For Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord

The ward that Kim and I have been attending (the former 42nd ward and now the 242nd ward) was in charge of the 3 hour block of church the day after Christmas in 2010.  This was a combined meeting of all the wards in the stake.   I was asked to teach the lesson for Relief Society.  It was a really fun meeting because we had all just celebrated Christmas it was such a small group.  Here's the lesson I taught.

Pres. Uchtdorf told the following story:

One night a grandfather was reading a story to his four-year-old granddaughter when she looked up and said, “Grandpa, look at the stars!” The older man smiled kindly and said, “We’re indoors, honey. There are no stars here.” But the child insisted, “You have stars in your room! Look!”

The grandfather looked up and, to his surprise, noticed that the ceiling was peppered with a metallic glitter. It was invisible most of the time, but when the light struck the glitter a certain way, it did indeed look like a field of stars. It took the eyes of a child to see them, but there they were. And from that moment on, when the grandfather walked into this room and looked up, he could see what he had not been able to see before."

We are now leaving the Christmas season.  Hopefully you have heard the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus Christ at least once during this holiday time.  At our home, we read it every Sunday through the month of December and again on Christmas Eve.  One of my favorite parts in Luke is when the angels announce the birth to the shepherds: “For Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” And they said to themselves, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass” (Luke 2:11, 15).

As we embark on a new year, I hope that we will “see this thing which is come to pass” and not be like this grandfather that had the stars right above him and he hadn’t even seen them.    In order for that to happen, we have to know what things came to pass.  The story of Jesus Christ did not stop at this miraculous birth.  That was just the beginning.  He lived an exemplar life—one in which he not only wanted us to see, but do as he did.   In John 13: 15For I have given you an ^example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

16Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

17If ye know these things, ^happy are ye if ye do them.

He didn’t come to earth to be greater than us, but to be equal with us and to show us that we can be and do as he did. 

Also in John 14: 5Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

6Jesus saith unto him, I am the ^way, the ^truth, and the life: no man ^cometh unto the Father, but by me.

We must follow Jesus Christ.  We must do as He did.  We must know what he did to do what he did.

So today, I thought it would be fun to look at the life of Jesus Christ.

When I looked up Jesus Christ in the topical guide I found a section called the summary:  pg. 240—

(read through these)  There’s his life in a nut shell.  But it didn’t tell the miraculous things he did in between his baptism and his crucifixion. 

 Give small groups (about 3 people) a scripture reference that tells about something the savior did.  Read it.  Discuss it. 

What can we do to follow the example that Jesus set for us?   
What do we learn from this segment of the Savior’s life?
If we are to ACT and not be acted upon, then what does it teach us to do?

1.   Christ with the Children:   Matt 19:13-15, Mark 10:13-16, Luke 18:15-17, 3 Nephi 17:11-25  

                   (Be humble, accepting, serve the children &  do all to help & teach them)

2.   Mary and Martha:  Luke 10:38-42  

                   (take time to learn the things of Christ & His ways)

3.   Christ and the Samaritan Woman:  John 4:3-30, 39-42  

                   (Don’t judge)

4.   Jesus Blessing Jairus’s Daughter:  Matt 9:18-19, 23-25; Mark 5:22-24, 35-43; Luke 8:41-42, 49-56

5.   Other healings:  Matthew 9: 27-31, 32-35, 36-38  

                    (compassion and love for others)

6.   Feeding the 5000 with a few loaves of bread:  Mark 8:1-9  

                    (service—compassion & charity)

7.   Raising the dead:  Luke 7:11-17  

                    (No one asked him to heal this woman’s son—Jesus had compassion when he saw them)

8.  Forgives the adulterous woman:  John 8:3-11  

     & those that crucified him:   Luke 23:33-34

9.   Washing the apostles feet:  John 13:4-15, JST John 13:8  

                     (serve—be humble, never better than anyone else)

10.  Changed the water to wine—wedding in Cana:  John 2:1-11  

                      (He cares about the things that are important in our lives)

11.  Healed the Nephites:  3 Nephi 17: 5-20  

                      (Love, compassion, charity)

12.  Respect for family/mother: John 19:25-27

13.  Teacher to ALL:  Mark 1:14, 21; 2:2; 4:11; 8:31; John 8:1-2; 3 Nephi 15:1; 17:1-3

14.  Raised Lazarus from Dead:  John 11:1-45  (Love, compassion, charity, service, friendship)

15.  Cleansing the temple:  Matthew 21:12-15;  Mark 11:15-17  

                      (stay clean & pure)

Tell us what is the story of your scripture:  What did Jesus do?  Tell us what we learn from it and how we apply it to our lives.  (write these on the board)

Jesus Christ went about doing good.  His life wasn’t about “himself” for he was doing the work of His Father’s.  He was always concerned with the one and who needed help.  There are many, many, many examples of Him healing, helping, serving and teaching.  Jesus Christ served and taught the people because he loved them. In everything you read, his love emanates.   John 15:9  “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.”

           

What is our life all about?  

Do we only do those things that will benefit ourselves or are we looking out for others?  

Do we have compassion and charity for our neighbors?  

Do we love as he loved?  

Do we reach out to others?

Challenge:  Draw closer to the Savior—learn of Him.  

Follow His example.  

