So Sorry

I knew I could not make it through the month without forgetting to post at some point. Here are the days I missed and the rest of the challenge lest I forget (and impede your progress) again.

December 16th: Do Your Best
Read the story of Martha in Luke 10:38-42
Remember who you are. Choose to give the better part today. Find a way to share the love of the Lord. Find even a small way to help someone else recognize the good part, the meaning of Christmas, or the joyful message of Christ’s atonement.

December 17th: Be Still
Read the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-6
First, find your sycamore tree, or the quiet place you can go to focus on the Savior. Second, make haste and invite the Lord to your home. How will you prepare to receive Him?

December 18th: Develop Faith
Read the account of pleading father in Mark 9:17-27
Take time to identify and write down an area in which you feel you are not enough. Take it to the Lord. Plead your case in prayer. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge your weakness and ask for greater faith. Then be still and listen to the promptings that will come.

December 19th: Give All
Read the account of the rich young man in Mark 10:17 - 22 and the widow’s mite in Mark 12:41-44
Think of someone you know who has given all in service to the Lord. What lessons can you learn from that person? How can you be more like him or her? Commit today to give all you have in service to the Lord. Choose one area where you feel you could give more.

December 20th: Understand Grace
Read Ether 12 and look for the blessings.
Remember that grace comes after all you can do. Take time today to analyze a trying situation in your life. After you have done all you can do, place it in the hands of the Lord. Keep a record of the greater things and the unspeakable gifts that will come as He leads you to the promise.

December 21st: Seek
Read the account of Mary Magdalene in John 20:1-18
Examine your life, what is your greatest need? Find a way to seek the Lord. Find Christ in the answers you long for. Strive to reach a new level of understanding.

December 22nd: Abide
Read the account of the disciples walking on the road to Emmaus, in Luke 24:13-32
Learn to use the scriptures to receive personal revelation form the Lord. Look for a scripture that speaks to you. Let His spirit abide in your heart by reflecting on that scripture throughout the day.

December 23rd: Rejoice
Read about Mary the mother of Jesus in Luke 1:26-55
Take time to think about Mary’s response to the news that she would bear the Son of God. Consider her attitude and rejoicing despite that overshadowed any fear, inadequacy, or concern she must have had over her new “calling.” Strive to rejoice and express deeper gratitude for all that the Lord has blessed you with.

December 24th: Proclaim
Read the story of the birth of the Savior in Luke 2:1-20
Let us emulate the shepherds who made known abroad all that which was told unto them. We must be willing, as they were, to leave off other tasks to declare the glad tidings of Christ’s gospel and Church fully restored. Consider all with which you have been blessed and all that you have to share with others-- how will you share it?

December 25th: Remember
Read the story of Joshua and the crossing of the river Jordan in Joshua 3 and 4
Either figuratively or literally, gather 12 stones. Assign each stone to represent a blessing that you have recognized in your journey closer to Christ. Record your faith building experiences and testimony. Commit to continue your growth. Share your testimony and the blessings your have recognized with your family.

December 15th

Grow
Read Alma 32:41-43

Change and growth require patience and diligence. Commit to nurture your faith every day in some way. Think about the rewards you have experienced because of your faith and write them down. Use that list to fortify yourself when your patience wears thin.

Enrichment Activity - The Christmas Sweater

On Wednesday, December 17th, we will be meeting to attend the live simulcast of Glenn Beck's theater production of "The Christmas Sweater". We will meet at the Kerasotes Town Plaza Theater in Cape at 6:30 pm. Tickets to the show are $20. Contact Sister Lane with questions.

See the videos below, including an introduction to the production by Glenn Beck as well as the video of him telling his conversion story.

November/December Missionary Challenge

As last month's missionary challenge suggested, this is the month that we are asking each of us to share a gift of the gospel. We have been praying to know of someone who is ready to receive our gift. This is an excellent time of year, not to mention the many people who are looking for hope in our troubled world, to share the gospel. We live in a part of the country where we are surrounded by good people who believe in Christ.

First, if you have not already determined who you will share with, do it now! Pray to know who of your friends and family are ready.

Then SHARE. Here are some ideas. Please send me or use the comment link to share other ideas, I'd love to post them.

1. Look online at the Church Distribution Center for ideas. You can share a picture of Christ, a video, a book. There are hundreds of options. Here is a link to the distribution center.

2. If you cannot or or would prefer not to purchase an item, check with the missionaries to see what they have available for you to give away. I'm sure they will be happy to give you some options! Call Elder Cahoon and Naylor at 573-517-9230.

3. This is my favorite choice. This DVD is available at the distribution center for $6.20 (the missionaries may have some, I am not sure). It is a great way to share the message of the gospel at Christmastime. Here is a link to purchase that item from Distribution.


4. Share a Book of Mormon. We will have some available on Sunday for you to pick up. Be sure to include your testimony with it.
5. Invite them to attend the First Presidency Christmas Devotional broadcast this Sunday night at your home or at the church building.

6. Invite the person or family to your home for a dinner and share a gospel message with them.

7. Invite a family or person to share a spiritual and fun family home evening.

8, 9 10.... there are so many more ways.... please offer your ideas!

