Wednesday, August 25, 2010
My Apologies and My Thanks
I want to extend my heartfelt apologies to everyone who reads this blog and to the teachers who teach the lessons. I have not been very faithful in writing this blog. As many of you know my life just got a little more interesting, but still that is no excuse. So for those who don't know the Relief Society Presidency was released and a new one has been called. Sis. Cara Childs (yes, that's me) was called as the President, Sis. Barbara Kemp as 1st counselor, Sis. Jan Chamberlin as 2nd counselor and Sis. Linda Fillmore as the Secretary. Please keep us in your prayers as we will need them these next few weeks as we come to know and understand what our new roles will be in this ward! I think I speak for everyone when I say THANK YOU to Sis. Kathryn Proctor, Sis. Aileen Makin and Sis. Margie Lindsay for all that you do and have done for the sisters of our ward!
Mothers and Daughters
This week's lesson was from brother Ballard's talk about Mother's and Daughters. One point that Sis. Schiess made significant to us was that underneath the main title of the talk it said that we need to listen and learn from each other. So on the board she made a list of what the daughters should do and what the mothers should do. The daughters are to follow the examples of their mothers. He encourages young women to look to their mothers and model their patterns, rather than look to women of the world as who they should follow and become. He tells them to "learn from her strengths, her courage, and her faithfulness. Listen to her....when it comes to matters of the heart and the things of the Lord, she has a wealth of knowledge." The second thing he encourages is for daughters to love their mothers. He says, "Respect her. Listen to her. Trust her. She has your best interests at heart. She cares about your eternal safety and happiness. So be kind to her. Be patient with her imperfections, for she has them. We all do."
Next came the counsel for the mothers. First he tells us to be the kind if example we want our daughters to follow. He tells us that not only do we need to tell them what to wear, how to act, what to do, but we need to SHOW them what to wear, how to act and what to do. I love what he says, "As mothers in Israel, you are your daughters' first line of defense against the wiles of the world." Man, that struck a chord with me and I felt the Spirit consume me testifying that this is true! My "protective Mother hen" inside just fluffed up her feathers and puffed up her chest ready to defend my children from whatever may come their way...
Ok, back to the lesson. He encourages to keep teaching even when we may think that they are not listening by quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson who said " What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say." Powerful words to live by!
Next is to "find joy in nurturing children." Unfortunately so many women today do not find joy in nurturing. This is something I cannot comprehend, but have it in my own family. My sister works, not because she has to, but because (and by her own admission might I add) she tells me that she does not enjoy being home all day. I think now that her boys are a little older she is starting to realize all that she misses out on but that still does not change the fact that she believes she is "not cut out to be a stay-at-home mom." It breaks my heart. I love those moments that I refer to as "proud mommy moments." For instance when my children learn to read, or ride a bike, or when I'm at their dance recitals or soccer games. Those moments when truly only a mother could be proud. I love those moments and I thrive on them. I'm reminded just how much I really do enjoy being a mother when Maddie tells me that "this is the best day of my life," and I realize that it is a day that I have totally spent with my children and given ALL of my attention to them. I shared the moment when Maddie told me that when she becomes a mom like me she is going to let her children do whatever they want! I just smiled and told her that she will make a great mother.
We didn't have enough time to go through the entire talk ( as usual ) but Sis. Schiess reminded us that we need to watch what our young girls wear and teach them to be modest and WHY they should be modest. This is a great talk and it reawakened my passion for Motherhood and reminded me of it's importance. President Harold B. Lee said, "the most important...work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own homes."
Next came the counsel for the mothers. First he tells us to be the kind if example we want our daughters to follow. He tells us that not only do we need to tell them what to wear, how to act, what to do, but we need to SHOW them what to wear, how to act and what to do. I love what he says, "As mothers in Israel, you are your daughters' first line of defense against the wiles of the world." Man, that struck a chord with me and I felt the Spirit consume me testifying that this is true! My "protective Mother hen" inside just fluffed up her feathers and puffed up her chest ready to defend my children from whatever may come their way...
