Where Justice, Love, and Mercy Meet

This week we will discuss Where Justice, Love, and Mercy Meet by Jeffrey R. Holland's from the April 2015 general conference. I encourage you to study and ponder the talk.

The imagery in this talk is powerful. Consider the metaphor in your own life:

Have there been times in your life when you felt you were climbing a "sheer canyon wall" without safety ropes or climbing gear? Feeling thus "stranded" with no way to move forward or backward, have you mustered your energy and made one final jump? Have you ever felt the metaphorical "loose sand on flat stone" beneath your fingers? 

". . . Then suddenly, like a lightning strike in a summer storm, two hands shot out from somewhere above the edge of the cliff, grabbing [your] wrists . . . Those strong brotherly arms saved [your] life that day as [you] dangled helplessly above what would surely have been certain death.” 

I have felt those "brotherly arms" extend many times in my life, and I am grateful for the power that has come through the atonement. We are not stranded on a sheer canyon wall. We do not need to jump as high as we can to save ourselves, nor can we. The atonement is truly wonderful! 

Along with studying Holland's talk, I encourage you to study 2 Nephi chapter 2 where it teaches in greater detail about The Fall and The Atonement. I am grateful for the testimony and spirit each of you bring. 

 Yours, 

Claira Wilson

"Inconspicuous Callings"

Toenails are important. Most of the time people don't contemplate the magnitude of the importance of toenails. After losing the toenail from my big toe due to running extensively, the true functionality of a toenail struck me. Actually, the end of my shoe struck the place where my AWOL toenail was supposed to reside. Toenails protect the highly vascular and innervated nailbed and being without one is seriously painful.

In the chapter fifteen of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, Paul speaks of the many members of the body working together to achieve harmony. He likens the parts of the body to members of Christ's church. Sometimes we can fall into the trap of feeling that our calling isn't as important as someone else's more conspicuous calling. With our flawed earthly logic we assume that being a second counselor in a presidency couldn't possibly be as important as being the president. We think that being an assistant or a clerk isn't as important as the person who directs the assistant or clerk. I contend that these more inconspicuous callings are as important as the aforementioned toenail. Let us strive to do a better job at all of our callings in order to further the work of the kingdom. It has become painfully obvious to me that every toe needs its toenail in order to move the body forward with ease.

Rachel Roark

Chastity - Lesson 7

The animal kingdom has no impulse control. Animals consume, fight and mate simply whenever the instinct hits them. Today's world holds up this same behavior for humans as enlightened, liberated, evolved and as a "sophisticated" living choice!!

Where we have standards to reach up to, we hold ourselves to morals, strive for codes of conduct, and use self-restraint ~ yet we're considered living in an oppressive state dictated by an over-reaching church. Morals and standards require significantly higher efforts, self-motivation and deeper thought processes than is required of animals.

President Benson uses some strong words and also animal imagery in this lesson: "Sexual immorality is a viper that is striking not only in the world, but in the Church today. Not to admit it [or address it head-on] is to be dangerously complacent or is like putting one’s head in the sand."

Those of us who have children and grandchildren cannot be complacent, we must warn, warn and warn again so that we will be found worthy at the last day. We must also stand before our Heavenly Father pure and worthy to enter His Kingdom.

1. What does Pres. Benson say is the Church’s doctrine on Chastity?

2. What are the qualities of Chastity?

3. What are some of the “joyful” consequences of living the Law of Chastity?

4. What is the Power of Purity? Think of the challenges you faced with Chastity as a young woman- what kept you chaste?

Come lets reason together on the important of the Gospel Law.

 See you Sunday with love, Karen Bateman

"Stay by the Tree" - Elder Kevin W Pearson

Sisters,

Please read this April Conference 2015 talk and come prepared to discuss these concerns:

If enduring to the end is a hallmark of true discipleship and is essential to gaining eternal life – why is being faithful such a struggle?

Why are distractions and deception such powerful tools of Satan? 

What is a key to our spiritual survival? 

What does it mean to be “politically correct” yet “spiritually lost”?

What is “casual obedience” and how does it affect our ability to deepen our conversion?

Let’s remember and recommit how to “STAY BY THE TREE” – together.

Much Affection

– Jeanne Grant ( substituting for the awesome D4 RS Presidency)