Branch Christmas Party

Our Branch Adult Christmas Party will be held on Saturday, December 20th starting at 7:00 pm at the home of Dale and Christine Sirrine.

Drinks, desserts and chips and dip will be provided by the activities committee. Please prepare to bring your favorite hors d'oeuvres or Christmas appetizers to share.

Dress for the activity will be business casual to dressy. Please also take note that this year's party is planned for adults. The Activities Committee is asking that you please make arrangements to leave your children with other family members, friends or a babysitter that evening.
If you have any questions or need directions to the Sirrine home, please contact Sister Miller or Sister Sirrine.

December VT Message

Click here for a link to the December message.

December 14th

Change
Read the account of the lepers in Luke 11-19

Identify a change you need or want to make in your own life. Write down a plan that will enable you to make that change. Approach the Lord in prayer, having faith, asking for His help.

December 13th

Focus
Read the accounts of Peter’s focus on Christ in Matthew 14:22-23 and John 21:1-19

Remember to focus on Christ today. Allow Him to become part of your thoughts. Long to be near Him. Remember whom, above all else, thou lovest.

December 12th

Stand
Read Luke 22:31-32

When you see the battle raging, where do you see yourself in the fight? Consider your church calling, your role as a parent or as a friend. Do you give some, or do you give all that you have?
Find someone you can strengthen today.

December 11th

Trust
Read Alma 58:10-11

Hope is an abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises to us. How have you come to trust the Lord? What assurances have you received? How does hope bless your life?

Day 8 (Wednesday 12/10)

Listen
Read the parable of the Good Shepherd in John 10:1-18

Think about how you have learned to recognize the voice of the Shepherd. Make a list of times when you heard His voice and heeded the call. Listen for His voice today.

Day 7 (Tuesday 12/9)

Pray
Read Moroni 7:26

Answers to prayer come differently for each of us. How have you personally received answers to prayer? What types of answers do you look for? Recognize how the spirit communicates to you. Write down an experience when your prayers were answered.

Day 6 (Monday the 8th)

Hope
Read the story of the blind man in John 9:1-38

Take some time to write down some of the good things that have come to you through Christ. How does recognizing these blessings bring you hope?

December Visiting Teaching/Missionary Challenge

Please remember our missionary challenge for this month. We have challenged you to SHARE a message of the gospel this Christmas season. See the original post for some ideas. You may choose to share with a sister on your visiting teaching route. Invite her to participate in our journey closer to Christ. We have a couple of extra journals with the daily challenge bookmarks if you would like one, see me. OR, point them here to follow along online.

Please remember this challenge and make a point to share the greatest gift we have to give.
AND, please take care of scheduling your visiting teaching early this month or it may get lost in the business of the season.

Day 5 (Sunday the 7th)

Discover
Read the account of the Samaritan woman in John 4:1-42

Prepare to receive a simple learning moment, a “pearl in the field” today. Search “in every hour” for any heavenly blessing that will bring you closer to Christ.

Day 4

Search
Read the account of Jarius in
Matthew 9:18-26
Think back on a time in your life when you had to search for the Savior to find strength beyond your own. What process led you closer to Him? Are you still doing those things?

Day 3

Keep
Read 2 Nephi 25:21-26
Take time to write your testimony of Christ. Include such things as your belief in Him, your gratitude for Him, or an experience that has strengthened your testimony of Him.

Day 2

Covenant Read the account of the Last Supper John 13:4-15 Find ways that you can bring honor to Christ’s name by letting your life exemplify Him. Today, try to remember Him in all things.

Join our journey closer to Christ

23 Days Closer to Christ
We will post the new reading assignment and daily challenge here each day. Here is day one:

Come
Read the account of the fishermen in
Mark 1:16 - 18 and John 1:38-39
Determine what fills your nets. What is holding you back from developing a relationship with Christ? Listen for the quiet invitations from the Lord to come and see.

Many of the selected scriptures and assignments come from Emily Freeman's book: 21 Days Closer to Christ.

Enrichment - Closer to Christ

Thanks to all who attended and helped with our Enrichment Meeting last night, and to those who shared testimonies and helped with carpooling (or tried to, anyway!). We had a great night and appreciate you contributing to the spirit that was there. If you missed the meeting, here is the video we made to go along with our theme last night. Also, see the above post to follow along with us in our 23 days Closer to Christ. If you did not receive a journal, we will have them available Sunday for you.

Pistachio Pudding Cake Recipe

Per your request:

1 white cake mix
1 small package pistachio pudding mix
1 cup oil
3 eggs
1 cup club soda

Bake cake for 30 minutes at 350º. Let cake cool completely, then make frosting:

8 oz. cool whip
1 small package pistachio pudding mix
1 1/2 cups milk

Mix frosting and beat until light and fluffy. Pour on cooled cake and refrigerate. Frosting should set up completely before serving (at least 4 hours). Serve cold.

AND, speaking of recipes, we are still needing your best recipes for the stake RS cookbook, get them to Sister Jamieson as soon as you can, please.