Be more compassionate.  Keep your eyes and thoughts always looking for someone who needs your help.  A smile, a conversation, a listening ear, some of your time, forgiveness, a non-judgmental attitude.  

Our lives are very busy. But we must “do as he did” and I know that “happy are ye if ye do them”.  

You will have hope for what is to come, you will feel peace, you will feel joy and happiness.

Pres. Monson said in closing in last April’s general conference:  “My counsel for all of us is to look to the lighthouse of the Lord. There is no fog so dense, no night so dark, no gale so strong, no mariner so lost but what its beacon light can rescue. It beckons through the storms of life. The lighthouse of the Lord sends forth signals readily recognized and never failing.” 

Look to the Lord.  See what you've not been able to see before.  Follow his example. 

One By One

On October 24, 2010 we had a Stake Visiting Teaching Conference.  It was more of fireside.  My 2nd counselor Cassie Myer gave a short introduction to our theme "One by One."  My 1st counselor, Cherie Peterson spoke about an example of visiting teachers that made a dramatic change in her life.  We watched the church produced video, "A Visiting Teacher. . .".  Two ward presidents, Josalyn Mecham and McKenzie Walton, told about things they were doing in their wards to help the girls be successful visiting teachers.  We had a musical number entitled, "One by One" sung by Emily Peet, Eliza Clark and Tennille Walker.  My secretary Marjorie Miller gave a short talk and then I was the "main" speaker. After I spoke, President Richard Heaton, 1st counselor in the stake presidency bore his testimony and gave some good thoughts on visiting teaching.   It sounds like a full program, but everything was pretty short and I don't think we were over an hour.  

I have been serving in this capacity for about a year now.  I have been so impressed with you sisters.  You have taught me so much about serving and learning and growing in the gospel of Jesus Christ.  This Relief Society organization is one of a kind in the world today.  What an honor it is to be part of it.  The purpose of Relief Society is to increase personal faith and righteousness, to strengthen homes and families, and to serve the Lord and His children.  Coming to Sunday Relief Society meetings is only a part of this organization.  Visiting Teaching is probably one of the most important aspects of Relief Society.  If visiting teaching functioned the way the Lord wanted it to, we wouldn’t have to worry about any of you sisters.  All of you would be well taken care of.  Our theme for tonight has been “One by One.” 

            Visiting teaching is looking after the sisters in each ward on an individual basis.  It’s teaching, serving, loving, enjoying, and strengthening every sister one by one, just as Jesus Christ served and taught others one by one.  He loves us today on an individual basis. I don’t know if I understand how the Lord can know and love every one of you, but I know He does and He needs each of us to help Him show His love by being visiting teachers. 

There is no calling more important then the calling of visiting teacher.  You heard what Sister Beck said, "A sister in this Church has no other responsibility outside of her family that has the potential to do as much good as visiting teaching."  If our families are our number one priority, then visiting teaching must be number 2.   I have heard my own daughters say, “ I just don’t get visiting teaching.  I don’t like it.  It’s awkward, etc. etc. etc.”  I’m sure there are some of you out there tonight that feel the same way or have roommates that feel this way.  And I have to say, when you view visiting teaching as a way of life and not as a task, than you will love visiting teaching.  It is a great opportunity for you to get to know another woman on an individual basis.  It’s a great time to build friendships.  And it is a way you can serve endlessly. Visiting teaching can help strengthen the testimony of your neighbor, and it can strengthen yours as well.

Julie B. Beck, Nov. 2009 Ensign, “Visiting teaching becomes the Lord’s work when our focus is on people rather than percentages. In reality, visiting teaching is never finished. It is more a way of life than a task. Faithfully serving as a visiting teacher is evidence of our discipleship. We demonstrate our faith and follow a pattern established by the Lord as we report on our assignment every month.”

Visiting Teaching is a great opportunity to serve.  It’s one way that Heavenly Father has given us to make serving easier.  It’s all set up for you.  You just have to carry it out.  Russell M. Ballard, May 2004 “I believe our Heavenly Father’s everlasting purpose for His children is generally achieved by the small and simple things we do for one another.”  Visiting Teaching doesn’t have to be a big deal.  It can be something simple and small and when it is consistent and continual, it will make a huge difference is the life of all involved.  We heard one such example from Sister Peterson tonight.

We’ve heard how the Lord served people individually.  He is our perfect example.  I loved the video where we saw many visiting teachers in action.  Only a couple of those pictures showed 2 sisters preparing to give a formal message to a third sister.  While this is a very important part of visiting teaching, it doesn’t always have to look that way.  Sister Beck said, “If our watch care were primarily about reporting that every sister in the ward heard the Visiting Teaching Message printed each month in the Ensign and Liahona, it would be much more efficient to read it aloud to everyone in a sacrament meeting.”  I have heard Sister Beck and Sister Thompson both tell the story of 2 visiting teachers who went to the home of a sister they visit taught and were intent on giving her a message.  Her husband had just had surgery.  The sister was stressed as her toddlers were making a mess in the kitchen as they tried to prepare themselves something to eat.  The father, who was just coming out of anesthesia, was trying to comfort a crying baby who needed some attention and a diaper changed.  And here these 2 sisters sat with this young mother in the front room, diligently giving her a spiritual message.  What this sister needed at that moment was probably not a spoken message, but a hand in helping take care of hungry children, an injured husband and a crying baby.  Maybe what she needed was someone to bring her a meal or someone to clean up the kitchen.

