The Spirit of Revelation

Dear Sisters,

Thank you Lila McCleery for teaching a wonderful lesson on the Spirit of Revelation.  Here is a brief summary:

TFOT Lesson: The Spirit of Revelation by David A. Bednar

Revelation is communication from God to His children on the earth and one of the great blessings associated with the gift and constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “The Holy Ghost is a revelator,” and “no man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations”

Elder Bednar’s talk describes 2 patterns for receiving Revelation.

Immediate and Intense – “A light turned on in a dark room is like receiving a message from God quickly, completely, and all at once.  Many of us have experienced this pattern of revelation as we have been given answers to sincere prayers or been provided with needed direction or protection, according to God’s will and timing.   Descriptions of such immediate and intense manifestations are found in the scriptures, recounted in Church history, and evidenced in our own lives.  Indeed, these mighty miracles do occur.  However, this pattern of revelation tends to be more rare than common.”

Subtle and Gradual – “The gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun is like receiving a message from God “line upon line, precept upon precept”.  Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation.   Such communication from Heavenly Father gradually and gently “distil upon our souls as the dews from heaven”.   This pattern of revelation tends to be more common than rare.”

Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery gained valuable experience with the spirit of revelation as they translated the Book of Mormon.   These brethren learned they could receive whatever knowledge was necessary to complete their work if they asked in faith, with an honest heart, believing they would receive.  And over time they increasingly understood the spirit of revelation typically functions as thoughts and feelings that come into our minds and hearts by the Power of the Holy Ghost.   As the Lord instructed them: “Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.   Therefore this is thy gift; apply unto it.”

Next weeks lesson:

July 31: "As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten" by Elder Christofferson

Family Responsibilites

Dear Sisters,

Thank you Lori Olson for teaching a wonderful lesson on Family Responsibilities.

Here is a summary for those of you who missed it:

Gospel Principles lesson #37 “Family Responsibilities” 

Responsibilities of the Parents

Each person has an important place in his or her family. Through prophets the Lord has explained how fathers, mothers, and children should behave and feel toward one another. As husbands, wives, and children, we need to learn what the Lord expects us to do to fulfill our purpose as a family. If we all do our part, we will be united eternally. In the sacred responsibilities of parenthood, “fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

Some responsibilities must be shared by the husband and the wife. Parents should teach their children the gospel. The Lord warned that if parents do not teach their children about faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, the sin will be upon the heads of the parents. One of the best ways parents can teach their children is by example. Parents should understand that sometimes children will make wrong choices even after they have been taught the truth. When this happens, parents should not give up. They should continue to teach their children, to express love for them, to be good examples to them, and to fast and pray for them.

Responsibilities of the Father “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” (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). A worthy father who is a member of the Church has the opportunity to hold the priesthood, making him the priesthood leader of his family. He should guide his family with humility and kindness rather than with force or cruelty. The scriptures teach that those who hold the priesthood should lead others by persuasion, gentleness, love, and kindness (see D&C 121:41–44; Ephesians 6:4).

The father should spend time with each child individually. He should teach his children correct principles, talk with them about their problems and concerns, and counsel them lovingly. Some good examples are found in the Book of Mormon (see 2 Nephi 1:14–3:25; Alma 36–42). It is also the father’s duty to provide for the physical needs of his family, making sure they have the necessary food, housing, clothing, and education. Even if he is unable to provide all the support himself, he does not give up the responsibility of the care of his family.

Responsibilities of the Mother  President David O. McKay said that motherhood is the noblest calling (see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay [2003], 156). It is a sacred calling, a partnership with God in bringing His spirit children into the world. Bearing children is one of the greatest of all blessings. If there is no father in the home, the mother presides over the family.

President Boyd K. Packer praised women who were unable to have children of their own yet sought to care for others. He said: “When I speak of mothers, I speak not only of those women who have borne children, but also of those who have fostered children born to others, and of the many women who, without children of their own, have mothered the children of others” (Mothers [1977], 8).

Responsibilities of the Children Children share with their parents the responsibilities of building a happy home. The Lord has commanded children to honor their parents. He said, “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land” (Exodus 20:12). To honor parents means to love and respect them. It also means to obey them. The scriptures tell children to “obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1).

President Spencer W. Kimball said that children should learn to work and to share responsibilities in the home and yard. They should be given assignments to keep the house neat and clean. (See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 120.)

Accepting Responsibilities Brings Blessings

A loving and happy family does not happen by accident. Each person in the family must do his or her part. The Lord has given responsibilities to both parents and children. The scriptures teach that we must be thoughtful, cheerful, and considerate of others. When we speak, pray, sing, or work together, we can enjoy the blessings of harmony in our families. (See Colossians 3.)

Lemon Squares -Ward Picnic April 19th- Who made them?

Hi Sisters,


We are trying to figure out who made the delicious Lemon Squares that were served at the ward picnic on April 19th.  If you made this dessert or know who did please email me at everylittlesmile@gmail.com.


Thank you!


