Letters to Elder Maki

Sister Maki received an email from a family where Elder Troy Maki is serving asking for friends and family to email her letters to Troy from home. She is hoping it will be a nice surprise for him for Christmas. If you would like to email her your letter she will print them off and give them to him. Her email is redrockmomma@yahoo.com put in subject line Elder Maki. Help make his last Christmas in the mission field a special one and write him a letter! Thanks!

Christmas Family Home Evening

Here is a quick FHE idea. This is fun for all ages! We have played this activity before several holidays such as Christmas and birthdays. The kids LOVE it and it's a good reminder of why we give and receive gifts. It also helps remind the children to say "thank you" when they do receive gifts.

It might be a good lesson to have after you have reviewed the story of Christ's birth found in Luke 2.

Discuss why we give and receive gifts for Christmas.
Review the story of the three Wise men in Matthew 2.
We give gifts to represent the gifts the wise men brought to the Christ child after his birth.

Matthew 2
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense , and myrrh.

Discuss the gift of the Savior that Heavenly Father gave to the world.

John 3
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Discuss some gifts we could offer the Savior this Christmas season such as service to others, sharing our testimonies, gratitude, etc.

Heavenly Father gave us the greatest gift we could ever receive. We should be grateful to him and grateful for all the gifts we receive for Christmas and all year long. It is important to express gratitude to each person who gives us a gift and tell them thank you.

Activity-
Give each person in the family a brown lunch bag. Take turns having one person be the receiver of gifts. Everyone else is a giver. Have each giver put some random item in the brown bag to be their gift. The receiver opens each gift one by one and must say thank you to the giver of the gift along with something they like about the gift. It is important to discuss with the family that we may not always like the gift we are given but we should always say thank you and remember why the person gave us the gift. If we are grateful, then there is always something we can find that we like about the gift. For example-it may be their favorite color or it may be something they need etc.

For example, the receiver may open up the gift to find a used toothbrush. They may say something like, "Thank you, blue is my favorite color." Or, they may open a baby rattle. They may say, "Thank you, I can use this to play with my baby sister."

The kids will get very creative in the gifts they give which makes the receiver get really creative in finding something they like about the gift!

After the activity remind the children how important it is to say thank you for each gift they receive this Christmas.

Free LDS Music Downloads

Mormon Times (Deseret News) is offering a free music download every Thursday. They keep the download up for one week and then each Thursday offer a new one. They are LDS artists and it's a great way to add to your music collection.

Go to http://www.mormontimes.com/ and you will see the featured song at the top of the page. You have to create an account and log in to download.

Relief Society Meeting
Tuesday, Nov. 16th, 6:30 pm
@ the church
(childcare provided w/ snacks only, not dinner)

Dinner of delicious soups and fresh bread provided.
Sign up to bring your favorite fall dessert.










Bring your favorite pot, can, vase, bowl, etc. to
create your own gratitude tree. We'll provide
the branches, leaves and pens to get started.











"Meet & Marvel" at our sisters!
Come and experience the M&M activity you'll love!

General Conference for Kids

Here is what we do to get the kids more involved in listening to conference (and being quiet so we can hear it too)! This is a past post from my blog. You can go there to download a conference packet and conference bingo (our favorite). We have done these things for the last few years and they are still very excited for this weekend so they can do them again. Let me know if you have any ideas for getting kids involved in conference.

http://www.solutions.memoriesbymindy.com/lds.htm

9/09
I love watching General Conference each April and October. I love being home all weekend with my family watching conference on the tv. I love having big breakfasts and soups to eat for lunch and dinner. I love hearing our church leaders give us inspired words and guidance. The one thing I didn't love was having my children cause such a ruckus that we couldn't hear much of what was going on.

In April I made a General Conference Basket for the family to enjoy. It worked very well for my three and six year old kids. I took different General Conference packets I have found on the web and customized them to what I wanted. I make one for each child. There is a photo of each Prophet and Apostle and a blank head next to it so they can color what they look like when they speak. I also have a tie on the page for them to color to match the speakers tie. I have a spot for them to write or draw pictures of what they are speaking about. At the bottom there are different things they can color if it applies to the speaker, such as if they are bald, wear glasses etc. I also have pages for other speakers who are not Prophets or Apostles including pages for the women who speak. At the end of the conference packet, I include several coloring pages, word searches and other fun things from the friend. If they finish or get tired of coloring about the speaker, they can flip to a page in the back of the packet and work on that. I bind all the pages together into a book to make it easy to flip through. The first year I printed a packet from the internet I didn't bind it and pages were flying all over the room!

I also made Conference Bingo Cards that we all really enjoyed. There are several topics on the card including prayer, faith, temples, etc. We play by covering our entire card with pieces of candy (m&m's, gummy bears, mini marshmallows etc) and as we hear someone discuss one of the topics, we get to eat the piece of candy on that square. The person who get's bingo first gets to eat the remainder of their candy!

I put the packets, bingo cards, and candy in a basket along with crayons and a few other little things for the kids to do. I have found with my kids that if you package something to look nice, for some reason they like it better. That is why I bind their books and have everything arranged nicely in the basket.

General Conference

I just wanted to remind everyone of General Conference this weekend. You can watch it at the church, on byu tv, or on your computer at www.lds.org. With so many ways to watch it there's no excuse not to!!!

Saturday: 12:00-2:00, 4:00-6:00
Priesthood session 8:00-10:00 at the church building. This is the only place your husbands and sons can watch this so please encourage them to go and watch. It will bless their lives and your family's lives.

