Bishop's Message

This Sunday was the 5th Sunday and so that means the RS and Men are combined and the Bishopric gives us a lesson. The Bishop taught this Sunday and touched on a few points that he felt needed to be addressed. The first topic for discussion was surviving in these hard times. He brought up the point that even though we may be righteous and doing all of the right things, doesn't mean that we are exempt from trials. He used Joseph Smith as an example of someone who was faithful and righteous to the end who's entire life was a trial. Why do these things happen to us? We all know that it's to help us come closer to our Heavenly Father and learn and become stronger people. The Bishop asked Bro. Bishop to share his thoughts and feelings on the subject. One thing that Bro. Bishop said that really hit home to me is that even though we go through the hard times we still need to have faith and hope for what the future and the resurrection will bring. When we meet our Heavenly Father we will be able to truly say that we have done our best and receive those blessings that he has in store for us.
The next topic was paying tithes and offerings. He praised us for paying our tithing even though we are all struggling in this economic time. He thanked us for paying our fast offerings and for the generosity of this ward as we have been able to help many families in need because of it. He urged us to continue to pay an honest tithe and offering and that if any of us are having financial struggles or know of anyone who is, that we go and talk to him so that we can receieve the help we need. Many shared their experiences of paying tithing and the way that it has blessed their lives. I think we all have a story or experience that reminds us of the importance of paying our tithes and offerings.
Unfortunately I have misplaced my notes and so I'm going off of what I remember. I know that there was another thing we discussed but the last thing I remember was talking about the "For the Strength of Youth" pamphlet. The Bishop encourage each of us to read it. He said that it is not just for the youth but for us as well. We should use it in our FHE discussions, even if there are only two of you. Sis. Hansen made a very good point that we as parents should read and know what our children are reading and what's being taught to them so that we can better help them to understand the things that they are learning. Many people agreed that talking to your children constantly is a great way to help them feel comfortable with talking to you when those "touchy" subjects come up. We all want our children learning about the ways of life from us and not from school, media or peers. It's a very dangerous world out there for our children and we as parents need to prepare them and protect them in every way that we can. Even we as adults, need to guard ourselves against the temptations of the world.
It was a very good discussion and I know that it reminded me that there are things that I need to improve on and remember to do in my own life.
Because we had a combined lesson we did not do announcements or good news minute. However, there are a few announcements that do need to me mentioned.
* The Stake blood drive is Feb. 17 and there is a sign up sheet in the binder or you can contact Sis. Makin.
* The Ward is having a Neighborhood Sweetheart Dinner. Please invite your neighbors who don't come to church or are a little shy and come and enjoy some good food and good times. Sat. Feb. 12 at 6pm. The young women have volunteered their services for babysitting to anyone who needs it. Contact Sis. Afa to find out who is available for you.
* The Book Club is reading "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis this month. There is a study guide in the binder or you can call Sis. Childs and she will get one to you as well. If you need a copy of the book, please contact Sis. Childs and she will help you in any way she can. We will be meeting next wednesday Feb. 10 at 8pm at Sis. McQuivey's house.
* Mark on your calendars the RS Birthday Bash! March 26 and 27th. We will be having a few guest speakers (Alicia with Chic on a shoe string will tell us about fashion and what we should wear to flatter our body shapes!), do a few crafts (like watches and hairbows), have a temple session, girly stuff (like pedicures) and a luncheon. We have so many fun things planned that you do not want to miss this!