Ok, back to the lesson. He encourages to keep teaching even when we may think that they are not listening by quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson who said " What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say." Powerful words to live by!
Next is to "find joy in nurturing children." Unfortunately so many women today do not find joy in nurturing. This is something I cannot comprehend, but have it in my own family. My sister works, not because she has to, but because (and by her own admission might I add) she tells me that she does not enjoy being home all day. I think now that her boys are a little older she is starting to realize all that she misses out on but that still does not change the fact that she believes she is "not cut out to be a stay-at-home mom." It breaks my heart. I love those moments that I refer to as "proud mommy moments." For instance when my children learn to read, or ride a bike, or when I'm at their dance recitals or soccer games. Those moments when truly only a mother could be proud. I love those moments and I thrive on them. I'm reminded just how much I really do enjoy being a mother when Maddie tells me that "this is the best day of my life," and I realize that it is a day that I have totally spent with my children and given ALL of my attention to them. I shared the moment when Maddie told me that when she becomes a mom like me she is going to let her children do whatever they want! I just smiled and told her that she will make a great mother.
We didn't have enough time to go through the entire talk ( as usual ) but Sis. Schiess reminded us that we need to watch what our young girls wear and teach them to be modest and WHY they should be modest. This is a great talk and it reawakened my passion for Motherhood and reminded me of it's importance. President Harold B. Lee said, "the most important...work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own homes."
ADULT DUTCH OVEN DINNER
Don't forget that Friday August 27 is the Adult Dutch Oven Dinner. It will be at the Harbor Pavillion and for those that are cooking in their dutch ovens the coals will be ready at 6. Those that are just coming for the food or are bringing something not cooked in a dutch oven the dinner will start at 7. However, you can come at 6 for chit-chatting and friends. Please come and invite your neighbors to come too!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Turn to the Lord
This week's lesson was taught by Sis. Julie Schiess from the Ensign. The talk given by Elder Donald Hallstrom entitled "Turn to the Lord." It proved to be a rather emotional talk for all of us! First off, let me just say how nicely it tied in with the Sunday School lesson today about Elijah. Having already been in the frame of mind and spirit of thinking about trials and turning to the Lord, it increased that sensitivity in me and helped me feel the Spirit even more.
So basically the lesson is about how we handle hardships that we feel are because of other people...that we blame on other people or when we feel we have been wronged by someone. How we get angry with the Lord when things don't work out and we blame Him for all the bad things and turn away from Him. When in reality he has invited us to "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). We can always seek and find peace from the "Prince of Peace."
Many personal experiences were shared by Sis. Schiess that I will not share here. But most, if not all, of us have experienced those trying times when we are saying to ourselves and to our Father "Why me? Why us? Why this horrible terrible thing?" It is very difficult to "Turn TO the Lord" when anger and frustration instinctively tells us to "turn AWAY from the Lord." Usually it is when we just can't take one more minute of this life and are at our very lowest that we finally turn to Him and say, "Take it away from me." When we truly are submissive and willing to let Him take on our burdens is when we pray and turn the other way. The last paragraph or so states, "His most exemplary act, the Atonement, required Jesus to descend "below all things" (D&C 88:6) and suffer "the pains of all men" (2 Nephi 9:21). Thus we understand the Atonement has broader purpose than providing a means to overcome sin. This greatest of all earthly accomplishments gives the Savior the power to fulfill this promise: "If ye will TURN TO THE LORD with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence..., if ye do this, he will...deliver you out of #######" (Mosiah 7:33 emphasis added)."
The Lord is always willing and waiting for us to cast our burdens upon Him and help guide us through this life. But just as a stubborn toddler wants to get dressed himself or tie his own shoe, we are not always willing to do this because we want to "do it myself." When we are really frustrated and angry that it's not going the way we want, then we ask for help. One statement that was made from the article was this "...deal with the matter directly and with all the strength you have." If you feel you have been wronged, pray about the strategy you need to use to deal with the matter directly and then move forward with faith. The Lord will help you when you are ready to let Him help you.