Ashley

Yummy Recipe

Hi Sisters,


I found this really yummy French Toast recipe here on one of my favorite cooking websites The Pioneer Woman.

If you have a recipe that you want to share with the sisters, please email me at everylittlesmile@gmail.com.


Thanks,


Ashley

June Monthly Relief Society Meeting - Great Homemaking Tips

We had an amazing meeting in June, lots of fun!  Our wonderful sisters taught about making baby food, using nutrient-rich grains, taking better pictures, decorating a home, making homemade detergent, using the crockpot, and more!

Baby Food

Using Nutrient Rich Grains

How to-Take Great Pictures taught


Lighting

•  Just Say NO to Harsh Light: Turn off your flashes and use natural, beautiful light. Dawn and dusk, shade and indoor window light.
•  Don’t be afraid of the sun: Sun gives the most beautiful glow to pictures (early morning and evening). Tip for taking pictures in the sun is to have your subject’s back face the sun so it’s not in their eyes. Avoid taking pictures in the sun in the middle of the day when the light is harsh (look for shade).

The Perfect Smile

• Repeat after me: I will never again say “SAY CHEESE”. Examples explain why.

Cheese (In this picture I asked Brayden to say Cheese)

Smile ( In this picture I asked him to smile. Cute, but still not a real smile)

Play (In this one we played peek-a-boo. There’s his real smile!)

Be Artistic

•  Focus on telling a story
•  Shoot from different angles
•  Capture details (kids holding hands, a mess left behind, etc.)
•  Keep your subjects off center

Last Tips

•  Take lots and lots of pictures
• Always keep your camera near and don’t just get it out for holidays and birthdays.

Happy picture taking!


Decorating a Home

Design Blogs

A list of helpful interior design blogs:

www.brooklynlimestone.com
www.bowerpowerblog.com
www.caitlincreer.com
www.colourmehappyblog.blogspot.com
www.copycatchic.com
www.mydesigndump.blogspot.com
www.thehouseofsmiths.com
www.theinspiredroom.net
www.isabellaandmaxrooms.blogspot.com
www.karapasleydesigns.blogspot.com
www.inthefunlane.com
www.littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com
www.pinkwallpaper.blogspot.com
www.remodelaholic.com
www.design-seeds.com
www.thingsthatinspire.net
www.younghouselove.com

Homemade Detergent

Crockpot Recipes

The Family Can Be Eternal

Dear Sisters, 


Thank you Lexi Perry for leading a great discussion on how we can help strengthen our families and prepare them for eternal life.  


Gospel Principles lesson #36  "The Family Can Be Eternal"


Here is a brief synopsis of the lesson:



Why is the home the best place to prepare for eternal life?
 President David O. McKay said, “With all my heart I believe that the best place to prepare for … eternal life is in the home
At home, with our families, we can learn self-control, sacrifice, loyalty, and the value of work. We can learn to love, to share, and to serve one another.

The Eternal Family

Families can be together forever. To enjoy this blessing we must be married in the temple. When people are married outside the temple, the marriage ends when one of the partners dies. When we are married in the temple by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood, we are married for time and eternity. If we keep our covenants with the Lord, our families will be united eternally as husband, wife, and children. Death cannot separate us.

How to Have a Successful Family

President Harold B. Lee taught, “The most important of the Lord’s work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own homes” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee [2000], 134).

Satan knows how important families are to our Heavenly Father’s plan. He seeks to destroy them by keeping us from drawing near to the Lord. He will tempt us to do things that will draw our families apart.

The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declared, “Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”

The family is the most important unit in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church exists to help families gain eternal blessings and exaltation. The organizations and programs within the Church are designed to strengthen us individually and help us live as families forever.

Here are some ways to help strengthen your families: 

1. 1. 
   Have family prayer every night and morning (see 3 Nephi 18:21). Pray together as husband and wife.
2. 2. 
   Teach children the gospel every week in family home evening.
3. 3. 
   Study the scriptures regularly as a family.
4. 4. 
   Do things together as a family, such as work projects, outings, and decision making.
5. 5. 
   Learn to be kind, patient, long-suffering, and charitable (see Moroni 7:45–48).
6. 6. 
   Attend Church meetings regularly (see D&C 59:9–10).
7. 7. 
   Follow the counsel of the Lord in D&C 88:119: “Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.”
8. 8. 
   Keep a family history, perform temple work together, and receive the sealing ordinances of the temple.

Preparing for Our Phoenix Temple

Dear Sisters,


Thank you Kiana Shipley for teaching a great lesson on preparing ourselves for our Phoenix Temple.  


Phoenix Temple is set to be finished sometime in 2013, that only gives us 2 years to prepare. The time to prepare is now.

Nauvoo Temple


There are currently 152 temples throughout the world.  That number includes temples in operation, under construction, or announced.

Here is a brief summary of the lesson:

Preparing for Our Temple 

“As temples are prepared for the people, the people need to prepare themselves for the temple.” – Elder Russell M Nelson

-One of the brothers who spoke at the temple ground breaking I can’t remember if it was Elder Walker or Elder Pickerd but he talked about those who sacrificed so much for temples in the past, he posed the question, what are we sacrificing?