So Ready to Serve

I had the privilege of accompanying Katie Posey to the temple yesterday. She leaves Wednesday to spend a couple weeks with her family before entering the MTC on December 17th in preparation to serve a full time mission in Santa Rosa, California. What an example and inspiration she is-- so full of knowledge and spirit and eager to share. The lucky people of Santa Rosa have no idea what they are in for, she is going to be a great sister missionary!

December 2nd Enrichment Meeting

In conjunction with our reading challenge, we ask that you please plan to attend our last Home, family, and Personal Enrichment Meeting of the year:
Click on image to enlarge.

Thank you

To Sister B. Smith and all those who helped with the missionary zone conference lunch last week. We really appreciate the work that goes into each of those meals and are grateful to those who take care of our missionaries.

Another thank you to:

Our Compassionate Service Leader Sister Jensen and those who prepared the meals for the Gentry family-- I am grateful to all those who took care of things and each other while I was away.

Who'd have thought?

Many of you have heard some of my sarcastic remarks about living in Missouri. I will honestly admit that it has taken me a bit of time to learn to love that place that we now call home. Each time I return to California, I love it less and less, and miss Jackson more and more. I have always considered this place, here in California where I grew up, where my mother lives, where my father is buried, and where my family gathers together as my home. I have never felt really connected to any other place in the same way.

As I sat in fast and testimony meeting today in a big, full southern California chapel with people I have know for years, I looked around and realized how much I missed you all. I thought of how I wished I'd been there with you today. We may be part of just one small little (I say that in all the best ways) branch in Missouri, but I know that we have large testimonies, a great willingness to serve and love, and a sense of sisterhood and family that is much larger than our numbers. I am grateful for the simple way that we share our faith, and for the way that you all share your love without judgment or criticism. I felt your love today and realized that my heart and my home are there with all of you.

With that said, I wanted to post this picture of King Benjamin, speaking to his people. I love that it shows the people all facing him, intently focused on him and his message. If we were all so focused! What a difference we'd see in our lives if we could stop what we were doing and sit still long enough to listen to our leaders and the prophets. If we make increasing our personal faith a priority, our lives will be blessed. If we follow the commandment to read the scriptures, our lives will be blessed. 

READ the Book of Mosiah with us. Listen to the words of King Benjamin and remember the story of the conversion of Alma, and the story of Abinadi. For those of you who missed our meeting today, we have challenged each of you to ready the Book of Mosiah in the Book of Mormon between now and our Home, Family and Personal Enrichment Meeting on Tuesday, December 2nd.

Being in California right now, just two days from the election, is eye-opening, Proposition 8 is a heated debate in which members of the church have been asked to take an active and controversial role. Just since I have been here many members have had signs and other property stolen out of their yards, and cars and homes vandalized. As I heard the stories of what some have had to deal with, I cannot help but think of some of the persecution that the saints faced in the early days of the church. Some members have also been asked to donate thousands (some tens of thousands) of dollars to oppose gay marriage. The division between the righteous and unrighteous is becoming more and more clear. We must be prepared and willing to be and do what the Lord needs us to do. Now is the time to take a firm stand. If your "tent" is not already facing the temple, get it turned around. I love the verse of this song that says "We're anchored to God in perilous times." As Relief Society women, that is where we all should be-- ready and strong to face whatever comes with strength, faith, and hope.

Welcome baby Gentry

Congratulations to Laura and Clifton who welcomed their daughter into the world Saturday night. They have requested no hospital visits, however, you may contact our compassionate service leader, Maegan J., to find out what you might do to help their family at this time.

Sewing/Project Activity Nights with Cape

The Cape relief Society has invited us to participate in their Enrichment Activities on Tuesday nights, November 4th and 25th from 7-9. The sewing machines will be available for anyone who wants to bring a sewing project. You can also bring any other project you are working on. This is a great opportunity to visit with each other and get to know some of the Cape Girardeau women as well.

“There is in every true woman's heart, a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity, but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity.” -Washington Irving

A New Lane BABY too!

Congratulations to the Lane family, specifically Wanda and Ryan in Pennsylvania.  Wanda delivered a healthy baby girl, Tenley Mae Lane on Tuesday, September 30th at 9:25 am.  Tenley weighed 8lb 4oz.  Both Mom and baby are doing well and grandma and grandpa are excited to meet her this weekend!

Our Last Home, Family and Personal Enrichment Meeting of the year.

Please mark your calendar for our last Enrichment Meeting of the year.  It will be held on Tuesday night, December 2nd at 6:30 pm.  Please save the date and make arrangements to attend, more information to come.

Keep going, there is MORE

Click on "older posts" down to your right, they are not really old at all-- we have been doing A LOT of updating.

Lesson For Sunday, October 12

The lesson for next Sunday the 12th is from Teachings of the Prophets of the church: Joseph Smith, chapter 19: Stand Fast Through the Storms of Life. Click here for a link to read or print the lesson.

Please take time to prepare for the lesson by reading it before Sunday.

Good News from Sister Capone

During our good news minute a couple of weeks ago, Linda shared the news that her son Chad was ordaining Kyle to the office of an Elder.  What a great mom moment.  Thanks for sharing.