So basically the lesson is about how we handle hardships that we feel are because of other people...that we blame on other people or when we feel we have been wronged by someone. How we get angry with the Lord when things don't work out and we blame Him for all the bad things and turn away from Him. When in reality he has invited us to "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). We can always seek and find peace from the "Prince of Peace."
Many personal experiences were shared by Sis. Schiess that I will not share here. But most, if not all, of us have experienced those trying times when we are saying to ourselves and to our Father "Why me? Why us? Why this horrible terrible thing?" It is very difficult to "Turn TO the Lord" when anger and frustration instinctively tells us to "turn AWAY from the Lord." Usually it is when we just can't take one more minute of this life and are at our very lowest that we finally turn to Him and say, "Take it away from me." When we truly are submissive and willing to let Him take on our burdens is when we pray and turn the other way. The last paragraph or so states, "His most exemplary act, the Atonement, required Jesus to descend "below all things" (D&C 88:6) and suffer "the pains of all men" (2 Nephi 9:21). Thus we understand the Atonement has broader purpose than providing a means to overcome sin. This greatest of all earthly accomplishments gives the Savior the power to fulfill this promise: "If ye will TURN TO THE LORD with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence..., if ye do this, he will...deliver you out of #######" (Mosiah 7:33 emphasis added)."
The Lord is always willing and waiting for us to cast our burdens upon Him and help guide us through this life. But just as a stubborn toddler wants to get dressed himself or tie his own shoe, we are not always willing to do this because we want to "do it myself." When we are really frustrated and angry that it's not going the way we want, then we ask for help. One statement that was made from the article was this "...deal with the matter directly and with all the strength you have." If you feel you have been wronged, pray about the strategy you need to use to deal with the matter directly and then move forward with faith. The Lord will help you when you are ready to let Him help you.
The Priesthood #2
So, last week we talked about the priesthood and the blessings we receive. This week was a little more about what it is and the organization of it. Sis. Joyce Bond gave the lesson this week. We discussed why the priesthood is in two different forms "the lesser and higher" named after certain prophets...Aaron and Melchesidek(sp?). We talked about the different quorums and she shared some new information I didn't know such as how many there can be in each quorum. Also, another thing I didn't know was that the Stake President and his counselors are the head of the High Priest Quorum. Jason (my husband) told me that this is the reason why it's called the "High Priest Group Leader" and not the President like it is for the Elders. Interesting....
We talked about some of the different uses of the priesthood (healing, baptism, marriage, father's blessing, sacrament, etc) and some of the sisters shared some of their own experiences. We also talked about the keys of the Priesthood and why they are necessary in the church. There are so many duties and responsibilities that priesthood holders have and we went through some of them. But think about it in your own mind (and read the lesson :) )and then think about what your responsibilities are at home and as a mother (or just as a woman.) There are some women who argue the fact that we should be entitled to have the priesthood as well and get offended by the thought that they can't have it. To these women I say ARE YOU CRAZY? I don't want the added pressure and responsibilities thank you very much. I can barely handle the responsibilities that the Lord has already entrusted me with. Think about that the next time you think "hey, why can't I have the priesthood?"
We talked about some of the different uses of the priesthood (healing, baptism, marriage, father's blessing, sacrament, etc) and some of the sisters shared some of their own experiences. We also talked about the keys of the Priesthood and why they are necessary in the church. There are so many duties and responsibilities that priesthood holders have and we went through some of them. But think about it in your own mind (and read the lesson :) )and then think about what your responsibilities are at home and as a mother (or just as a woman.) There are some women who argue the fact that we should be entitled to have the priesthood as well and get offended by the thought that they can't have it. To these women I say ARE YOU CRAZY? I don't want the added pressure and responsibilities thank you very much. I can barely handle the responsibilities that the Lord has already entrusted me with. Think about that the next time you think "hey, why can't I have the priesthood?"