I really thought about this questions, what can we sacrifice? We all live pretty close to a temple we don’t have to sell all we have to travel hundreds of miles to go to the temple. In the last general conference President Monson spoke on this very subject. I want to take the next few minutes to discuss his council about sacrifice and the temple.

Q1

“My brothers and sisters, temples are more than stone and mortar. They are filled with faith and fasting. They are built of trials and testimonies. They are sanctified by sacrifice and service.

Q2

“Some degree of sacrifice has ever been associated with temple building and with temple attendance. Countless are those who have labored and struggled in order to obtain for themselves and for their families the blessings which are found in the temples of God.

Why are so many willing to give so much in order to receive the blessings of the temple?

Those who understand the eternal blessings which come from the temple know that no sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings. There are never too many miles to travel, too many obstacles to overcome, or too much discomfort to endure. They understand that the saving ordinances received in the temple that permit us to someday return to our Heavenly Father in an eternal family relationship and to be endowed with blessings and power from on high are worth every sacrifice and every effort.” – President Thomas S. Monson

President Monson promises us that our efforts are worth, I want to add my testimony to that. The blessings I have received in attending the temple are countless, small and large and I know that these blessings come from the Lord.

Q3

“If you have been to the temple for yourselves and if you live within relatively close proximity to a temple, your sacrifice could be setting aside the time in your busy lives to visit the temple regularly. 

Prepare ourselves

-prayer, scripture study, go to the Mesa temple, get names ready, if we don’t have a recommend live worthy to get one, personal worthiness,

Prepare our neighbors

-prayer, think about who you could invite, talk to your children about it, family history work, youth cultural celebration

Prepare our homes

-FHE, turn our homes toward the temple, house of order, what are we allowing into our temple homes?

Temple Announcement

When President Thomas S. Monson announced that a fifth temple for Arizona would be built in Phoenix, he stated: "The blessings of the temple are eternal. Those who come to this holy house will feel of God's love for His children and come to a greater understanding of their own divine origin and potential as His sons and daughters."

President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, said, “Think of the Savior when you meet Him. . . . He has trusted you by letting you hear the gospel in your lifetime, giving you the chance to accept the obligation to offer it to those of your ancestors who did not have your priceless opportunity. Think of the gratitude He has for those who pay the price in work and faith to find the names of their ancestors and who love them and Him enough to offer them eternal life in families, the greatest of all the gifts of God. He offered them an infinite sacrifice. He will love and appreciate those who paid whatever price they could to allow their ancestors to choose His offer of eternal life.”

Great Resource List For New Sisters

Dear Sisters,


The Relief Society Presidency compiled this list of suggestions from sisters in the ward about their favorite grocery stores, favorite things to do in the area, etc. This list is for new sisters and also anyone else who may find it helpful.


Here it is:

Welcome to the Bellair Ward! We are so happy to have you in our ward and hope that your transition will be a good one. We have gathered some information about our area from sisters in our ward; we hope this will be helpful to you.

Top 6 favorite free activities to do around town:

Library – story time, books, movies, classes, kids activities, cultural passes* and more (*Cultural passes are free passes to museums, the zoo and other activities around town)

Parks – Sahuaro Ranch Park, Carmel Park, Chaparral Park, Thunderbird Park ect

Skunk Creek Trail – great for walking, running & biking

Splash Pads – Western Area Regional Park, Rio Vista Recreation Center ect

Thunderbird Conservation Park - great for hiking and biking

Westgate - live bands, fountain, splash pad, outdoor movies and more

Local Festival’s:

Citrus Festival in January

Chocolate Affaire in February

Summer Band Concert Series June-July

Glendale Glitters November-December

Top 5 favorite local stores to buy groceries:

Fry’s (the one @ 20220 N 59th Ave even has free babysitting while you shop)

Sprouts

Walmart

Trader Joe’s

Albertson’s

Top 12 favorite places to eat out:

Barro’s

Caramba’s

Freddy’s Frozen Custard

Jason’s Deli

Le Chalet

La Piazza Al Forno

Paradise Bakery

Rubio’s

Sweet Tomatoes

Valle Luna

Wildflower Bread Company

Yumberri Frozen Yogurt

Things people love about our area:

Biking/Hiking/Jogging/Walking Trails

Citrus picking

Parks

Professional Sports

Shopping is so close

Symphony

Theater

Water park

Yard sale’s

New discoveries people have made in our area:

AMC $5 movies before noon on weekends & holiday’s

AZ Game and Fish events for children and families

Mac store in Arrowhead Mall has free classes

Monday’s are great days for shopping at Savers

Blissful Yoga Studio

Diamondback Baseball Games

Everything is on Bell Rd

Glendale Aquatic Center

Local community center at 35th ave and pinnacle peak

Midwestern University Orchard (just east of 59th Ave on Utopia)

Welcome

Hi Sisters,


Welcome to our new Relief Society Blog!


We've created this blog to be a resource of past and upcoming news, announcements and information related to our Relief Society.


Enjoy!