News from the Lane Family

Andy left last week to begin a month of training before being sent to his Army Guard assignment in Afghanistan for a little over a year.  Please remember him and his family in your prayers.  They should have an address or email contact information soon.

Congratulations and Good Luck to Desi Harshaw

Desi left this week to start a two year Job Corps program in Puxico, MO.  Debbie has contact information if you want to send her a letter or card.  Good luck to her in this adventure!

A New Owens Grandson

Congratulations to President and Sister Owens who had a new grandson born on Saturday, October 4th to their daughter Nicole and her husband in Provo, Utah. Marsha reports that it was a traumatic delivery and that the baby has been in intensive care with plans to hopefully come home today. He was full term and weighted 8 lb 5oz. at birth.

Who are you?

"No woman is a more vibrant
instrument in the hands of the Lord
than a woman of God who is thrilled
to be who she is."

- Sheri L. Dew

Increase in Faith and Personal Righteousness.

From Julie B. beck, General Relief Society President:

To do our part under the plan of the Lord, we are to increase our faith and personal righteousness. Membership in the Church requires faith, which we nourish throughout our lives with great “diligence, and patience, and long-suffering.” In the common heritage we share, we have remarkable examples of faith in the early women of the Church. Early pioneer women were driven from homes and persecuted because of their faith. Others survived fires and floods. They crossed oceans and walked thousands of miles, tolerating dirt, illness, and near starvation to help build the Lord’s kingdom on the earth. Many of them buried husbands, children, parents, and siblings along the way. Why did they do this? They did it because the fire of their faith burned in their souls. These remarkable women were not seeking fine clothing, greater leisure, large earthly mansions, or more possessions. Like you, they had a conviction and a testimony that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ was true and that the Lord needed them to do their part in establishing His kingdom on the earth. Their pursuit of personal righteousness was a daily effort to become more like the Savior through repentance, scripture study, prayer, obedience to commandments, and through seeking after everything “virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.”

How strong is your own fire of faith?

Filled

I love October Conference to curl up in the cooler weather under a blanket and reserve two days for personal, spiritual feasting. If you for some reason missed General Conference today, you can watch it online now, or whenever (as soon as, surely!) you have the time. Click here to watch it online.

As always the talks were wonderful and especially hopeful considering the current state of our world. I am excited about the news of five more temples announced-- including locations in Kansas City and Rome! I was also inspired by President Monson's plea for us to pray for areas of the world that are not open to the gospel and Elder Christofferson's talk on establishing Zion. Our responsibility to help now to prepare the world for the second coming of the Lord, and to be instruments in building the Kingdom and sharing the gospel is exciting to me. I have been filled and cannot wait for more tomorrow.

I love that even though we all hear the same words, we receive different messages based on what we need to hear and how our spirits interpret things differently. What message did you hear?

General Conference

Saturday and Sunday, October 4th and 5th will be General Conference at 11:00am and 3:00 pm on both days.  It will be broadcast at the church, on satellite tv, and available to watch online.  If you have not used the new media player at lds.org, you HAVE to check it out.  The quality is excellent and the streaming is very good.   Click here for the details and to watch it online. 

California Prop 8

This video is enlightening when we consider the all-encompassing effects of legalizing same-sex marriage. Although the proposition is not on our ballot this year, it will likely be again at some point. Although the proposition to protect marriage was passed eight years ago in California, it was overturned by the decision of ONE court justice. The issue is now on the ballot again, in an effort to overturn the courts decision. Take a few minutes (about 4 minutes, actually) to see what many members of our church in California have been instructed (by our general church leaders) to talk about door to door everyday from now until election day.



Remember that as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we have a sacred duty to defend the family.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World
The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's eternal plan.

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

FALL BACK! NO, NOT YET!

CORRECTION!  Sorry for sharing bad information.  We actually do not change our clocks back until November 2nd.

YW/RS Camp Out

Okay, finally here are some photos from our fabulous Friday night get-away. Thanks to my great counselors for all their work, to the young women and Sister Clement for coming, and to all who participated... it was a great time.

Sometimes God calms the storm.

Sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His children.

Either way, trust that He can and will because He knows you and loves you.

Don't miss this opportunity!

PLEASE NOTE that we will be showing portions of the General Relief Society Meeting during a special "All Relief Society" meeting on Sunday, November 2nd.  If you want to watch it online now, use this link.

Saturday night is the General Relief Society Broadcast being shown at 7:00 pm at the church.  We will have dessert prepared to share after the meeting.  Please join us.  I can personally saw that this is a meeting I look forward to and plan around every year for the uplift it gives me.  

The meeting never fails to offer an abundance of inspiration, personal revelation, and a filling of our emotional and spiritual "wells."  please join us Saturday night at the church or watch at home if you cannot make it but have access to it. Don't miss this opportunity to be uplifted, and I promise you will be.  It will be worth the effort and sacrifice you make to be there.

If you need a ride, please contact your visiting teachers, me, Sister Sirrine, Wheeler, or Jamieson.