Sunday: 12:00-2:00, 4:00-6:00

I have always enjoyed conference and hearing the prophets and apostles words. This past April I had a few things on my mind. I decided to pray before I watched conference and ask that I might receive answers as I listened to the speakers at conference. I was amazed as I watched all the sessions that I received the answers and guidance that I needed. It seemed like the entire conference was about my two concerns. As I got my Conference issue of Ensign the next month I went through it and highlighted all quotes and information that related to my two concerns. I picked one color marker for each concern and started highlighting. Each page was filled with wonderful thoughts on each issue. Here is an example of just one page.




Here is a story I found: Henry B. Eyring, “Rise to Your Call,” Ensign, Nov 2002, 75
Not long ago, a young man I did not know approached me in a crowded place. He said quietly but with great intensity: “Elder Eyring, I have just been called as the president of my elders quorum. What advice do you have for me?” I was sure that what he needed to know and to feel I couldn’t give him there, with the people rushing past us. And so I said, “I will give you my counsel in general conference.”

I am grateful I decided to do more than just watch conference. I also prayed and listened for ways the words of modern day leaders could help me in my life today. I encourage all of you to think about something you are struggling with and go to the Lord in prayer. Then, listen in conference to all the wonderful thoughts from the leaders and pay attention to the Spirit that you feel. You will be amazed as I was!

General Relief Society Broadcast

If you didn't get a chance to watch the General Relief Society broadcast, here it it. The talks were great. I especially loved President Monson's talk.

Notes from "Improving Your Scripture Study" Meeting

When setting goals for scripture study, one of the first things you should do is ask yourself the question, “Why do we/I do scripture study? What do we/I want from it?” Elder Christofferson gave a talk (April 2010 General Conference) entitled The Blessing of Scripture. In this talk we learn about William Tyndale and the sacrifices he made to make scripture available to all. In the end he was killed for publishing the scriptures and making them available. Some reasons for studying the scripture that are highlighted in Elder Christofferson’s talk include the fact that we were not physically present during events that happened in the scriptures, and scriptures can be used to find truth and knowledge, and answer questions. A quote from the talk states:
In the end, the central purpose of all scripture is to fill our souls with faith in God the Father and in His son, Jesus Christ- faith that They exsist: faith in the Father’s plan for our immortality and eternal life; faith in the Atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which animates this plan of happiness; faith to make the gospel of Jesus Christ our way of life; faith to come to know “the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom [He has] sent” (John 17:3)
Some scripture study ideas were discussed from Julie B. Beck’s April 2004 General Conference talk “My Soul Delighteth in Scripture.” They are as follows:
1) Chose a subject in the Topical Guide you need or want to know more about.

2) Keep notes in your scriptures (Post-its work well as they can be placed on the page or stuck along the binding and easily removed), or keep a separate notebook.

3) Use your scriptures in your calling. Buy a cheap set of scripture as you start a new calling. When you are released from your calling give the set to a child as a gift. Each set will be marked different as you use them for your calling.

4) Scripture chains. First look up the first scripture in the chain. Highlight it if you wish, and beside it, in the margins, write the next scripture in the chain. For example to use the chain below, write the title of the chain in the front flap of your scriptures, then D&C 1:14 beside it. Next find D&C 1:14, beside it in the margin write D&C 1:38, continue through the chain. When you get to the last scripture Amos 3:7, beside it write D&C 1:14. Where ever you are in the chain you can always follow the scriptures along.


Prophet Scripture Chain
D&C 1:14
D&C 1:36
D&C 50:36
D&C 52:9
D&C 84:36
D&C 90:5
D&C 124:45-46
D&C 133:71
2 Nephi 26:3
Mosiah 18:18-19
3 Nephi 28:34-35
Amos: 3:7

(Additional chains are available on-line, or can be provided. It can even be fun to use the Topical Guide and make your own)


5) As you read the scriptures look for questions the prophets and the Lord ask us. Write them in a note book and answer them.

6) Pray while studying.

7) Reflect on scripture again and again, as Joseph Smith reflected on James 1:5.

8) When setting goals, find something that works for you. If you can read a chapter a day or you have 30 min to devote to scripture study no matter how much or little you read, just do what works for you.

Some ideas for marking scriptures were shared from Whitney Butters Article Tips for living: Scripture-marking methods, published in June 2010 Deseret News. They include:

· Keep it simple
· Get tools (markers and pens that don’t bleed through the pages, colored pencils or crayons)
· Develop a classification process. Underline key words, bracket or box ideas, circle or shade verses, use different colors for different ideas.
· Cross reference/scripture chain
· Practice your system
· And most importantly BEGIN.

Finally some Sisters shared their ideas and techniques of scripture study with us.
> Use Sunday School Lesson Pamphlets and read the additional reading at the end of the lesson
> Color code by topic (for example Black-Apostasy, Sin and Satan, Blue-Holy Ghost, Etc)
> Tape in visuals, pictures, time-lines
> Use manuals such as Seminary, Institute or Sunday school. These can be ordered or some downloaded and printed at ldsces.org. They can also be loaded and read to you. Don’t stress if you can’t pronounce the words.
> Use talks from General Conference, or Articles and reference the scripture in and at eh end of the talks
> If you have started to read, for example the Book of Mormon, and read 1 Nephi twenty times and read it each time you start back up, skip it and start where you left off.
> Write notes in margins so you can understand them and don’t have to look up the meaning. Keep a dictionary beside you as you read so you can look up the meaning of words and write them in the margins or on a sticky note
> Don’t get overwhelmed. Pick something such as the Ensign, or the book Jesus the Christ and read that. There are many scriptures to reference.
> Look up a weakness or topic in the Topical Guide
> Get talks on MP3
> Go to scriptures.byu.edu You can pick a scripture and look up all talks that reference that scripture
> Buy cheap scriptures to do family study during a meal
> Color code and make a card with the colors and what they are for and keep it in your scriptures
> Keep pens, markers, sticky notes, highlighters, or colored pencils handy for easy access
> Read every day even if just a chapter, article, or a few verses. Don’t set long goals because they can be daunting. Know your purpose before you set a goal
> Star or write impressions in the margins as you read
> Ask how you can apply the scripture to your life, or what question the scripture answers

