General Conference Highlights

I found this video of a few highlights from our fabulous General Conference Sessions. What great reminders and direction we received this month from our Prophet and Apostles of the Lord. One topic that resonated with me during Conference was the notion to stay the course and constantly improve. Have I returned to any bad (or lazy) habits? Am I trying to be better today than I was yesterday? How well am I following through with resolutions I've made in my life?

Watch this video for an uplifting 23 minutes. Pay attention to the Spirit that comes into your heart as you recall the personal revelation you received during General Conference a couple weeks ago. Did anything stand out to you?

One of the speakers talked about how loyalty is the crowning expression of love. Do you remember who said it? One of the blessings of serving in the Relief Society presidency has been the opportunity to see each of you demonstrate loyalty to the Lord through your service, testimony, and character. Thank you for being an example to me on how to show more love towards the Savior.

LISTEN FOR THE CONFERENCE QUOTES

I'm looking forward to General Conference next week, to hear the Word of the Lord. I still miss one of the former apostles, Neal A. Maxwell. Elder Maxwell had a love for words, and crafted them so beautifully as he taught the Gospel.

In his memory, I would like you to enjoy several of his old quotes:
1. Only the Lord can compare crosses, for all crosses are easier to carry when we keep moving.
2.One's life....cannot be both faith-filled and stress-free.
3. Clearly the Church must neither allow its doctrines to be diluted nor its people to be diminished by compromising with the way of the world.
4. How can we expect to enjoy eternally, that which we neglect in mortality?
5. The only things we should really fear are those things which can keep us from going,where there is no fear.

Here are a few other quotes to contemplate:
1.Do not handicap your children, by making their life too easy.(Robert Heinlein)
2. Seeing a spider isn't a problem. It becomes one when it disappears! (Anon. but one of my favorites!)
3. No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping those who sit on the couch.
4. If you don't want anyone to find out about it, don't do it! (Chinese Proverb)
5. In the time it takes for a lie to travel around the world, the truth barely has time to get it's boots on.(Mark Twain)
6. The problem with man's unhappiness is sacrificing what he wants most, for what he wants now. (Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley).

Enjoy Conference Sisters, write the good quotes down, and e-mail them to me after- I have prizes for the first two who match any that I have written down. . . . . yes, it involves chocolate! Remember - that's how we got "Come What May and Love It.

Flashes of Inspiration 6/17/12

As hands were laid upon my head in order to be set apart as a contributor to the Relief Society blog, many things were said. Most of them were unfortunately forgotten but the phrase that resonated in my heart and mind was to "record flashes of inspiration." We have been encouraged by numerous different people in Relief Society over the last several months to record our impressions and promptings. So far, I hadn't done this. Invariably, I would forget the words of the Holy Ghost or convince myself that this wasn't what was really said. We are receiving very clear and direct orders to write down impressions and thoughts. Maybe it is so that we don't forget them. Maybe it is so we can understand them better. Or maybe, it is to bless others. I'm not quite sure of the reasoning and logic but I do understand that our obedience is important. And therefore I will record flashes of inspiration regardless of whether or not they make sense to me at this present time. Our obedience will bring blessings to ourselves and others.

Rachel Roark

Remember! Oh, Remember!

Busy holiday season? Please take a breath, and take a few moments to view the video at the link below.

The Christmas Spirit

Merry Christmas, sisters! May the activities and craziness of the season not overshadow the real meaning of the season. I love you!!

We ARE Friends

In studying the Relief Society lesson for this Sunday, Chapter 40 in the Joseph Smith manual, I came upon a great poem by an unknown author-

"I saw him once, he stood a moment there,

He spoke a word that laid his spirit bare.

He grasped my hand then passed beyond my ken-

But what I was, I shall not be again."

We are constantly given opportunities, by the Lord through this church organization, to rub shoulders, socialize (remember Super Saturday on Sept 19th!!!), serve, and become friends. Since I have had this calling, and have rubbed shoulders with many of you, I feel I will not ever be the same again. I am better because I have you as my friends!

2 favorite quotes

Hi Sisters,
Just wanted to share a couple quotes with everyone.

"When, in situations of stress, we wonder if there is any more in us to give, we can be comforted to know that God, who knows our capacity perfectly, placed us here to succeed."
------Elder Neal A. Maxwell, A More Determined Discipleship, Feb 1979 Ensign

"To be a righteous woman is a glorious thing in any age. To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling. The righteous woman's strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times . . . Other institutions in society may falter and even fail, but the righteous woman can help save the home which may be the last and only sanctuary some mortals know in the midst of storm and strife."
------President Spencer W. Kimball, Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters, Nov 1978 Ensign

Two Cans of Corn, September 2009 Ensign

There is an awesome article in the new September Ensign. It is called "Two cans of corn: Home Storage for Newlyweds."

A bishop gave a new couple advice to watch what was on sale each week. When they went shopping, they were to buy a few cans each time. It was so cheap they wouldn't notice the extra cost, but over time their food supply would increase. Their first purchase was two cans of corn. Six months later the husband lost his job, and they relied on the storage they had. The article continues on to talk about storing you food storage, saving money, how to increase your short term storage, and gaining a testimony of food storage.

My husband and I started this way when we got married three years ago, and we still have to build our food storage this way. We don't have a lot of extra money every month to buy large amounts of food storage. We buy a few cans and cases of water each paycheck. We have also been fortunate that my dad has "gifted" us several cases of food storage from the cannery for birthdays and Christmas. We live in a very small apartment, but have found ways to incorporate these boxes and cans into our home, because we know how important it is to have this storage. They are in our closets, under our bed, stacked in the corner of the kitchen, etc. I admit that I was kind of embarrassed that these boxes were visible, but we have had many missionary opportunities to explain to our friends the importance of food storage and self reliance. They are a conversation starter for sure!

I have a testimony that no matter how small the effort, you will be blessed. Even if you can only buy two cans at a time, your efforts and diligence to follow the Prophet will not go unnoticed to the Lord. There are so many resources online to help with your storage, and our own ward even has Sister Pyne who is SO knowledgeable in food storage. She is so excited about it and willing to help anyone. I would love to hear other people's experiences with food storage as well!

Covenants

"Our Benevolent Natures"

Last night I received a "fruit pizza" from Esther Davis. It was one of the best desserts I have eaten and I really want the recipe. But it made me think about our lesson this Sunday. This week we have a relief society lesson on the divine nature of the Relief Society. The organization of women after the order and wisdom of God was unique in the 1840's and is still amazing in its contribution today. Joseph Smith prophesied that it would bring out and enhance our benevolent natures and I see this time and time again in the Dallas 4th Ward. I am impressed with the numerous acts of charity given to so many. You give rides to Joyce Lund, visits with Elizabeth Woodling and Mildred Tonks; countless appointments to visit and teach each other; phone calls when one is absent; concern and food when women are sick or struggling; and the benefit of the doubt given when one "could" be offended by another. You attend meetings and interest groups just to support one another. You sign up for one more thing when you have twelve other items on the calendar. You extend and extend your hearts and means and I am humbled to be in a position to witness so much of this.

You are Divine! You have benevolent natures! Relief Society is an organization full of charity for all because of each one of YOU!
****(AND, we have alot of really good "cooks" in this ward so we will start a recipe book - my latest inspiration!!!)