Visiting Teaching-- One half a week left

There is just one half a week left to complete your visiting teaching before the end of the month.  Please pick up the phone if you have not already done it and make contact.  Please also call or email me with your reports.

Enrichment Activity Bike Ride/Walk CANCELLED

This activity has been cancelled due to a conflicting Young Men/Scout Camp Out ont he 10th and 11th.

October 11th will be the day for another Enrichment Activity to ride your bike or walk the Osage Trail in Cape.  We will meet at the Osage Center at 9:00 am on Saturday, October 11th.  Bring your bike if you plan to ride.

Stay tuned...

Pictures from this weekend's Young Women / Relief Society Camp Out will be posted on Sunday.

Really, did you call them?

Who is feeding the missionaries tonight?  Do you have room for two more at your table?  If ou cannot have them over, can you take some of your meal to them?

(573) 517-9230

Missionary Challenge

The missionary challenge for September is to
take care of our missionaries!
Please do all you can to take care of them. There is a calendar in each of the Relief Society Notebooks-- sign up to feed them! Take them a meal, give them a ride, make them cookies, send them a note, do all that you can (especially this month) to take care of them. But really, they are growing young men and are likely to be hungry. You don't have to wait for Sunday, call them now at (573) 517-9230.

Primary Temple Trip

Thanks Kim for sharing these pictures from the primary temple trip yesterday. You can click the photos to enlarge them.

Visiting Teaching Interviews/September

We will not be having Visiting teaching interviews this Wednesday night, September 17th, due to some scheduling conflicts. If you have not yet had your interview, we will be in touch with you to schedule one and to make sure you are aware of your new routes and companionships for September. If you are not sure who you should be teaching this month, please contact me ASAP!!

We would like to interview you as a companionship as possible.

Services for Kylie

Services for Kylie Simmons will be held at McCombs Furnal Home in Jackson, Mo

Sunday Septemeber 14, 2008
Visitation 12:30 2:45
Funeral Service 3:00
GraveSide 3:45 (weather Permitting)

Together Forever

For those of you who have not heard the news, the Simmon's baby girl, Kylie Alexis passed away this morning at their home. Many of you know that Kylie has been sick since days after her birth in January. She has since struggled to fight an illness that left her little body with little function and eventually took her life. Without doubt, she was a special little girl. The first time I saw her, I was so touched by her spirit. I left the hospital and cried that she had to suffer. How hard it is for us to sometimes understand as we want to see and be in control of the whole picture of our lives rather than take each step on faith, trusting the Lord along the way.

I first meet Kylie's parents just a couple of days before she was born. I have watched them struggle through this battle with their daughter, always wondering how I would personally hold up if I had been given such a challenge. I remember Keisha's phone calls time and time again for months now, when they were sure, and I was sure that Kylie would not make it. I have prayed and prayed for understanding that we all could understand WHY this baby needed to suffer for what seemed to me to be for such a long time. I do not know what her mission in this life was, nor may it be my place to know, but I trust that her life absolutely did have a purpose, and that our Father in Heaven knows her individually as he knows each of us, and that he has a plan for her much greater than what we may understand.

I am in St. Louis tonight. I met my mom here and we attended tonight's portion of Deseret Book's Time Out for Women. Michael McLean was one of the presenters and I love that his music is so real. As he speaks and sings, he is so often able to describe exactly how I feel. As I listened I thought about my family,  Kylie and her family, and all of you, I cried and cried. Please know how much I care about you and love you. The last Michael McLean concert that I attended was years ago, just a week after my dad passed away when I was a teenager. He sang many of the same songs, including his well-known song: Together Forever. My feelings were tender then with thoughts of my dad, and again tonight with thoughts of Kylie, you, and many others.  I also cried happy tears as I remembered times of comfort, times of joy, and times in my life when my prayers have been answered, when I have felt encircled in the loving arms of my Father in Heaven.

Families can be forever, I believe that without any doubt and I am so grateful for that great blessing and knowledge. I hope and pray that you have the same testimony and that you feel the comforting love of our Father in Heaven who does know and love each of us as he loves Kylie. 

He can and will give us peace and comfort through our trials and be with us in our sadness, if we only let Him into our life where he can heal our hearts and bless our lives. Please remember their family in your prayers.

A sneak peak... at the Plan of Salvation

From teachings of The Prophets of the Church: Joseph Smith, Chapter 17:
We came to earth to obtain a body, to gain knowledge, and to overcome through faith.

“All men know that they must die. And it is important that we should understand the reasons and causes of our exposure to the vicissitudes of life and of death, and the designs and purposes of God in our coming into the world, our sufferings here, and our departure hence. What is the object of our coming into existence, then dying and falling away, to be here no more? It is but reasonable to suppose that God would reveal something in reference to the matter, and it is a subject we ought to study more than any other. We ought to study it day and night, for the world is ignorant in reference to their true condition and relation [to God].”

Why should the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation be so important to us?

YW/RS Campout!

We have scheduled a Young Women/Relief Society Campout as an Enrichment Activity for Friday evening, September 26th. This is the night before the General Relief Society broadcast. We plan to get home early enough that Saturday that you have time to take care of your home and family and then make it back to the church that night for the broadcast and dessert.