So if Visiting Teaching isn’t just or only giving a message, than what is it?  Have you ever thought about calling the sister you visit teach when you are going out for ice cream with your roommates and invite her to come with you?  Have you ever thought about taking dinner to your sister when you know she is knee deep in homework or studying for a big test?  How about calling up one of your sisters and seeing if she would like to come to a movie with you?  You could easily just drop off a couple of homemade cookies on your way to campus or when you stop by the eatery you can buy 2 brownies instead of just one for yourself.  Leave her a note on the windshield of her car or on her apartment door or better yet, have one of her roommates slip a note onto her pillow.  Or how about this, sit with her in Relief Society or Sunday School or even Sacrament Meeting—especially if she is sitting alone.  It can be as simple as praying for her every day.   You don’t have to do something every day.  We don’t want you to be overbearing or obnoxious!  But think about her and extend a warm hand.  Now, I am not a creative person, but in just a couple of minutes, I have come up with this simple list of ideas. There are countless things you can do.  Make your own list and get started.  See how much fun you can have trying to come up with unique ways to let your girls know you are thinking about them.  This is an opportunity to become true friends for life!!

Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Nov. 2000 Ensign, “Perhaps never in the history of mankind do we need to be serving on a one-by-one basis more than we do now.”    As we understand this great love that our Savior has for us, then we will want to share our love with others.  As we reach out and truly become friends with those we have been assigned to visit teach, we will not only serve them and minister to them but we will love them.  We will see the Relief Society motto come to life “Charity Never Faileth”.

May I end with a quote from Pres. Monson from the General Relief Society meeting in September.  “In a hundred small ways, all of you wear the mantle of charity. Life is perfect for none of us. . . .  may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life.  May we recognize that each one is doing her best to deal with the challenges which come her way, and may we strive to do our best to help out.....

Charity has been defined as “the highest, noblest, strongest kind of love,”12 the “pure love of Christ . . . ; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with [her].”13 .... “Charity never faileth.” May this long-enduring Relief Society motto, this timeless truth, guide you in everything you do.  May it permeate your very souls and find expression in all your thoughts and actions.”

I want to add my testimony that Jesus Christ loves us one by one.  He knows us each individually and wants us each to be watched over and taken care of.   Stop thinking of visiting teaching as a task that needs to be checked off.  Get to know your sisters and love them as Jesus does.  The Church needs you!! The sisters in your wards need you!  May you go out and serve your sisters one by one. 

Obey with EXACTNESS!

In October 2010 we started ward conferences.  I had prayed earnestly to know what the Lord would have us teach to each ward in the stake.  As I prayed the story of the army of Helaman came strongly to my mind.  I got out my scriptures and read the chapters that tell their story.  I didn't know at first what angle to take but after more study and prayer and counseling with my presidency the lesson came together.  After a couple of wards of trial and error and making many changes, we finally had Cassie Myer introduce the lesson by reviewing the story of the 2000 Stripling Warriors and how it relates to each of us.  Then I took over and finished the lesson.  I wish I had the way Cassie introduced it.  It  was perfect.  But non the less... here is my part.

I love the story of the army of Helaman (Alma 56-60). Sometimes people will ask, if you could meet anyone from the scriptures or in the past who would you want to meet?  And I’ve never really cared.  But after really studying about these 2000 stripling warriors, I think it would be amazing to meet them and feel of their countenance.   I’m sure you would be able to feel their spiritual strength, just by being in their presence.  As I thought about it, I thought about you young women and the amazing women which you are and thought, wouldn’t it be awesome to be like them?  And to have people say about you in 300 years,  

 (Alma 53:20-21) And they were all young women, and they were exceedingly valiant for ^acourage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were women who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.

  21 Yea, they were women of truth and ^asoberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to ^bwalk uprightly before him.

I believe that you can all be such women.  We’ve talked about a couple of things that made these young men so valiant. I want to talk about one other character that they possessed. 

Read Alma 57:20-21, 58:40

These young men obeyed with exactness (vs. 21) and they kept the commandments continually (vs.40)

That’s pretty amazing!

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU, to obey with exactness & continually?

        

·      No selective obedience

·      We must obey all the commandments—the hard and the easy—even the ones that challenge us. 

·      Doesn’t mean we are perfect at it, but we are continually trying and working at it.

These young men were fighting some pretty intense battles.  Yet they listened to their commander, Helaman, and did exactly what he told them.  It was not easy.  It took great effort, physically, mentally and I’m sure spiritually.

How do you obey with exactness?

            1. Commitment            2. Courage               3. Faith               4. Plan           

Alma 56:30 Now when we saw that the Lamanites began to grow uneasy on this wise, we were desirous to bring a stratagem into effect upon them;

They had a plan and they followed that plan.  You have to have a plan and you have to follow that plan.  Part of that plan may be general, like the 5 points of focus that Pres. Mullen has given us.  Part of your plan may relate strictly to what you need to work on.  That would help you overcome your weaknesses.  Follow that plan and you will succeed.

General Conference is full of things that our Heavenly Father wants us to do. It contains a great plan.