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Book Club
This Wednesday, July 14th, is book club. It will be at Norma Mecham's house at 8pm. We will be discussing the book Cheaper By the Dozen and I tell you it is hilarious!! If you've seen the movie come and join us. If you haven't read the book come and join us. We always have a good time. The book for August will be "The Secret Garden." So get an early start!
The Priesthood
This week's lesson was given by Sis. Jana Starr from our manual. The Priesthood is such an important of our Father's plan but can get some of the women stirred up so she was very nervous about giving this lesson. I think she did a wonderful job and nobody voice their "women's rights" opinion.
The Priesthood is essential to have here on the earth because without it we wouldn't be able to perform vital ordinances such as baptism, temple marriage and sealings, healing of the sick, blessing the sacrament and so on. When I got married I was comforted knowing that not only was I marrying a worthy priesthood holder but also in the fact that I was being married by a worthy priesthood holder. Can you imagine being married by someone who received and printed his license off the internet?!?
Sis. Starr asked us to share our experiences with the priesthood. While many shared their stories I will share mine because I am the one writing the blog and I don't have time to call the others who shared and ask their permission to share personal stories. So, I share about the time that I was blessed. It was around 13 years ago when I was in what should have been a fatal car accident. My head was split open and I needed over 500 stitches...oh and one in my ear. When I got home from the hospital that night my father and hometeacher gave me a blessing. I don't remember anything that was said. I do remember feeling at peace however. After my parents went to bed I said a little prayer myself and told the Lord that I know I just received a priesthood blessing to be healed but I was only worried about that night. I was sleeping in a room near my parents and I didn't want them to worry about me. I prayed that for just this one night I would be free from the pain and be able to sleep well so that my parent could also. I didn't feel any pain and I literally felt the hands of my Savior on my head and everything was calm. I only had to get up to go the loo...three times...if you had three bags of I.V. you would need to as well! Most people can hardly see the scar that is left. I see it every time I look in the mirror and every time I see it it reminds me of the experience and how important the priesthood is in my life. Other stories were shared about similar healing experiences and how the priesthood brought them comfort and peace. One sister shared how she witnessed a father giving his brand new little baby permission to return to his Father in Heaven and that of course brought tears to everyone's eyes.
Sis. Starr shared the differences between her two grandfathers. Both very worthy priesthood holders, but one felt that he wasn't worthy enough to wield such an awesome power and so shyed away from using it. The other using it every chance that came along. At the end she asked us how we can support our Priesthood holders. Giving them opportunities to use the priesthood, encouraging them to do their hometeaching, teaching your children about the priesthood and the respect the priesthood and its holders deserve. A few sisters shared the experiences they remember from their father's giving them blessings. I remember my grandfather. He got dressed up in a suit and tie everytime he was asked to give a blessing. Even for the ones he gave to his children for the upcoming school year. He had tremendous respect for the priesthood. I didn't share this in the meeting because of time restraints, but it's such a cute story that I'll share it here...and again, I'm the one that writes the blog :)
When Maddie was just two year old she started having gran mal seizures. She became violent from the medications...one of those side effects they neglect to tell you about and say it happens rarerly...One night we were driving home from grandma's house and Maddie kept telling us she wanted to watch a "woovie." We kept telling her it was late and time for bed and she could watch a movie in the morning. She wasn't having a tantrum at this time but hadn't had a very good week. Jason had already planned to give her a blessing before she went to bed to help her have a better day in the morning. He said that while he was sitting in church he felt impressed to give her one. In our house we call them "special blessings" from Heavenly Father. We told her that daddy was going to give her a special blessing and that Heavenly Father had a special message to tell her and so she needed to listen very carefully. When he was finished he asked her what the special message was and she said in this very tiny, deep voice "Maddie wants to watch a woovie." It was so cute and we just busted up laughing. We still didn't give in though.
I have a strong testimony of the Priesthood and I'm grateful for this lesson as it helps remind me and you sisters about the importance of the Priesthood. Sis. Starr also asked how we can access the Priesthood if you don't have it in your home. Hometeachers, Bishops, and I would add to that Prayer. Ask the One who gave it to help you if you don't have any other way. We know that as women we do have access to it even if we don't hold it. I've had to ask it from the Lord when I was a single mom and I will never forget that experience nor forget my Heavenly Father's love for me. Honor the Priesthood and support those who have it.
