americans were actually let in for the dedication. The missionaries got to listen in a large building nearby.

The day started out as a cloudy and rainy day, but the shadows broke and the darkness fled away. It truly was a brighter day for the people of Eastern Europe, who had waited for this temple for 12 years. There were three sessions of the dedication. The first session President Monson spoke, he was so humble, and also had a twinkle in his eye - it was a good reminder to never take ourselves too seriously - but when he spoke of the ordinances of the Temple, he spoke with great power. It was fun to watch him choose little children to help cement in the cornerstone of the Temple, and then he likened it to Christ, as he is the Chief Cornerstone of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Elder Nelson also spoke, and talked about how the Temple prepares us to behold the face of God. President Monson said as a boy, he loved to look at maps. He said never in his imagination, did he think he would ever set foot in Eastern Europe, and now he is dedicating a Temple there. He said that God ways were higher than our ways, and our simple duty is to trust in Him, do all we can, and watch Him open doors to hearts, minds,and souls of people and nations. That the Lord simply took this people by the hand and opened doors that only He could open.

President Uchdorf spoke about his experiences with temples. As a 16 year old boy, he was sealed to his parents in the Swiss Temple. He was also very involved with the temple which was opened in Freiberg, East Germany. He testified that this day would have the same effect in Eastern Europe, as the Freiberg Temple had when that dedication brought about so many miracles, including the fall of the USSR,

Finally in the third session, President Monson talked about eternal families, and how much our ancestors are waiting for us to do their work. He talked about funerals that are outside of the temple covenant, and the hopelessness of it. The great responsibility to bind our families together forever. I just drank up the Spirit that I felt, and it was amazing. The veil was very thin, and I could almost hear them shouting with the Army of Heaven. We’ll sing and we’ll shout with the Armies of Heaven, AS LONG AS WE ARE FAITHFUL - HOLD ON TO THE ROD OF FAITH. I am so grateful for all of you - to be part of our Forever Family, for the teachings I have received, and the opportunity to serve the Lord in this part of His Vineyard.

The cultural event the night before the dedication was amazing. They told the history of Ukraine in song and dance, and then all the missionaries marched up to the podium, singing, “Truth Again Has Been Restored”. We march right up to President Monson, and then he gave us a standing ovation. I was so filled with the Spirit - I thought I would burst. I’m sure my words have not done it justice. The first day of the Open House, over 1200 people signed up to have the missionaries visit them - “the field is white, all ready for the harvest.” Elder Carsten

He goes by Elder Carsten, because they can't write his last name in Ukrainian
When I feel Satan raging around us, and standards sifting everywhere but in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - I know that the work of the Lord will proceed quietly and stalwartly through sweet, humble 19 year old missionaries who serve because they love the Lord.