You are faced with some pretty intense battles.  We are blessed with prophets that understand what lies ahead.  You have a great Stake Presidency and wonderful Bishop who are also here to help you.

I started to make a list of the battles that you could face today.  It was discouraging so I stopped.  BUT, I realized one major thing.  That no matter what the problem was, I was able to find a solution.  There’s a great talk given by so and so at such and such conference.  There are scriptures that address everything in our lives.  And I realized again:  OUR HEAVENLY FATHER WANTS YOU TO RETURN—HE DOESN’T WANT ONE SOUL IN THIS ROOM TO BE LOST!

Jesus Christ loves you!  EVERYTHING HE DID WAS BECAUSE OF LOVE!

The prophet cares about you. 

Pres. Mullen is concerned with your well being.

I care about what you do with your life!

We must hold onto the iron rod with both hands and we must follow the words of the prophets.

Couple of quotes on obedience:

A young man who served as a missionary when Elder Neil Andersen was the mission president in France, had this to say about Elder Andersen, “He always raised our vision of the blessings the Lord desired for France. He taught about pure faith and obedience with exactness, and the Lord poured out His miracles upon us.”

Kevin Pearson said in the April 2009 General Conference, When we teach our children by example or precept to be casual or situational in obeying God’s commandments, we prevent them from receiving this vital spiritual gift of faith.  Faith requires an attitude of exact obedience, even in the small, simple things. . . . . As patterns of obedience develop, the specific blessings associated with obedience are realized and belief emerges.

Elder Robert D. Hales October 2010 conference:

“In our premortal state we chose to follow the Savior Jesus Christ! And because we did, we were allowed to come to earth. I testify that by making the same choice to follow the Savior now, while we are here on earth, we will obtain an even greater blessing in the eternities. But let it be known: we must continue to choose to follow the Savior. Eternity is at stake, and our wise use of agency and our actions are essential that we might have eternal life. . . . . Whenever we choose to come unto Christ, take His name upon us, and follow His servants, we progress along the path to eternal life.”

I love you and care about you.  Have courage and faith to face what lies ahead and to Obey God’s commandments with exactness and continually.

You are a daughter of God and He loves you!!  He wants you to return to Him.  He does not want one soul to be lost.

I have 3 areas of counsel and 1 challenge that I would like to leave with you today.

1.  Be careful how you use your time.  Don’t spend countless hours doing things that have no purpose.

At our regional conference in September, Sister Beck spoke briefly about this topic.  In my notes I recorded, “life passes while you’re staring at “that screen”.   “that screen” may be a television, or a computer, or an ipod or cell phone. I’m not saying, don’t watch TV or don’t use the computer.  We all need a little down time.  Just be careful.  And it’s not only technology that may be monopolizing our time.   I am saying, Don’t spend countless hours doing things that have no purpose.

2.  Stay away from Pornography and anything that resembles it.   Help your friends do the same.  Young Women don’t usually get this counsel, but I have felt impressed to say it to you today.

3.  Be careful in how you dress.  Elder Russell M Ballard said:

. . .understand that when you wear clothing that is too tight, too short, or too low cut, you not only can send the wrong message to young men with whom you associate, but you also perpetuate in your own minds the fallacy that a woman’s value is dependent solely upon her sensual appeal. This never has been nor will it ever be within the righteous definition of a faithful daughter of God.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said in a talk on pornography in General Conference 2005, … young women, please understand that if you dress immodestly, you are magnifying this problem by becoming pornography to some of the men who see you.

I want to offer a challenge to you:

When you pull something out of your closet to wear, evaluate it.  Look at yourself in the mirror when you put it on.  Ask yourself:

·     Is it too low?  Too short?  Too tight? 

·     If you haven’t received your endowment yet, could you wear what you have on with temple garments? 

·     If you have temple garments, do you have to tuck your garments so they don’t show?

Is it too low?  Too short?  Too tight?    If it is then have the COURAGE to modify or throw it out.  Even if you love it to pieces.  With today’s fashions, you could easily put something underneath if it’s too low,  If it’s too short, you might be able to put on a pair of leggings.  Too tight??? I’m not sure there’s much hope for modification on that one.

         When you go to buy something new, ask yourself the same questions. 

Is it too low?  Too short?  Too tight?    

If it is, don’t buy it.  Even if it’s the cutest thing you’ve ever seen and you REALLY REALLY want it!! 

         Since starting ward conferences last fall, I have been very aware of my clothing.  I don’t usually have a problem.   But a few weeks ago, I put on a dress that I had only worn once.  It wasn’t too tight or too low but it was just a little short.  It really wasn’t TOO short, but I felt like if I bent over even a little, then it would be TOO short.  So I took it off and put it in my DI pile.  I didn’t want to do it.  But I decided I had to do it!

Dress in such a way that the young men won’t question your motives.  Even if your motives are completely innocent to begin with.  Prove it by how you dress.

It takes effort to get to the celestial kingdom.  It takes effort to obey with exactness.

It takes courage and faith and commitment.  But I know that you can be such young women, who are exceedingly valiant for courage and also for strength and activity.

Don’t get discouraged.  When you slip, grab the rod and hold on tighter.  Don’t let go.

I LOVE YOU!  I love my Heavenly Father.  I love Jesus Christ.  Heavenly Father wants you to win this battle and He doesn’t want one soul to be lost.  And I don’t either.    