The Priesthood is essential to have here on the earth because without it we wouldn't be able to perform vital ordinances such as baptism, temple marriage and sealings, healing of the sick, blessing the sacrament and so on. When I got married I was comforted knowing that not only was I marrying a worthy priesthood holder but also in the fact that I was being married by a worthy priesthood holder. Can you imagine being married by someone who received and printed his license off the internet?!?
Sis. Starr asked us to share our experiences with the priesthood. While many shared their stories I will share mine because I am the one writing the blog and I don't have time to call the others who shared and ask their permission to share personal stories. So, I share about the time that I was blessed. It was around 13 years ago when I was in what should have been a fatal car accident. My head was split open and I needed over 500 stitches...oh and one in my ear. When I got home from the hospital that night my father and hometeacher gave me a blessing. I don't remember anything that was said. I do remember feeling at peace however. After my parents went to bed I said a little prayer myself and told the Lord that I know I just received a priesthood blessing to be healed but I was only worried about that night. I was sleeping in a room near my parents and I didn't want them to worry about me. I prayed that for just this one night I would be free from the pain and be able to sleep well so that my parent could also. I didn't feel any pain and I literally felt the hands of my Savior on my head and everything was calm. I only had to get up to go the loo...three times...if you had three bags of I.V. you would need to as well! Most people can hardly see the scar that is left. I see it every time I look in the mirror and every time I see it it reminds me of the experience and how important the priesthood is in my life. Other stories were shared about similar healing experiences and how the priesthood brought them comfort and peace. One sister shared how she witnessed a father giving his brand new little baby permission to return to his Father in Heaven and that of course brought tears to everyone's eyes.
Sis. Starr shared the differences between her two grandfathers. Both very worthy priesthood holders, but one felt that he wasn't worthy enough to wield such an awesome power and so shyed away from using it. The other using it every chance that came along. At the end she asked us how we can support our Priesthood holders. Giving them opportunities to use the priesthood, encouraging them to do their hometeaching, teaching your children about the priesthood and the respect the priesthood and its holders deserve. A few sisters shared the experiences they remember from their father's giving them blessings. I remember my grandfather. He got dressed up in a suit and tie everytime he was asked to give a blessing. Even for the ones he gave to his children for the upcoming school year. He had tremendous respect for the priesthood. I didn't share this in the meeting because of time restraints, but it's such a cute story that I'll share it here...and again, I'm the one that writes the blog :)
When Maddie was just two year old she started having gran mal seizures. She became violent from the medications...one of those side effects they neglect to tell you about and say it happens rarerly...One night we were driving home from grandma's house and Maddie kept telling us she wanted to watch a "woovie." We kept telling her it was late and time for bed and she could watch a movie in the morning. She wasn't having a tantrum at this time but hadn't had a very good week. Jason had already planned to give her a blessing before she went to bed to help her have a better day in the morning. He said that while he was sitting in church he felt impressed to give her one. In our house we call them "special blessings" from Heavenly Father. We told her that daddy was going to give her a special blessing and that Heavenly Father had a special message to tell her and so she needed to listen very carefully. When he was finished he asked her what the special message was and she said in this very tiny, deep voice "Maddie wants to watch a woovie." It was so cute and we just busted up laughing. We still didn't give in though.
I have a strong testimony of the Priesthood and I'm grateful for this lesson as it helps remind me and you sisters about the importance of the Priesthood. Sis. Starr also asked how we can access the Priesthood if you don't have it in your home. Hometeachers, Bishops, and I would add to that Prayer. Ask the One who gave it to help you if you don't have any other way. We know that as women we do have access to it even if we don't hold it. I've had to ask it from the Lord when I was a single mom and I will never forget that experience nor forget my Heavenly Father's love for me. Honor the Priesthood and support those who have it.
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