All Young Women and Relief Society sisters are invited to attend. We will camp in tents at the Smith's Grand Chain Lodge and Campground in Grand Chain, Illinois. One group of sisters will meet early in the afternoon to drive over and work on a small service project at the camp. We will provide tent space for you to sleep and food. Unless other items are specifically requested of you, you will just need to bring a sleeping bag or bed roll and a change of clothes, a flashlight, and other personal items.

We are excited for this opportunity to bond with the Young Women and learn or refresh some of our survival/emergency preparedness skills. We will be cooking delicious meals from food storage items, practicing some skills, and so much more!

Please comment on this post or email me to let me know what time you want to leave. The options are : 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 5:30 pm. Meeting places will vary based on drivers for each group.

Hopefully one of those times will accommodate your schedules with work and school. We need top know how many people will be coming in each shift. Please comment or email your desired time ASAP.

Something to Teach

Okay, I'm hooked on this story and I can't help but continue to comment on it-- sorry. I have shared with you tidbits of the story of the parents of a family in Arizona who were in a plane crash last month. Their story is being told everywhere, it was on the Today show this morning-- see it here. My absolute favorite part of the entire story is at the end when Matt Lauer admits
"you teach us something about families and positive attitudes."

To which I say: DON'T WE ALL HAVE SOMETHING TO TEACH?!

Who do you have to teach about families and positive attitudes today?
So much of missionary work starts with example.

A Visiting Teaching Boost

Is it possible that the Savior might have said the following about Sisterhood and Visiting Teaching?

“I know these good sisters are so busy doing the other necessary things of life that often they forget to have true fellowship with each other. Some hardly even know the other sisters in their wards. Yet, the need for personal contact and friendship and love between sisters is greater than ever. Too often they forget part of the baptismal covenant that says they promise to bear one another's burdens.

”I know that they are busy providing for their families, living and dead. They cannot be all things to all people. But they can provide much happiness and share each other’s burdens. I will inspire the Relief Society president to call teams where the companions can teach each other by example and love. I will inspire her to assign routes where I need special help, and as these visiting teachers come to me in prayer, they will draw closer to me. Through this strengthened bond I will inspire these sisters in ways that they could not experience in other circumstances. Their own paths will be lighted as they light the way for others.

“I can remember all things, and I see the sisters of these wards as they were when we were all together in the premortal existence. Some are only waiting for the love and attention and efforts of others to inspire them to find their way back. It will not be easy. My own mission was not easy. But my mission made theirs possible. Now these sisters can show each other the way. The sacrifices they make for each other will not enslave them but will exalt them.”

Focusing on the positive and Building the Kingdom of God

Last week, I shared with you my desire to make our blog more inspirational based partly on my feelings about the story of a family who are dealing with tragedy and experiencing it with grace and faith, valiantly enduring-- publicly online for everyone to see their example. I thought it would be appropriate to share this story which was published in the New York Times on Saturday. The reporter talks about a "feel-good corner of the internet." I think it is neat that this writer (and the world) recognizes that there is good on the internet.   I was also please to she this young mother recognized for her love and devotion to family, homemaking, child-rearing, and marriage strengthening. As our prophets have told us, that the internet is a powerful tool that can be deadly in many ways. They have also told us that is can be a very powerful tool when it is used to share goodness, inspiration, and gospel truth.

Setting such an example of faith, of love for life based on a positive, Christ-centered outlook is part of what we do, part of what we NEED to do every day as part of our efforts to spread the gospel. As members this true church we understand that our priority should be to work towards building the kingdom of God. Sheri Dew, former member of the Relief Society General Presidency, said this:

"If we all had name tags, I would want mine to read: “Sheri Dew, Woman of God, Busy Building the Kingdom of God.” Imagine what would happen in this Church if every morning 4.5 million of us got on our knees and asked our Father who He needed us to reach out to that day. I invite you to rededicate your life to building the kingdom of God."

I, as YOUR Relief Society President, echo that invitation to build the kingdom of God by living everyday examples of happiness and righteousness!

Walk for Kylie Simmons

Thanks for all who came to support the Simmons family yesterday. Kylie is actually doing much better, has gained back some of the body function that they thought she had lost and may live longer then expected. She is quite a miracle. We don't always know what the Lord has in store for each of us or what he has to teach us, but can only trust that He truly is in control-- that he is aware of each of us and has a plan for each of us. May Keith and Keisha feel the Lord's love in each additional day that he allows Kylie's sweet spirit to dwell in their home.

September VT

Here is a link to the September Visiting Teaching Message.  I will have your assignments to you by next week and will try and email all of them today or tomorrow so that you can schedule appointments soon.

Youth/Primary Temple Trip

The youth and primary have a temple trip scheduled for Saturday, September 13th. Please support the youth as well as our YW and Primary leaders in getting your kids up there or attending the temple yourself that day. The youth are scheduled for baptisms at noon and the primary activity starts at 11:00 am outside the temple. If you have names for baptisms, let Sister Clement or Brother Windbigler know.