WE ARE AS THE ARMY OF HELAMAN!

You are a Daughter of God!

          Each month we, as a presidency, have tried to send a message to each ward for all the girls.  In September of 2010 it was my turn to do the message.  A new semester had just begun.  This is the message that I sent.

        This past week I got to go to the Capitol Theater in Salt Lake and see the production of Lion King.  I loved the movie and the play was even better.  My favorite part is when Simba is in the jungle and he’s upset with his deceased father.  He says, “You said you’d always be there for me, but you’re not.” Rafiki comes and Simba asks him “Who are you?”  Rafiki responds by asking, “The question is, who are you?” of which Simba replies, “I thought I knew but now I’m not so sure.” Rafiki confirms what Simba has said.  He says, “You don’t even know who you are.  You’re Mufasa’s boy.” Rafiki leads him to a pond of water where Simba sees his own reflection.  As he looks at himself, Rafiki tells Simba that his father lives in him.  Mufasa’s voice comes to Simba, “You have forgotten me.  You have forgotten who you are, so have forgotten me.  Look inside yourself, Simba.  You are more than what you have become. . . .Remember who you are.  You are my son and the one true King.  Remember who you are.  Remember, Remember, Remember.”

            How many of us get so involved in our everyday lives, in our studies and socializing and in trying to find happiness, that we forget who we are.  Simba was the son of the King.  He was next in line to inherit ALL that his father had.  We too are children of a King, God, the Eternal Father.  We too have been promised that we can have all that our Father has.  It’s up to us whether or not we will acquire our inheritance.  As we remember who we are, Daughters of our Heavenly Father, we will want to live His commandments.  We will strive to become like his son Jesus Christ.  We will serve and help and reach out to all those around us who are struggling and need our help.  As we remember who we are, it will show in our countenances, in our actions, in all that we do.  I know that God loves us.  He loves you.  He wants you to be happy.  He wants you to return to Him someday.  He wants to give you all that He has.   Go forth with Faith and remember that you are a Daughter of God and can become more than what you are today.  

The Savior Is Our Example

Three times a year, at the beginning of each semester, we have a stake leadership training meeting.  It's held at 7:00 in the morning and all ward leadership is invited to attend.  We meet first with the stake presidency to receive instruction from them. Then we divide into our own auxiliary departments.  That's when we, as a stake relief society presidency, get to meet with all the ward presidencies.  I am always so impressed with how many make it to that early morning meeting.  It's a true sign of all of their dedication to their callings and their love for the Lord.


In May 2010 this is the message I prepared for our ward leaders.


Why are we here today?  Because we are in the business of Saving Souls!  So how do we do that?  By doing what Jesus did.  He came to the earth to atone for our sins, to save us spiritually.  He came to save us from temporal death, to be resurrected so we could have our bodies for eternity.  In 3 Nephi 27: 13-14 we read “I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me. And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me” (3 Nephi 27:13–14). In continuing His sermon, He revealed His second objective—to be our exemplar: “Ye know the things that ye must do … ; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do” (3 Nephi 27:21).  To his apostles he said, “I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done” (John 13:15).

            This is our charge as well, to do as he did.  I’d like to take a few minutes and look at the things that He did.  In John 4 we read how Jesus stopped at the well of Jacob while traveling through Samaria on his way to Galilee.  He asks a Samaritan woman to give him a drink at which time she is confused that a Jew would ask a Samaritan for water.  At which he replies that if she knew who He was she would know He could give her living water.  In conversing with Jesus, the woman realizes He is the Christ and brings others to the well to be taught by Him. In John 4:41 we read, “And many more believed because of his own word.” 

            In Matt 4: 23 we read, “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom. .”  vs. 25 “and there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee.” and continuing on into chap. 5:1-2 “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: and he opened his mouth and taught them.”  He taught them the beatitudes which are the blessings available to us.  He taught about the light of the world and reminded them about the teachings of Moses.  And then He taught them a higher law, to love one another.  He taught them about prayer, repentance and obedience and many other things.  And when He finished speaking it says in Matt 7:28-29, “when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”  They knew he was someone different.

             I love the story of Mary and Martha.  Jesus had come to their home and was teaching.  Mary sat at his feet listening and learning while Martha went about the home working and preparing food.  Martha becomes frustrated that her sister is not helping and says something to Jesus about it.  He then says to Martha, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:  But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part. .”  Mary realized the importance of hearing his teachings and learning his words.   Jesus spent most of his time teaching the people.  He was a master teacher.

            When Jesus wasn’t teaching He was serving.  There are endless examples of the love he showed to others by serving them.   As he was entering the city of Nain, there was a funeral procession, the men were carrying out the only son of a widow.  When Jesus saw the weeping mother, he had compassion on her.  Luke 7:14, “and he came and touched the bier; and they that bare him stood still.  And he said, young man, I say unto thee, arise.  And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak.  And he delivered him to his mother.”

             In the same chapter, the centurion’s servant was very ill.  The centurion didn’t feel worthy to have Jesus enter into his home but asked him to heal the servant.  When those that were with him returned to the centurion’s home, the servant had been healed. 