The scriptures are readily available today and so many people have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could have and learn from them. Please take advantage of this wonderful blessing to study and learn the lessons the scriptures can provide for you and your families.

General Relief Society Broadcast

September 25th 8:00pm

There is a service project at the stake center at 6:30.

If you would like to carpool meet at the church at 5:30.

Here is some info from the stake:

We will meet at 6:30 for a service project and visiting.Then the broadcast will follow at 8:00. The activities will be held at theStake Center and at the Georgetown building. We anticipate messages fromthe General Relief Society Presidency as well as someone from the FirstPresidency. These messages are specially directed for the women of thechurch at this particular time.

The service project will be mainly focused on providing help to the homelessof our communities. We will be preparing hygiene kits and making fleece blankets. We welcome any donations of full-size shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand sanitizer, kleenex and deodorant. Also, water bottles, healthy portable snacks and appropriate magazines, such as Reader's Digest can be donated. We will have a drop off box for schools supplies that we will be giving to Crayons to Computers and the Crisis Center in Maysville. We'll have a table of goodies to snack on while we work, if you would like to share a treat, we suggest fruit, veggies, crackers & cheese or sweet treats. We will need scissors to cut the fleece blankets.

September Visiting Teaching Message

“Our Responsibility to Nurture the Rising Generation,” Ensign, Sep 2010, 7

Study this material and, as appropriate, discuss it with the sisters you visit. Use the questions to help you strengthen your sisters and to make Relief Society an active part of your own life.

From the Scriptures
Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4; Enos 1:1; Alma 53:20–21; 56:47; 57:27

Without nurturing, our rising generation could be in danger of becoming like the one described in Mosiah 26. Many youth didn’t believe the traditions of their fathers and became a separate people as to their faith, remaining so ever after. Our rising generation could likewise be led away if they don’t understand their part in Heavenly Father’s plan.

So what is it that will keep the rising generation safe? In the Church, we teach saving principles, and those principles are family principles, the principles that will help the rising generation to form a family, teach that family, and prepare that family for ordinances and covenants—and then the next generation will teach the next and so on.

As parents, leaders, and Church members, we are preparing this generation for the blessings of Abraham, for the temple. We have the responsibility to be very clear on key points of doctrine found in the proclamation on the family. Motherhood and fatherhood are eternal roles and responsibilities. Each of us carries the responsibility for either the male or the female half of the plan.

We can teach this doctrine in any setting. We must speak respectfully of marriage and family. And from our example, the rising generation can gain great hope and understanding—not just from the words we speak but from the way we feel and emanate the spirit of family.
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.

From Our History
Addressing the sisters at the general Relief Society meeting on September 23, 1995, President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “The world we are in is a world of turmoil, of shifting values. Shrill voices call out for one thing or another in betrayal of time-tested standards of behavior.”1 President Hinckley then went on to introduce to the sisters, the Church, and ultimately people everywhere “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.”

In subsequent years this prophetic document has been translated into many languages and distributed to world leaders. It asks citizens and government leaders “to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.”2

The proclamation has become the foundation for Latter-day Saint beliefs about the family, a statement to which we can hold fast and know that by living its precepts, we are strengthening our families and homes.

What Can I Do?

1. How can I help my sisters use “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” to nurture the rising generation? You might consider sharing a copy of the proclamation and helping your sisters identify and mark those passages that would best teach key doctrines.

2. How can I nurture the rising generation? You might consider reaching out to members of your ward, branch, family, or community who could benefit from your attention and love.
For more information, go to www.reliefsociety.lds.org.

Notes

1. Gordon B. Hinckley, “Stand Strong against the Wiles of the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 99.

2. See “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102.

September Newsletter

Download the September newsletter

Branch Relief Society President Thought

I handed out new visiting teaching routes for this month. I want you to know that a lot of thought and prayer went into each of them. On www.lds.org, the church states that the responsibilities of visiting teachers are:
Come to know and love your sisters.
Minister through regular contacts.
Learn of needs and offer appropriate assistance.
Look for specific ways to help.
Share and testify of gospel doctrines.
Notice that it says to make regular contact. There are several ways to contact your sisters-home visits, phone calls, emails and letters, etc. I encourage each of you to pray about your list. Pray about what kind of contact your sisters need. Reach out to those sisters on your list who need your help. Become friends with your sisters. Teach and discuss the lesson each month with them. Ask them about their temporal and spiritual goals and help them achieve them.
When you report each month (wilmingtonvt@gmail.com, 937-556-4227, 330-310-3622), let us know about how your sisters are doing and if they are in need of anything. Let us know about their goals and how they are doing with them. It’s not about if you did your visiting teaching or not-it’s about your sisters and their needs. If anyone needs help or would like me to do a visit with them-please call me. I would love to go with you. (937-383-2981).
Mindy Zeigler

Relief Society Meeting

Choose This Day
Making priorities & avoiding procrastination –
How do you choose what to do each day?

Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010

7:00 pm at the church

(Childcare provided)

July Visiting Teaching

Visiting Teaching Message

If you haven't gotten out to do your visiting teaching yet- please get out soon! I depend on your reports to know how each and ever sister is doing. It amazes me how great each of you are and how you reach out to help those in need. Thank you so much!
Mindy Zeigler

Relief Society Meeting

Holy Place Sacred Space

I wanted to thank everyone for attending our meeting last night. We had a great turnout. Thank you also to Courtney, Amy, and Sandy for presenting! They did a great job.

The activity focused on this talk

Dennis B. Neuenschwander, “Holy Place, Sacred Space,” Ensign, May 2003, 71

Our holy places in our lives should be in our homes, Sacrament meeting, and in the Temple.

Here is a quote from the talk:

In holy places and in sacred space we find spiritual refuge, renewal, hope, and peace. Are these not worth every necessary personal sacrifice?

I would encourage all of you to read the talk and then ponder ways in your life that you can make each of these holy places, sacred space for you and your family.

Mindy

Holy Place, Sacred Space

Relief Society Meeting

Tuesday, June 22^nd, 2010

7:00 p.m. @ the church

Sometimes life gets busy and hecktic, and it is hard to find the spiritual and sacred in your every day life. How do you get anything out of sacrament meeting when your child is crying or hitting their sibling? How do you get to the temple when you can't afford a babysitter or your kids have nightly events that keep conflicting? How do you have a spiritual experience with family prayer or Family Home Evening when your missing family members to activities, and the ones home are squabbling?

Join us for some suggestions and hints in finding the Sacred Space and Holy Place in our lives. Sandy Steele will be focusing on the temple, Courtney Jenkins will bring ideas for your home, and Amy Frary will be sharing about Sacrament and other church meetings.

We'll see you there!

Sunday Lesson-Be Different In The World

Here are some thoughts from my lesson Sunday:

Elder L. Tom Perry gave a great talk entitled “In the World” in April Conference 1988 (Ensign, May 1988, 13). He talks about how we use the term “to be in the world, but not of the world” so often. He focused on the “in the world” part. Our prophets have told us that we are “to be mindful of our obligations while we are here in the world.” He tells us that we have a responsibility to show the world through our lives and actions what the gospel is about. We need to show them that obedience to the gospel principles brings blessings and solutions to problems.

He said, “The Lord help us to be able to prove to the world that we possess just what the world today is longing for, and when they see it, may they know, as you know, as I know, that the everlasting gospel is a light to the world…If we make the claim to hold the truth, it is obligatory upon every latter-day Saint so to live, that when the people of the world come, in answer to the call, to test the fruit of the tree, they will find it wholesome and good.”

He says that we do this by righteous living and by being distinctly different in the world which will have a great influence on those around us. In his talk, Elder Perry shares with us a way in which he avoided looking like the world and influenced other in the process.

Push play to hear in his own words (from an interview by Sheri Dew on Conversations http://radio.lds.org/eng/):



Sheri Dew, when she was a counselor of the Relief Society General Presidency said:
“Women of God who honor their covenants look differently, dress differently, and act and speak differently from women who have not made the same covenants. Thus women of God who know who they are have unusual and sometimes unexpected influence (Knowing Who You Are—and Who You Have Always Been, Sheri Dew, BYU Women’s Conference May 4, 2001).”

I have had many other similar experiences recently when I have been noticed or have noticed other people because they have been different in some way. Last summer we took a family vacation to Virginia Beach. One day we went down to the beach and played as a family. There was a family next to us that watched and smiled to us occasionally. That evening when we were at the hotel pool, the man sitting next to us at the beach came up to us and asked, “So, what ward are you in?” Not sure we heard him correctly, Phil said, “Did you just ask us what ward we are in?” The man told us that they had been watching us during the day and knew that we must be members of the church. His wife walked up and asked, “Was I right?” We told them we were LDS and she said, “I knew it. We watched you at the beach and knew you were different.” I am so glad they pointed it out to us because it has encouraged me to continue to try to be different and stand out and not try to blend in with the world.

In April this year we were in Miami at a conference for Phil’s company. At the opening dinner two couples we did not know were seated at our table. They were about our age and seemed like really nice people. They seemed “different” to me. I noticed the two women and how they were dressed. They had nice shirts on with cardigan sweaters over top. I quickly wondered if they were members of the church since, one, we were in Miami where it is warm, and two, no one else in the room (besides me) was modestly covered. They looked different than everyone else. As we continued to talk we found out that they were LDS and had wondered if we might have been also because they noticed we only had ice water at our place settings.

President Spencer W. Kimball has said:
“Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world (in whom there is often such an inner sense of spirituality) will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world. (Spencer W. Kimball, “The Role of Righteous Women,” Ensign, Nov 1979, 102)”

I know people are watching us to see if we are “different.” We have so many opportunities to be “different.” I also know that our friends, children, and our Heavenly Father are watching us. We do have influence and people will see if we are women (or people) who are different in happy ways and if we honor or covenants, or not. We should not shrink from or be ashamed of being different from the world. We should look for those opportunities to be different from the world so we can share a little bit about who we are and what we believe.

Here is a song from the 2009 EFY album by Hilary Weeks. It is entitiled "I Will" and sums up everything from my lesson.



