"Broken Things to Mend"

This Sunday’s lesson is “Broken Things to Mend” by Jeffery R. Holland. It comes from April 2006 General Conference.

Sisters, this is one of my very favorite talks given by Elder Holland. Please read this, print it and put it into your hearts. Every time I take a moment to read it and ponder the words a new thought comes to me. Please come ready with a prayer in your heart and be ready to participate.

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” In this promise, that introductory phrase, “come unto me,” is crucial. It is the key to the peace and rest we seek. Indeed, when the resurrected Savior gave His sermon at the temple to the Nephites in the New World, He began, “Blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

It seems clear that the essence of our duty and the fundamental requirement of our mortal life is captured in these brief phrases from any number of scenes in the Savior’s mortal ministry. He is saying to us, “Trust me, learn of me, do what I do. Then, when you walk where I am going,” He says, “we can talk about where you are going, and the problems you face and the troubles you have. If you will follow me, I will lead you out of darkness,” He promises. “I will give you answers to your prayers. I will give you rest to your souls.”

-Karen Armstrong

"Why Marriage, Why Family"

This Sunday we have the opportunity to study D. Todd Christofferson's talk, "Why Marriage, Why Family" from the April general conference of this year.

I invite you to study and ponder this modern scripture so that the Holy Ghost can teach you the truths that this talk contains. I also invite you to take some time to really study and ponder the doctrine of the plan of salvation and consider the role that marriage plays in that great plan. As you do this, consider Christofferson's questions, 'In what way does marriage between a man and a woman transcend their love for one another and their own happiness to become “a post of responsibility towards the world and mankind”? In what sense does it come “from above, from God”?'

As I read this talk, I was particularly impressed with the eternal significance of marriage in the Lord's Plan of Salvation. The spirit brought clarity to my mind as I read Christofferson's words: 'A family built on the marriage of a man and woman supplies the best setting for God’s plan to thrive . . . The social science case for marriage and for families headed by a married man and woman is compelling. And so “we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.” But our claims for the role of marriage and family rest not on social science but on the truth that they are God’s creation.'

Finally, I invite you to consider how you can protect your own family from a "seemingly infinite array of immoral thoughts and acts" surrounding sexuality, marriage, and family.

I look forward to our discussion and pray that spirit can teach each of us the truths that we need to learn and how we can apply them in our lives.

Claira Wilson

Priceless Blessings of the House of the Lord

"The blessings of the house of the Lord are eternal. They are of the highest importance to us because it is in the temples that we obtain God’s greatest blessings pertaining to eternal life. Temples are really the gateways to heaven."

Sisters we look forward to Sister Doerk's lesson tomorrow and encourage each of you to read the lesson "Priceless Blessings of the House of the Lord" and come prepared to participate.

President Ezra Taft Benson, Chapter 12: Seek the Spirit in All You Do

Sisters,

This week in Relief Society, we will be discussing Chapter 12 in the Ezra Taft Benson manual, "Seek the Spirit in All You Do".

There is so much wisdom and doctrine for us to discuss on Sunday, but I love President Benson's counsel to mission presidents, and I think this can apply to each of us in our own spheres:

"I have said so many times to my brethren that the Spirit is the most important single element in this work. With the Spirit and magnifying your call, you can do miracles for the Lord in the mission field. Without the Spirit you will never succeed regardless of your talent and ability. ... Your greatest help will come from the Lord Himself as you supplicate and plead with him in humble prayer. As you are driven to your knees again and again, asking Him for divine help in administering your mission, you will feel the Spirit, you will get your answer from above, your mission will prosper spiritually because of your dependence and your reliance on Him."

As you study this lesson, please pray that each of us will have the constant companionship of Spirit, especially as we discuss these things during Relief Society on Sunday, so that as we learn and share and testify, we will receive the inspiration the Lord has for us!

 Stephanie

The Sabbath Day

Sisters we enjoyed a wonderful talk from Bishop Monroe this past Sunday. During Relief Society this coming Sunday we will discuss more on the Sabbath Day.

Please take a moment to read Elder Russell M Nelson's talk on the Sabbath Day in April 2015 General Conference. (CLICK HERE to read the talk)

 As you read this talk, please ponder these thoughts:

 What did the Savior mean when He said that “the sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath”?

 How do we hallow the Sabbath day?

Ezekiel 20:20 "And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God."

How can we know if an activity is appropriate for the Sabbath?

How can the promise that the "fullness of the earth" be ours?

How can you ensure that your behavior on the Sabbath will lead to joy and rejoicing?

How do we make the Sabbath Day a delight?

What sign will you give to the Lord to show your love for Him?

Sisters I love you and I look forward to discussing together our thoughts on the Sabbath Day.

Sister Marstella