            In Matt 5 we read, that Jesus went about all Galilee “healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.  They brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.”  We know that when he visited the people in the Americas after his resurrection, that he asked that their sick and blind and lame or leprous and withered and deaf and any others be brought to him for he had compassion upon them and then he healed them.  

            Jesus also served by helping.  When there was a wedding in Cana and the ruler of the feast wanted wine but there was none, Jesus had them fill the waterpots with water.  He then told them to give from the pot to the governor of the feast.  The governor was given wine.  He said it must have been the best saved for the occasion. 

            We know, that He went about doing good to others.  He called the children to come to him when his disciples thought he was too busy to be bothered with children.  He blessed the children of the Nephites when He visited there and commissioned the angels to teach them.

            One of the greatest examples of service happened after Jesus had eaten the last supper with his apostles.  He removes his outer robe, puts a towel around his waist and then commences in washing the feet of each disciple.  

            There are many, many, many examples of Him healing, helping, serving.  Jesus Christ served and taught the people because he loved them. In everything you read, his love emanates.   John 15:9  “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.”

            John 14:6  “I am the way, the truth and the life.”  As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is our responsibility to follow Jesus Christ and to do as He did.  As members of Relief Society Presidencies it is our responsibility to teach, to serve and to love.  

            We are in the Business of Saving Souls.  We live in a difficult world. We have the great responsibility to teach the sisters in our stake.  They all know what is right.  We just need to encourage them to live the gospel and to have faith in Jesus Christ’s commandments. Please remember that living the gospel will bring you far more happiness then living the life of the world.  Pres. Monson said in closing in this past general conference (April 2010):  “My counsel for all of us is to look to the lighthouse of the Lord. There is no fog so dense, no night so dark, no gale so strong, no mariner so lost but what its beacon light can rescue. It beckons through the storms of life. The lighthouse of the Lord sends forth signals readily recognized and never failing.” 

            Look to the Lord.  Follow his example.  I love you.  Heavenly Father loves you.  Thank you for all that you do!  Let’s go save some souls.

LOVE

In May it was my turn to prepare the Stake Relief Society Presidency message.  This is the message I gave.

My three year old granddaughter, in her 3 year old language, sang me a song the other day.  I wish I could remember the way she said some of the words.  It was priceless:

                                As I have loved you

                        Love one another

                        This new commandment

                        Love one another

                        By this shall men know

                        Ye are my disciples.

                        If ye have love

                        One to another.

            This is my message to you this month.  Jesus taught,  “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another”   (John 13:34).  Love is the miracle in all of our lives.  It can heal souls.  It can teach the gospel. We speak kindly and are gentle because of love. Love enlightens the understanding.  It’s what causes us to be patient and obedient and to make sacrifices.  Love saves souls.  It can accomplish all things.  Pres. Monson said in the Oct. 1996 Ensign, “Love is the catalyst that causes change. Love is the balm that brings healing to the soul.”

            So what does it really mean to have love “one to another”?  I think that means we are serving one another.  We notice those who are alone in our Sunday meetings and either invite them to sit with us or we sit with them.  I think it means that when we are outside of our apartments, we talk to those we pass on the sidewalks.  We invite our neighbors over for a Sunday evening treat.  It means we may have to get out of our comfort zone to reach out to others.  It means we have to stop worrying about ourselves and start worrying about those that are less fortunate than we are. It means we treat others the way that we want to be treated.

            In the same talk mentioned previously, President Monson also said “Tears came to my eyes when I read of a young boy who noticed a vagrant asleep on a sidewalk and who then went to his own bedroom, retrieved his pillow, and placed it beneath the head of that one whom he knew not. Perhaps there came from the past these welcome words: : ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me’  (Matt. 25:40).”  This is what love is.

            May you  love   your families.  May you  love   your roommates.  May you find in your heart the  love   you need to love those that are hard to  love.  May you  love   those that you don’t even know.  May you have  love   one for another as Jesus loves you.

BECOME PRICELESS

In March 2010, we had a stake workshop.  We offered 8 great classes for the girls to choose from. They could attend only two.  We had the girls sign up in advance so we would have an idea of how many to expect, plus we were serving lunch afterwards so we needed to have an idea on how much food to prepare.  So according to the signups we planned on 450 girls.  WOW!  Doesn't that sound impressive.  We were so excited to think that many would come.  Well, reality struck that Saturday morning when we only had about 150 girls.  We were grateful for those dedicated young women.  They really appreciated all the leftover food that many of them took home with them.  It was a great learning experience for us.  Take those signups with a grain of salt.  Anyway, I was the "guest" speaker.  After much prayer and studying, this was the talk I gave that morning.

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

Proverbs 31:10

     I looked up virtuous in the dictionary.  Sometimes we think of having virtue as being sexually pure.  But it is more: it’s having or showing moral goodness or righteousness

     Synonyms for virtuous are good, righteous, worthy, honorable and moral.

Encarta® World English Dictionary © 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

Listen for the characteristics of virtuous women as I read

Proverbs 31:10  Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

  11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

  12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

  13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

  14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

  15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

  16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

  17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

  18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

  19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

  20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

  21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

  22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

  23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

  24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

  25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

  26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

  27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

  28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

  29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

  30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

  31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

10 ¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

            These are beautiful verses for I see a woman who is beautiful, talented, hard working, unselfish, kind, knowledgeable, supportive, trustworthy, wise, giving of herself, charitable, willing to work with her hands and continually learning, growing and progressing.

