Being a More Christian Christian

Dear Sisters,

On Sunday, January 27, our lesson topic will be Elder Robert D. Hales's conference talk, "Being a More Christian Christian."  This is a terrific talk that we can all benefit from.  He tells us, "For many, the call to be a Christian can seem demanding, even overwhelming. But we need not be afraid or feel inadequate. The Savior has promised that He will make us equal to His work."  I believe this is totally true! If we do all we can do, He will make up the difference. This is a great source of comfort to me and reminds me that I am not alone.

I was recently at the Washington D.C. Temple's visitor center. There is a beautiful statue of Christ that is made of the same marble the temple is. He speaks a message about what it is to be a Christian. I jotted it down so I can share it with you Sunday.

May our Heavenly Father bless you and yours,
Shirlee Chaillet

Branded

One of my New Year's Resolutions was to complete a Half Ironman distance triathlon. For this reason, I travelled to Key West, Florida to compete in the Bone Island Triathlon. This race consists of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride, and a 13.1 mile run along a breathtaking section of beach. Usually I receive divine inspiration during these events and I expected to bring you a message of endurance through trials, etc. However, the biggest lesson I learned from this experience was definitely an odd one. Before a triathlon, the skin on your upper arms and above your knees is marked with your race number with a thick black sharpie marker. My number for this race was 524. Normally, the number is not that significant and I forget the number immediately after the race is finished. The radiant Key West sunlight combined with my lack of sunscreen plus 9 hours and 18 minutes of race time left me with the numbers suntanned into some very conspicuous places...think branded cow. Thank God that our Heavenly Father doesn't think of us as a number and that He knows each one of us so dearly. We are not a number to Him. This experience also has me thinking about how cautious we must be in labeling others with false labels. Some labels can bring a permanent sting with them. Remember how our beloved President Monson recently reminded us to envision people as they can become and not as they currently exist. Although we may have mentally branded people with a label, this is not how the Lord works. He has the ability to view the potential of every person. Fortunately, this ridiculous suntan of mine will eventually fade, but hopefully the lessons it teaches will always remain.

By Rachel Roark

Sunday's Ward Conference

Sisters, we wanted to remind you that this coming Sunday, January 20, is our Ward Conference. During Relief Society, we will have the privilege of hearing a lesson from our Stake Relief Society Leaders. See you Sunday!

Learning by Faith

Dear Sisters,

This year we are privileged to study the words of the Prophet Lorenzo Snow.  I hope you will take some time before Sunday and read  about the life and ministry of President Snow in addition to lesson #1 "Learning by Faith".  This will give you a feel for this wonderful man and how the Lord worked with him throughout his life. I loved his enthusiasm for learning, especially spiritual education.  He stated,"For our information and spiritual knowledge we are entirely dependent upon the Lord.  And in proportion to the exercise of our faith do we receive information..." This kind of education that comes through the Spirit is an eternal endeavor.  What a great blessing to be able to exercise our faith and receive instruction through the Spirit!  Come meet with us as we learn together!