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."