            This is your time.  This is your day!  Take advantage of the great opportunities all around you to gain temporal as well as spiritual knowledge.   It is your responsibility to see that you grow and progress and become as valuable as the Lord sees you—far above rubies.  BECOME PRICELESS!

         I did some research on rubies. Rubies are not a simple gem.  They are complex and a bit of a mystery. Geologists are amazed that rubies even exist because of the rareness of the material that they are made of and the extreme unlikelihood that iron and other elements didn’t mix with it to form other gems.  Rubies like other gems, were formed with extreme high heat and extreme pressure. They have a remarkable radiance when put under ultraviolet light. Most ruby is found in concentrations of marble at the base of the Himalayan mountains. For centuries rubies have been used as a symbol of good fortune and protection.  Some rubies are more valuable than the clearest diamonds.           

            So you women are very valuable indeed.  You are priceless.  Thus our theme:  “Become Priceless” for your journey here with all the experiences you have and all the knowledge you gain, continues to add to your value and worth.  And your color and clarity become visible to all.

            In the scriptures we have many examples of women who exemplified their worth.  Esther is one of my favorites.  Esther was an orphan.  She was raised by her adult cousin, Mordecai.  When she was a young woman the queen of the land was dismissed , so the King was in need of a new queen.  He asked for all the available maidens to come to his palace so that he might choose a new queen.  Mordecai felt that his cousin, Esther, should go before the King.  She was obedient and went.  Of course we know that Esther was chosen to be his queen.  And the King loved Esther.  Unbeknownst to the King, Esther was a Jew.  The King, being advised by one of his men, issued a decree to have all the Jews killed.  When Mordecai found out, he told Esther she must go before the King and plead with him to take back the decree. Esther was frightened for the queen was not allowed to go before the King uninvited.  Mordecai said to Esther, “Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews. “For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, if you say or do nothing and think only of yourself . . . thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esth. 4:13,14). 

            I’m sure Esther was frightened. But Esther knew her role, she knew who she was and she knew her Heavenly Father and decided she must try to save her people.  She along with all her people, fasted and prayed for 3 days and then Esther went before the King, without him calling her.  Fortunately the King accepted her presence.  She then asked him to take the decree back and explained that she was a Jew and he would have to have her killed as well.  Esther’s wish was granted and the Jews were saved.  Esther did not think only of herself.  She showed great courage and faith.

            Ruth, a Moabite by birth, is another great example.  She married the son of Naomi, who was widowed early in life.  Ruth’s husband and son of Naomi died also at a young age. After the death of both of her sons, Naomi desired to return to her homeland in Judah.  Ruth insisted that she go with her, leaving behind her own family and traditions and beliefs to embrace the God of Israel. Ruth 1:16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:  Naomi allowed her to come.  Once they were in Bethlehem, Ruth went into the fields to glean the field after the reapers.  She gathered what was missed. I’m sure this was not a pleasant or an easy job.  She found favor in the eyes of Boaz, the owner of the fields, because of her dedication to Naomi and her hard work.  Then Boaz, invited her to eat with him and the reapers and ordered the head servant to make sure that there was abundant barley left behind for her to glean.  As Ruth continued to follow the counsel of her mother-in-law, she eventually married Boaz and gave birth to a son, Obed, through whose lineage the Savior was born.  From Ruth we learn of faith, hope, charity, obedience, devotion and hard work.

            In the book of Samuel we read of Hannah.  Hannah was a righteous woman who loved the Lord.  More than anything, she wanted to have a child, but she was baron.  One day while worshipping at the temple, she prayed earnestly to God, and told him that if she would be blessed with a son she would give him to the Lord. Shortly after this, Hannah’s prayer was answered and she gave birth to a son, Samuel.   After the child was weaned, Hannah kept her commitment and brought Samuel to the temple to be raised by the high priest, Eli. 1 Samuel 1: 27 For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him:

  28 Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. And he worshipped the Lord there.

            How easily she could have said nothing and simply raised the child herself for no one had heard the words she had prayed at the temple.  But she knew the Lord had heard her prayer and had granted her wish.  She loved Him and wanted to serve the Lord, therefore she kept her word.   We know, also, that Hannah loved this child when we read in chapter 2 vs. 19 Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. 

            I can’t imagine the sorrow and heartache she must have felt to give up this child she had wanted so badly.  Hannah was blessed, though, with many more children.  I am confident that she was a great mother and that she taught these children to serve the Lord.  Hannah, like Esther and Ruth, was a woman of faith, charity and obedience.  She was also devoted to the Lord, and willing to sacrifice.

            Sarah was the wife of Abraham.  They lived at a time when the people were in apostasy and worshipped idols.  There was great evil and wickedness on the earth.  Abraham had been promised that he would be the father of a great nation, but his wife Sarah was baron.  Even though I’m sure Sarah did not understand why she wasn’t being blessed with a child, she remained faithful.  She stayed at the side of Abraham, supporting him and serving faithfully. Finally after many years of disappointment, trials, hardships, and I’m sure blessings, Sarah, at the age of 90, gave birth to Isaac.  You know that she must have taught him the ways of the Lord, for he was a strong and faithful son, even though he would have been exposed to all the evils that surrounded him.  She would have taught him about the covenant the Lord had made with Abraham and that he was the chosen heir of that covenant and how his honor would influence generations to come.  I think of Sarah as a rock, patient, enduring all things, waiting on the Lord.