Mindy Zeigler

Branch Relief Society President Thought

“When we invite the Holy Ghost to fill our minds with light and knowledge, He “quickens” us, that is to say, enlightens and enlivens the inner man or woman. As a result we notice a measurable difference in our soul. We feel strengthened, filled with peace and joy. We possess spiritual energy and enthusiasm, both of which enhance our natural abilities. We can accomplish more than we otherwise could do on our own. We yearn to become a holier person.” (Keith K. Hilbig, “Quench Not the Spirit Which Quickens the Inner Man,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 37–39)

I know it is imperative that we feel the Spirit in our lives each and every day. It can be difficult to set aside our busy schedules and daily tasks to make room for the Spirit to fill us. Each time I feel the spirit, it motivates me to be a better person, it opens my mind to inspiration to help me with my daily struggles, it keeps me on the right track, and it makes me happy. That is why I need to feel the Spirit each day.

Something I have found to help me feel the Spirit each day is by listening to uplifting music and talks on my mp3 player while I clean the house. Anytime I do the dishes, vacuum, do laundry, pick up after the kids etc, I put my headphones on and get to work. Each and every time I do this, I feel the spirit.

Here are a few places I have found great things to listen to while I work. They are mp3 files that you can download to your computer. Right click on each link and choose “save target as” to save them.
http://www.lds.org/mp3/newarchive/0,18615,5249-1,00.html
-Ensign, scriptures, General Conference, other manuals, etc

http://www.byub.org/talks/
-BYU Women’s Conference talks, Education Week talks, devotionals etc.

http://radio.lds.org/eng/programs
-Mormon Channel LDS Radio Station has several programs including “Conversations” –interviews with apostles etc, “Music with a Message”-inspirational music with spiritual thoughts, and many more.

Please share with us ways you have found to invite the Holy Ghost to fill your minds each day. We would love to share your ideas too!
leave a comment or email me any ideas you'd like to share!

Mindy Zeigler

June Visiting Teaching Message

“Renewing Covenants through the Sacrament,” Ensign, Jun 2010, 7

Teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.

Jesus Christ Instituted the Sacrament
“Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to his Apostles, saying, ‘Take, eat’ (Matt. 26:26). ‘This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me’ (Luke 22:19). In a similar manner he took the cup of wine, traditionally diluted with water, said a blessing of thanks for it, and passed it to those gathered about him, saying: ‘This cup is the new testament in my blood,’ ‘which is shed … for the remission of sins.’ ‘This do in remembrance of me.’ …

“Since that upper room experience on the eve of Gethsemane and Golgotha, children of the promise have been under covenant to remember Christ’s sacrifice in this newer, higher, more holy and personal way.”1
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

We Renew Our Baptismal Covenants through the Sacrament
“When we are baptized, we take upon ourselves the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Taking upon us His name is one of the most significant experiences we have in life …

“Each week in sacrament meeting we promise to remember the atoning sacrifice of our Savior as we renew our baptismal covenant. We promise to do as the Savior did—to be obedient to the Father and always keep His commandments. The blessing we receive in return is to always have His Spirit to be with us.”2
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

“I was with an eight-year-old girl on the day of her baptism. At the end of the day she said with all confidence, ‘I have been baptized for a whole day, and I haven’t sinned once!’ But her perfect day did not last forever, and I am sure she is learning by now, like we all learn, that as hard as we try, we do not always avoid every bad situation, every wrong choice …

“… It is not possible to make real change all by ourselves. Our own willpower and our own good intentions are not enough. When we make mistakes or choose poorly, we must have the help of our Savior to get back on track. We partake of the sacrament week after week to show our faith in His power to change us. We confess our sins and promise to forsake them.”3
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.

Helps for Visiting Teaching
As you come to know a sister and her family, look for ways you might help her renew her covenants through the sacrament. If she does not attend sacrament meeting, could you invite her to attend or offer help for her to do so (transportation, assistance with children, a friend to sit by, and so on)?

Personal Preparation
Luke 22:19–20
1 Corinthians 11:23–28
3 Nephi 18:1–12

Notes
1. Jeffrey R. Holland, “This Do in Remembrance of Me,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 67.
2. Robert D. Hales, “The Covenant of Baptism: To Be in the Kingdom and of the Kingdom,” Liahona, Jan. 2001, 8; Ensign, Nov. 2000, 8.
3. Julie B. Beck, “Remembering, Repenting, and Changing,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2007, 110–11.

Modesty FHE

There is a great article in the May Friend. It is entitled "Modest at Any Age." I had a great time reading it with Ella. There is also a modesty checklist to help decipher if clothing is modest enough. A great tip from the article that Ella used this morning is to sing the song "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" and do the motions while wearing your outfit. If you can do the motions to the song without exposing any unwanted areas, then that outfit is probably modest enough to wear.

Since we had such a good time with it, I made it into a Family Home Evening for you to enjoy too. It is a great review for all of us and our children no matter what age we are! Enjoy.

Mindy

To download the FHE click following link: Modest at Any Age FHE

New Visiting Teaching Lesson Format

New Format Helps Sisters Improve as Visiting Teachers
Ensign, May 2010, 136–37

In July 2010 Relief Society sisters and subscribers to the Liahona and Ensign magazines will find a change to the traditional Visiting Teaching Message format.

“We want every visiting teacher to understand that visiting teaching is a call from the Lord and accept her assignment to love, serve, teach, and minister to another sister with that in mind,” said Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.

The new message format will help sisters understand the purpose of Relief Society, teach principles to help sisters live the purpose, provide a historical perspective, and offer suggestions on how women can more effectively watch over and strengthen other sisters.

