West Stake Relief Society Brunch/Program February 27/10Tables in the Stake Cultural Hall were decrated so lovely with hot air balloons as center pieces to match the theme of the event. Brunch was so yummy and very plentiful!
After the brunch, the RS Sisters moved into the chapel for a special and uplifting program.
The first speaker was Carolyn Merrill Leavitt. She is the RS president in the Leavitt Ward and has had many experiences of grief and trials in her life. When her eldest son was in grade two he was killed in an avalanche while skidooing with family and friends. Several years ago Carolyn's first husband was killed in a farming accident, that left her the widow of four children. Carolyn married Larry Leavitt, whose wife had died, He has five children, but only the two boys are left to raise with Carolyn's children.
Carolyn, based her remarks on Peter (Math. 14). As Peter kept his eyes on the SAvior and walked on the water, he was focused. The wind in his hair, the water drenching his clothes did not bother him but then he became distracted, his faith wavered, fear took control and only then did Peter begin to sink. When Peter cried out to the Savior for help, the Savior immediately outstretched his hand to save him. LIKEWISE, our turbulent waters of the world at times overwhelm us and when called upon, the Savior stretches out his hand to us.
Joseph Smith implored us, while he was suffering and so humble to focus on the Savior no matter what.
We know how to stay close to the Savior but do we in reality do so?
Find quiet times to fulfill yourself and to serve others.
ASK HIM every morning " What do you want me to say and do today?" Miracles can happen. If you want a blessing, need a blessing ...BE A BLESSING!
Peter in the boat, sees the Lord on the shore. He does not wait for the boat to dock. He throws himself into the turbulent sea and swims immediately to him. Do we go to the Savior immediately or sit in the 'boat' waiting? We need to turn to Jesus immediately in our lives.
It is an ongoing process. Invite the Savior daily to be with you.
Quote: Brad Wilcox: "Redeeming Book": Let the Savior in to our lives enough to refine ourselves enough to change and follow Him. Redemption is eternal if we will allow Him in.
Quote: Joseph Wirthlin: No grief, no nothing is beyond the Saviors human touch. He understands everything!
The Savior LOVES US, let Him let YOU know.
2nd Speaker: Brother Logan Zemp. Currently the Cardston Alberta Temple Recorder. Licensed and educated as a counsellor. Formerly a Seminary and Institute Director in many areas including Cardston at one time.
We KNEW we were to be tried and tested before we came to this earth. Cardston is a great blessing compared to the rest of the world.
Modesty and values are the tools that Satan will use to destroy the woman and Young Woman in the world.
President Hinckley quoted as saying the world is more wicked now than back in Sodom and Gomorrah's time. The world is not destroyed due to the temples and the faithful.
Showdown between the great good and the great evil. Pornography is a 55 billion dollar business.
SPIRITUAL LIFTS: 1) Receiving priesthood blessings: dedicating your home; individual family blessings each new year and so on. We do not use them enough. 2) Music: good music and hymns keep our emotional and physical reservoirs full. 3) Temple Attendance: Covenant relationship with Christ. 4) Sacrament: is the gift of repentance. Taking of the sacrament improperly makes us weak and sickly spiritually. The bread, reminds us to keep the covenants; the water reminds us there is mercy. Each Sunday the sacrament is there for us to recovenant and to recommit. 5) Reading Scriptures: the power of the scriptures is to 'dig in', cross reference, read the Bible Dictionary and so on. Dig for real power in your life... reading the scriptures properly opens the door to real personal revelation! 6) Family: friends come and go but family is eternal. If your personal family is not available, then your ward family is huge in your life. 7) Remember Who You Are: Quote: John Taylor: Before, Now and After...We are literally his children. 8) Prayer: should not be superficial and vain repetition or mechanical, LISTEN earnestly. The Spirit impressions...act upon them. It is a learned skill. Quote Russell Nelson: Learning the skills of prayer and learning to discern and have the Spirit. Pay attention to feelings and how in harmony you are with the Brethren. Pay the Price: Act. Listen do. Atonement: Act as one with the Savior. Quote of Neal Maxwell: be submissive as a little child. Real spiritual power comes as we put all our sins on the alter, even the little ones. It will empower you. The Savior expects us to be charitable and kind.
9) Real Spiritual Freedom: is giving our agency freely to God. Obedience to God. Refining our agency. 10) Service: brotherly kindness. Charity to be like him. President Monson's favorite secular play is 'Les Miserables', as he enjoys see ing the charitable acts within.
Help each other become more and more like the Savior. Our NATURE needs to be like our Savior. Bruce Hafen quote: " Charity is the ultimate to become like the Savior. Act as one with Him. Issiah says: Be faithful in the covenants of Isreal. Wait upon the Lord.
The Savior is more charitable and merciful than the BEST of his disciples. CHARITY CORRECTS A MULTITUDE OF MISTAKES!