            One more example of a virtuous woman in the Old Testament is Rebekah.  I love the story of Rebekah.  Abraham’s servants had been sent to find a wife for Isaac.  When they came to the well outside the city, they were tired and thirsty but they knew what they were looking for.  A woman who willing would let down her pitcher into the well and give them water and water for their 10 camels as well.  Genesis  24: 16 And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

  17 And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.

  18 And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.  (she puts out her hands and gives him a drink out of her own hands, she didn’t just hand him the pitcher—to me that shows her character)

  19 And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.

  20 And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.

            We know that that would be a tremendous amount of water, a tremendous amount of work.  Again, Rebekah’s character shines forth.  She had learned to work hard.  She cared about others.  She had charity.  It also makes me think, that she probably listened to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, which may have prompted her to get this man a drink.  The servant of Abraham knew immediately that this was a righteous woman and that she would be the wife to Isaac.  After a long journey, Rebekah met Isaac. “When she saw him, Rebekah put on a veil as a sign of her virtue, modesty, respect, and readiness for a covenant marriage.”

            In the Book of Mormon we don’t have many women spoken of by name.  But there is one that stands out to me.  In the conversion story of King Lamoni, Abish comes forward.  She gained a testimony of Jesus Christ after her father received a vision.  Abish is a Lamanite and so for many years she hid her beliefs and studied in secret.  When King Lamoni and his queen were taught the gospel by Ammon, they had such a strong witness by the spirit that they were all struck down as if they were dead.  Abish, a servant to King Lamoni, understood what had happened to them.  She was so excited that she ran to tell the people so they would see the great hand of the Lord and be converted as well.  Unfortunately the crowd did not react the way Abish thought they would.  They were angry with Ammon.  Abish touched the hand of the queen, who immediately awoke and bore strong testimony to the people.  Some left the area while others felt the spirit and stayed to learn more.  When King Lamoni arose, he also began to teach his people.  Many were converted.  How disappointed Abish must have been at first.  But she did not retreat, but went to the queen for help.  She had faith and conviction.  How excited she must have been when many were converted and baptized.  She would no longer have to believe in secret.  She was a woman of strong faith and knew how to endure. 

            Now you young sisters, we are so blessed with examples of righteous women all around us.  You are blessed to be here in this valley where the gospel is strong.  Where people want to live the gospel.  There is so much good for you to learn and take hold of.  The windows of opportunity are endless.  It is up to you to decide how much knowledge you want to gain.  It’s up to you to choose the path you want to go on. 

            My husband and I, especially my husband, like to watch American Idol.  One of the things the judges often say to the contestants, “You have got to find out who you are.  Every week you get on stage and portray a different image.  What is it that you want to be known as?   What kind of a singer are you?”  That’s what each one of you girls have to do.  You have to find out who you are.  What do you like to do?  What do you do well?  What is it that you want to be known for?  What personality do you want to portray to your fellowman?  What is it that you want to fill your time with every day?  You find out who you are by trying new things, by learning and growing and progressing.  You find out who you are by DOING. God has a plan for you.  You need to find out what it is.

            Heavenly Father blessed all of us with great ability and talent. Our job is to seek out and find what those talents are.

D&C 46:8 . . . seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given;. . . .

10 And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, . . .

11 For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, . . .

12 To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.

         Robert D. Hales said that verse 10 makes reference to our “minds,” meaning our ability to study, learn, and develop our intelligence, gifts, and talents. We have the responsibility to improve ourselves. (Robert D. Hales, “Every Good Gift,” New Era, Aug 1983, 4)

         L. Tom Perry said, “All of us are endowed with abundant talent, beauty, and ability. Our lack of productivity can never be blamed on a lack of raw material.” (L. Tom Perry, “Staying Power,” Ensign, Jul 2003, 40–44)  It’s all there—it just needs to be developed.

            I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to speak to you today.  It has caused me to do some deep reflecting.  I have prayed earnestly for the Lord’s hand as I prepared this talk.  I hope that it gives you strength and courage to move forward in your life, to listen to the Lord to know what direction He would have you take. The world is pulling you from every angle.  Satan does not want you to be happy.  He does not want you to be successful in life.  He doesn’t want you to know how valuable you are.  Please follow the council of Pres. Mullen.  Become familiar with the “for strength of youth” pamphlet.  I was so impressed last Sunday in our Sunday school class when during a discussion one sister pulled out her “for strength of youth” pamphlet and read exactly what it said about the topic we were discussing.  Be careful about the way you dress, especially as we move into summer and warmer weather.  Dress in such a way that does not draw attention to your body.  Think before you speak so that your language is in accordance with a daughter of God.  Treat others with kindness, compassion and love.  Live the golden rule everywhere you go.  Take every opportunity to help and serve others.  Open your minds and learn as much as you can.  Watch the good examples of others and follow in their footsteps.  Be strong.  Know that God loves you.  Have hope and faith and press forward, always holding onto the iron rod.  And as you do these things, you will see how priceless you are and that your value exceeds that of rubies.