“The Visiting Teaching Message is a tool in the hands of a visiting teacher. As she studies the messages with her sisters in mind, she will know what to share with them and what to do for them,” Sister Beck said.

On the following page is a sample of the new Visiting Teaching Message, with explanations of its new features.

Instructions Instructions help visiting teachers know how to teach and apply the message.

Relief Society Purposes The Relief Society purposes were added to remind sisters of the responsibilities of Relief Society: to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help those in need.

Message The central message will now offer specific and timely counsel directly from the Relief Society general presidency.

From the Scriptures These scriptural references will help enhance the study, teaching, and personal application of the message.

Ministering Question The purpose of this question is to help visiting teachers act on inspiration to better serve the sisters they teach.

Application Question This question is meant to prompt action on the part of each individual Relief Society sister and help her apply the message to her own life.

From Our History By reading of the noble legacy of Relief Society, sisters can draw connections between the organization that existed in the early Church and the current Relief Society program. “We are inspired by their sacrifices and desire to take our part in building the Lord’s kingdom in our season of service,” Sister Beck said.

More Information Pertinent links to other resources can be found at the Relief Society Web page, reliefsociety.lds.org.

Branch Relief Society President Thought

Because the May issue of the Ensign contains a report of general conference, it does not contain a specific Visiting Teaching Message. Visiting teachers are encouraged to prayerfully select a conference address to share with those they teach.

I wanted to share with you my favorite quote from conference. It is from Sister Julie B. Beck’s (Relief Society General President) talk entitled “And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit.”

The second general Relief Society president, Eliza R. Snow, said this to the sisters: “We want to be ladies in very deed, not according to the term of the word as the world judges, but fit companions of the Gods and Holy Ones. In an organized capacity we can assist each other in not only doing good but in refining ourselves, and whether few or many come forward and help to prosecute this great work, they will be those that will fill honorable positions in the Kingdom of God. . . . Women should be women and not babies that need petting and correction all the time. I know we like to be appreciated but if we do not get all the appreciation which we think is our due, what matters? We know the Lord has laid high responsibility upon us, and there is not a wish or desire that the Lord has implanted in our hearts in righteousness but will be realized, and the greatest good we can do to ourselves and each other is to refine and cultivate ourselves in everything that is good and ennobling to qualify us for those responsibilities.”

This quote tells me so much and I love the bluntness about it. It makes me want to step up and refine and cultivate myself and work on something I can change in my life that will make me more Holy. I love how Sister Snow tells us not to worry if we do not get the appreciation that we feel we deserve. I challenge each of us to work on refining ourselves by finding something we can change in our lives and become better at. I promise you it will bless your life.

Mindy Zeigler

Sunday Lesson- Gospel Principles 8- Prayer

"When I was growing up, my family tried very hard to follow the advice and counsel of the prophets, we struggled through morning scripture study, family home evenings, and father daughter interviews. As parents of five kids my mom and dad would often become so frustrated with our behavior and attitudes that they would temporarily give-up; it seemed that a six month (or so) break would refresh their resolve to help strengthen our family-and so we would start the cycle again. There was one thing, however, that we never took a break from- family prayer. Every morning and evening, my family knelt, held hands and said family prayer. Sometimes we weren’t all there, and I know most mornings my mom had prayer with my older brother and sister, then my little sister and I, and finally my younger brother as we left for school in shifts. In the evenings it was a ‘one shot’ deal! Whoever was there knelt and prayed…it didn’t matter if you were part of our family or not. At times I was embarrassed by this and found myself rolling my eyes at my mom, especially if it was a new friend! Close friends became very accustomed to our family prayers; some of them were even ask to say the prayer.

Clint spent a lot of time at our house and was used to the routine. One evening we were watching a movie, dad got tired and turned the tv off and called for family prayer. We all knelt, held hands, prayed then quickly returned to the couch to finish the movie. Just as the movie started Clint said “When I get married, we’re going to have family prayer”. His comment has stuck with me all these years, and when we were first married, we made it a practice to have family prayer. We don’t kneel down and hold hands, but twice a day, whoever is in our home is ask to join us as we shut out the outside world for a few moments and pray. I am so grateful for the example set by my parents in this one simple act. As a child, I went to school every day knowing that I wasn’t alone; I had an extra blessing of protection, a plea to Heavenly Father to help me concentrate and do well in my studies. It helped me build a relationship with my Heavenly Father that has continued to grow! As a mom now, I can’t think of any better tool to send my children out into the world with. I am touched deeply every time I hear them prayer for each other and the specific activities they have going on. I am astounded when my young children prayer for another family or child without being prompted. And I am grateful for the faith they have that their prayers will be answered.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

-Courtney Jenkins

Sunday Lesson-Gospel Principles 7-Holy Ghost

The lesson this week asks us to think about times when the Holy Ghost has helped us grow in our testimony. When I was in my mid 20’s, I had a defining moment. I was married and had two little boys with another baby on the way. My husband worked at a local grocery store as the dairy manager and I was a stay at home mom. We struggled financially. To save five dollars a week seemed impossible. We even used cloth diapers because we couldn’t afford disposable ones. I was also struggling as a mom. I felt overwhelmed by my responsibilities, not sure how to parent these little ones, still trying to figure out who I was, always second guessing what I was doing. It happened to be Easter time and I was watching a movie about the life of Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection. I was extremely moved by this movie. It ended with the image of the actor that portrayed Christ. I remember staring into his eyes and having a deep longing to know Christ, not just facts about His life but to truly know Him. That was a defining moment. I began reading the New Testament. I didn’t understand all that I read but I began to feel hopeful and a feeling of peace. During the year that followed, our first daughter was born and Dave started college in Centerville fulltime while he continued working fulltime. He also became acquainted with a young man who was a member of the church who worked at the grocery story. His name was Richie and he was earning money to go on a mission. After Richie left for his mission he sent us a Book of Mormon and after a few months he sent the missionaries to us. Two months later, we were baptized.