From Myrna

Myrna emailed me part of her testimony last week and agreed to let me share it with you. THANKS Myrna!

"If it weren't for missionaries, the Relief Society, and definitely the Priesthood... to me, everyone has been sort of like a tool for me in how I have strengthened my faith in Christ. When I was in Hawaii, I'll never forgot the lesson that the missionaries taught me to be bold, so we all wore this button that says, "Be Bold". When you think of it, We Should Be Bold in what we Believe In. I watched this movie called "The Best Two Years" its about the missionaries, I believe I watched it about 6 times, but anyway it is a good movie, how as member of the church/missionaries can be so easily distracted, and not focus on what we are supposed to do. It's funny how at work, I truly didn't mind telling my friends that I'm a Latter-Day Saint. I am just so amazed at how my life has changed. The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints has brought me a whole new family, whom I truly love.

Thank Goodness that I am back to praying more often and reading my scriptures, no matter what the subject is, I have never been more happier that things are getting in place and situated. I thank Jesus Christ and God for everything and my blessings and all my friends who have supported me, without that who knows where I would have been."

My dear sisters...

"My dear sisters, do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities, but pray for abilities equal to our tasks. Then the performance of your tasks will be no miracle, but you will be the miracle."

– President Thomas S. Monson

Can we share?

Like many of you, I have a blog that keeps me linked to several other family members and long-time friends.  It has become interesting to me lately, as I have see a huge community of "bloggers" come together to support a family dealing with tragedy whom many of us have never actually met.  It is amazing and inspiring to me that people are willing to offer so much love, support, fasting and prayers to others they do not know-- but are compelled to do so out of their natural, genuine compassion, empathy, and charity.  As I have read messages of faith shared over thousands of miles between strangers, I have felt strengthened and have been in awe of the love and faith that are out there-- that we all have to share.  I wanted to find a way to capture some of that for us-- for the women in our branch and our community to share. Sometimes I think it is easier to share things in this less-personal world than we always feel comfortable doing in person.

Up to this point, this blog has been more informational than inspirational-- and I'd love for it to become both.  I'd love for it to be more than just a place to go when you need to get the details of a meeting or activity, but a place where you can go to be reminded of the sisterhood, support, and love you are a part of in our Relief Society.  I'd like for it to be a place you can go to get a quick boost of faith, courage, and encouragement when you need it.

I am not sure that what I personally have to say can or will always be inspirational.  That is where you come in.  I am inviting you to share with us-- let us get to know you, your testimony, and let us celebrate your success.  Please help me make this space something more beneficial for our sisters by emailing me or using the comment buttons to share with us.

What inspires you?  Did you have a missionary moment?  A good news minute?  What did you accomplish today or this week?  What is going great in your life and why?  What do you need help with?  Do you have pictures that might be appropriate to share?  While everything may not be approved to publish, I know that there is a lot of goodness, faith, and love out there in each of us and that we will benefit from sharing it with each other. Email me!

A thought for today

"Missionary work is but home [or visiting] teaching to those who are not now members of the church, and home teaching is nothing less than missionary work to Church members."

– President Harold B. Lee

Coming Soon: New VT routes

Changes have been made to Visiting teaching routes to be effective for the month of September. I will get your new routes to you as soon as possible. If you have questions or want to schedule appointments in the next week, please email or call me for your changes. I plan to have the lists ready for you on Sunday.

ALSO, we will be conducting Visiting Teaching Stewardship interviews on Wednesday evenings, September 10th and 17th. Please plan to attend with your new companion. We will be calling you to schedule a time for one of those two nights. If you have a preference or are not available either of those nights, please email me.

Walk for Kylie Simmons - September 6th

We will be meeting to walk for Kylie Simmons on Saturday, September 6th at 8:30 am at Country Mart.  We will carpool to Chaffee and participate in the benefit 5K walk.  If you are interested, please meet at Country Mart in Jackson at 8:30 am.  We will provide a button of some sort to wear that will identify us a group from the Jackson Branch.  Members of the Cape ward will also join us in our effort.  Lets continue to show this family that we care.  Charity never faileth.

KFVS12 ran a news story on Kylie Simmons this weekend. Click here to read and/or watch the story.

DON'T FORGET The Missionary Challenge for August!

Sunday is your last opportunity to complete the our missionary Challenge for August.  It is to read pages 12 and 13 of Preach My Gospel. If you do not have a copy of Preach My Gospel, you need to get one before the end of the month!

Use this link to the Distribution Center to order your copy for $6.00 or email me to let me know that you need help obtaining a copy.

Stake Relief Society Temple Trip

Thanks to all who attended the Stake RS Temple trip. It was a great day and we were pleased to do work for so many of your ancestors. Thanks to all who contributed to the day's success, to our carpool drivers, and the Stake Relief Society Presidency, including our very own Sister Nash!

Branch Website at lds.org

If you are not accessing our branch website, click here to check it out. You can view the branch/stake calendar, access the current branch and stake membership directories, check lesson schedules, and more. You do need your baptism date and membership number (which is on your temple recommend.) If you do not have either of these numbers, see Brother Gentry for help. If you have questions about accessing the site, email or call LeVa.

