"MANY HANDS GIVE SERVICE - AND THE WORK BECOMES LIGHT!"

March wind and weather is here in full measure today, and March always brings the celebration of the Birthday of Relief Society. The Prophet Joseph, inspired by the Lord's love for his Daughters, turned the key in this dispensation for us to be "undershepherds" combined with the Priesthood Quorums in restoring this great Gospel of Jesus Christ back to the earth.

What a great gift we have be given - no wonder we rejoice in it's rebirth. This year, we are celebrating with gifts of service and compassion from the many hands of our sisters. The line from one of our hymns says - when we have been given much, we too must share, and we are going to share with the Dallas Veterans Hospital, the Humanitarian Service of the Church, and with a local women's shelter.

Yesterday, Chester Hollingsworth, stopped by my home to make certain that my lawn mower was ready for another summer season. I showed Brother Hollingsworth, who is a veteran of World War II, the bunny and "carrot" tray favors we will be making for the VA hospital for Easter Sunday Dinner. He got a little teary-eyed, and said "they are kind of a forgotten generation now, and there are fewer everyday - it's nice of you sisters to remember".

Relief Society gives us the opportunity to stop looking in the mirror, and worrying about our little pile of troubles - and looking out the window, at the world, and seeing whom we can serve and remember.

Tuesday, March 27th is the date, 7:00 p.m. is the time, and dinner will be served. Remember to check the list of items we need donated for the hygiene kits, as well as bags of goldfish crackers for our tray favors - we have only two more weeks to collect your donated items after Stake Conference this Sunday.

Who are you assigned to "watch and care for? Does she know about the Birthday Party? Does she have a ride to church and a friend to sit by? Is she less-active and needs to feel that Spirit of Sisterhood once again? Is she a great friend or the neighbor across the street, you have been searching a way to tell about the gospel? The R.S. Board is planning a lovely, quality event that you would feel confident to bring these sisters to. Wiggle out of your" comfort zone", and just ask, so many sisters are waiting to feel loved and have an opportunity to give service themselves. What if they say no? You have reached out - you have cared. and that little voice within you says "you have done the best you can!" . . . .and that is all the Lord is asking.