Why was I baptized? When I was taught the principle of the apostasy, it felt right. Finally, I knew why there were so many churches. And it was only logical a restoration would have to follow if the true church were to be found on the earth again. I read Joseph Smith’s testimony and found he was searching just as I had. When I began to read the Book of Mormon, I felt the same peace I felt when I read the New Testament. When I was taught about the pre-existence and the war in Heaven I finally understood my relationship to Christ. I felt a closeness to Him I’ve never felt before. And when I finally prayed to know if the church were true, if Joseph Smith were truly a prophet and experienced what he said he saw, and if the Book of Mormon was true, the warmth and peace and joy my soul felt I cannot fully express with justice. This quote from the lesson explains it better than I can.

“When a manifestation from the Holy Ghost, it leaves an indelible impression on his soul, one that is not easily erased. It is the Spirit speaking to spirit, and it comes with convincing force. A manifestation of an angel, or even of the Son of God himself, would impress the eye and mind, and eventually become dimmed, but the impressions of the Holy Ghost sink deeper into the soul and are more difficult to erase.” Joseph Fielding Smith

I have since felt of the Holy Ghost many times when preparing and giving lessons, within the sacred walls of the temple, during conference address, sacrament talks, and in those quiet, private moments of searching.

I recently ask this question to Elder Druck. What motivates me to stay true to gospel principles even when it is unpopular to do so and I have to stand alone? As you read his reply, look for the role the Holy Ghost played in his actions.

“My companion, Elder Yamaguchi says it is his Testimony, and I have to agree, I have seen to many things in my life that point to the fact that this church is the only true gospel on the Earth and that God has shown me through the answers to my prayers and by the promptings I have received from the Holy Ghost that this gospel is true, and I can not deny those feelings that I have received based on what others think because their words are no where near as convincing to me that the feelings I have gotten from the Holy Ghost as I have strove to do what I have felt to be right and that has meant standing alone at times, and though I may have been alone as far as the number of people standing by me, I have never been alone because I have always had the companionship of the Holy Ghost to help me through the hard times by its reassurance of the fact that what I am doing is right and that as long as I keep on enduring I will be greatly blessed for my perseverance in standing firm in what I KNOW to be the Truth!”

I invite you to think back on your life and identify when you have felt the Holy Ghost and how it helped to strengthen your testimony and then, if you would be willing, to share your experience with us.

Thank you,

Sister Kathy Geyer

MARCH VT Challenge!

Focus on your Sisters

As you talk with your sister

listen and watch for anything

that may be of burden

and take the opportunity

to encourage and uplift her!

*Reminder of March Challenge: What's your Sister's favorite candy bar/treat?

Just a Visiting Teacher

"I'm just a Visiting Teacher,"

I said to my friend today,

And my Father in Heaven heard me

And I seemed to hear him say.

"Not just a Visiting Teacher,

A Disciple with work to do.

And wherever you carry my message

My Spirit goes with you"

"Some daughters of mine have burdens,
Some seem to have lost their way,

Go take them my love and Gospel

To strengthen them day by day."

Never say you're "just a visiting teacher,"

Have faith and you'll understand,

When you enter a home with love and prayer-

I take you by the hand."

Sisters, always remember that no matter how brief or simple your contact is the sisters you visit teach will feed off of your love and be strengthened! We all need a little encouragement and love...so stay tuned for our VT Challenge of the Month! Love, Sister Becky Watson

Branch Relief Society President Thought

“The gospel of Jesus Christ encompasses much more than avoiding, overcoming, and being cleansed from sin and the bad influences in our lives; it also essentially entails doing good, being good, and becoming better. Repenting of our sins and seeking forgiveness are spiritually necessary, and we must always do so. But remission of sin is not the only or even the ultimate purpose of the gospel. To have our hearts changed by the Holy Spirit such that “we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually” (Mosiah 5:2), as did King Benjamin’s people, is the covenant responsibility we have accepted. This mighty change is not simply the result of working harder or developing greater individual discipline. Rather, it is the consequence of a fundamental change in our desires, our motives, and our natures made possible through the Atonement of Christ the Lord. Our spiritual purpose is to overcome both sin and the desire to sin, both the taint and the tyranny of sin.” (David A. Bednar, “Clean Hands and a Pure Heart,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 80–83)

Sisters, I would encourage each of you to find an area in your life that you can do good, be good, and become better in. I know that as we try to become a better sister in the gospel that the Lord will work a mighty change in us and we will be blessed beyond measure. Imagine if each of us picked just one or two areas in our lives that we can become better, how our branch would be lifted up and be changed! I thank each of you for the work you do in your families and in your homes. Sometimes things get overwhelming, but if we just focus on one thing at a time, we will become better women, mothers, and sisters in the gospel!

Mindy Zeigler

Addiction Recovery Classes for Women

It is really a class about the atonement and how we can more effectively use it in our lives.

For women who have or have had any addiction to help forgive themselves and move on, or have a family member with an addiction to help support or forgive them.