Nursery help needed

If you are willing to help out in the nursery over the next few weeks (2nd or 3rd hour or both), please email me to let me know. We have been assigned by the branch presidency to help find a sister to help Sister Harshaw in the nursery until the calling is filled on a more permanent basis.

Simmons Benefit 5K Walk-A-Thon

The Simmons family in Chaffee is planning a 5K walk to benefit to help cover the costs associated with their daughter Kylie's illness and care. It is scheduled to begin at the Chaffee Jr/Sr. High school at 9:00 am on Saturday, September 6th. The walk will be led by the Chaffee Cross Country Team. Registration is by donation with a donation of $15 or more also buying you a t-shirt. They are still in the planning stages. If you are interested in participating or helping out in some way, please let me know. if they choose to have a bake sale that day, it is possible that they may be looking for baked good donations for the sale.

Anyone who wants to go and walk should talk to myself or Sister Wheeler and we will gather together into an Enrichment Activity group to attend.

Missionary Zone Conference - August 12

Thanks to Sisters Betty and Victoria Smith all all who helped on Tuesday to feed the Missionaries at Zone Conference-- Great job!

Congratulations to Chris and Sarah

Congratulations to Sarah Owens and Chris Swisher who were sealed in the St. Louis temple on Saturday, August 9th. We are glad to know that they will be living in our branch for a while-- hurray for us!

Thanks for a great night!

Our Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment Meeting on Tuesday night was fantastic-- thank you to all who contributed and attended. We apologize for the late hour that we got out of here, but were uplifted by your spirits and grateful for the time together. THANK YOU for coming.

Missionary Challenge for July

DID YOU DO IT???

JULY MISSIONARY CHALLENGE:

Have the missionaries in your home. Call them, make an appointment, let them teach a lesson or feed them a meal.

We will be asking for a show of hands each week-- prepare to totally impress us by having them in your home with a non-member or less active!

August 23rd RS Temple Trip

Saturday, August 23rd will be our annual Stake Relief Society Temple Trip.  We will be doing baptisms at the temple from 7-9 am.  We need temple ready names for baptisms.  We will be meeting at Fruitland at 5:00 am to carpool to the temple.  Watch for more details and sign up sheets.  All sisters 18 and older are encouraged to become worthy to do baptisms for the dead in the temple.  See a member of the Relief Society Presidency or Branch Presidency for questions about who is able to attend.

Branch Family Night in Marble Hill

Monday, June 23rd is our Branch Family Night in Marble Hill at 6:30 at the park next to Jar's restaurant.  There will be a preparedness presentation by the Red Cross. Talk to Sister Miller for details.

Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment

Mark your summer calendar for our July Home, Family and Personal Enrichment Meeting.  The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29th at 6:30 pm at the church.  The topic of the night will be "Educate, Enrich, and Enjoy"  Dinner will be included, childcare will be provided.  Watch for more exciting details to come.

Your Sisters' Needs

If you know of any needs that the sisters in our branch have, please email them to me or use the comment link to anonymously report them.  The comments will come to my email without any name on them (if you chose) and I will not publish them in this instance.  I am the only person who will see the comment.

If you know of needs that the women you VT have, please write them down and be sure to "return and report" them to me.

We are looking for some service opportunities and welcome any ideas you may have.

April Visiting Teaching Reports

I will be calling for April VT Reports today, please be ready to report-- or better yet, call or email your report to me!  I will follow up with any questions through email if you choose to send it that way.

my email address is: ewindbigler@gmail.com

or call 204-8989

THANKS for helping me out.

Branch Family Night

The Branch will be holding a Branch Family night in Perryville on Monday night, May 19th at 6:30. PLEASE plan to SUPPORT THIS BRANCH MISSIONARY EFFORT to fellowship our Perryville members. We will be meeting for a picnic dinner at pavilion #20. Click here for a map to the park. Hot dogs will be provided for dinner, if your last name starts with A-O please bring a side dish to share, if it begins with P-Z please bring a dessert.

The pavilion is adjacent to a playground area for the kids as well as volleyball courts. Bring your volleyball, gloves and baseball, or croquet!

For more information, talk to Brother Mahan or Sister Miller. If you visit teach or know branch members in the Perryville area, please plan to contact them with an invitation. Click on the flyer image above to view full size and/or print invitations.

Missionary Challenge Week of May 4th

In conversation this week, mention our religion by name and indicate that you are a member of the church.

Jensen Baby

Maegan Jensen is scheduled to be induced on Monday, May 5th.  Her visiting teachers are coordinating meals on Wednesday and Thursday, May 7&8.  If you would like to help with a meal, please contact Laura at 243-277 or Erin at 204-8989.

Planting Seeds Thank YOU

Thanks to all who attended our HFPE Meeting on Tuesday night.  We are especially grateful to all who helped plan or participate in the meeting and especially to all who brought a friend or called a friend to remind them.  It was great to see so many of you arrive together!

If you would like a copy of the musical video that was played on Tuesday night, please let me know.  Also watch for it to be available to watch here.  OR you can watch it here now.