Addictions could include anything such as food, TV, soap operas, drugs, alcohol, pornography etc.
Sisters may contact course facilitators for more information

Friday 10:00am in Cherry Grove building (Clough Pike building), babysitting provided,
Facilitated by Terri Jenkins (606)845-0288, mcglaughlinterri@yahoo.com

Visiting Teaching Message

Seeking and Receiving Personal RevelationEnsign,
April 2010

Teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.

How Can I Seek Personal Revelation?
"We prepare to receive personal revelation as the prophets do, by studying the scriptures, fasting, praying, and building faith. Faith is the key. Remember Joseph's preparation for the First Vision:
" 'If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. . . .
" 'But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.' "1
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

"Prayer is your personal key to heaven. The lock is on your side of the veil.
"But that is not all. To one who thought that revelation would flow without effort, the Lord said:
" 'You have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.
" 'But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.' "2
President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

How Can I Receive Personal Revelation?
"In its more familiar forms, revelation or inspiration comes by means of words or thoughts communicated to the mind (see Enos 1:10; D&C 8:2–3), by sudden enlightenment (see D&C 6:14–15), by positive or negative feelings about proposed courses of action, or even by inspiring performances, as in the performing arts. As President Boyd K. Packer, . . . President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has stated, 'Inspiration comes more as a feeling than as a sound.' "3
Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

"The temple is a house of learning. Much of the instruction imparted in the temple is symbolic and learned by the Spirit. This means we are taught from on high. . . . Our understanding of the meaning of the ordinances and covenants will increase as we return to the temple often with the attitude of learning and contemplating the eternal truths taught. . . . Let us enjoy the spiritual strength and the revelation we receive as we attend the temple regularly."4
Silvia H. Allred, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency.

Notes1. "Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 88.2. "Personal Revelation: The Gift, the Test, and the Promise," Ensign, Nov. 1994, 59–60.3. "Eight Reasons for Revelation," Liahona, Sept. 2004, 8; "Eight Ways God Can Speak to You," New Era, Sept. 2004, 4.4. "Holy Temples, Sacred Covenants," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 113, 114.

Helps for Visiting Teaching
As a visiting teacher, you can receive impressions of the Spirit as to the needs of your sisters and how to meet those needs. As you teach this message, share, as appropriate, any inspiration or help you have received regarding visiting teaching.

Personal Preparation
1 Samuel 3:101 Kings 19:11–12Alma 5:46; 26:223 Nephi 19:19–23D&C 8:2–3; 9:8–9; 88:63–64

Clear the Clutter

Relief Society Meeting

March 9th 7:00pm

at the church

Learn ways to remove the clutter from your life

and your home to free you up to be the person you want to be!

See sign up sheet by chapel to sign up to share your organizing and time saving tips.

Finance Workshops for all adults in the branch

I just wanted to remind you of the first finance workshop Sunday 17th at 6:00pm at the church. Here's the scedule for the year if you would like to attend any of them. It is a great way to learn and be informed about what is going on with your finances and how to be more provident in your living!

Personal Finance Workshops
Wilmington Branch

The purpose of this course on Personal Finance is to instruct members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints about personal financial management. Development of this course was provided by the Marriott School of Management at Brigham Young University. The course was constructed using critical, pertinent, relevant, and unbiased information. The course is presented from a LDS perspective and is designed to help participants become better stewards of their financial resources. Members from all financial backgrounds will find value in this course. It will benefit everyone from those currently struggling with their finances, to those with significant wealth, and all those who fall somewhere in between.

The course will be presented by Philip Zeigler who is a member of the Wilmington Branch and a Certified Financial Planner™ professional. Each workshop will begin at 6:00 PM on the dates indicated and will be held at the Wilmington Branch church building. All adult members are invited to attend.

Course Overview
· Introduction - Another Perspective on Wealth – November 29, 2009
· Budgeting and Cash Management – January 17, 2010
· Income Tax Planning – February 21, 2010
· Consumer and Mortgage Loans – March 21, 2010
· Debt and Debt Reduction – April 18, 2010
· Insurance – Auto, Homeowners, and Liability – May 30, 2010
· Insurance – Life, Health, Long-Term Care, and Disability Income – June 27, 2010
· The Home Decision – July 18, 2010
· The Auto Decision – August 15, 2010
· Key Lessons of Investing – September 19, 2010
· Funding Children’s Education and Missions – October 31, 2010
· Planning for Retirement – November 21, 2010
· Estate Planning Basics – December 12, 2010

Relief Society Sunday Lessons

A great goal for 2010 is to read your Sunday lessons!

I posted the lesson schedule for the year on the right column.

If you need a printed schedule the RS has them to hand out.

This year we are studying the new Gospel Principles manual and it it wonderful.

I would encourage each of you to read the lessons even if you are not able to attend Relief Society on Sundays because of other callings etc. Discuss the lessons and what you have learned with your husband or other family members.

In case you are not familiar with the lesson schedule:

-1st Sundays of the month are Presidency Instruction-the Relief Society Presidency decides what the lesson is on.

-2nd and 3rd Sundays are from the Gospel Principles Book.

-4th Sundays are Teaching for Our Times (TFOT) and are General Conference talks selected by the our Branch President.

-5th Sundays are under the direction of the Brach President.

Temple Trip

Relief Society Temple Trip

Feb 12, 2010

8:00pm Session

You will have to call the temple yourself to reserve your spot (614) 351-5001. We are leaving the church at 5:30 and stopping for dinner on the way. Call sister Fear 383-0839 to let her know if you'd like to ride up with her. Hopefully you can attend.