"Emissaries to the Church," By Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, (October 2016)
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/10/emissaries-to-the-church?lang=eng
The purpose of Relief Society is to help prepare women for the blessings of eternal life as they increase faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and His Atonement. To strengthen individuals, families, and homes through ordinances and covenants. To work in unity to help those in need.
This blog was created for the Woodland Hills Ward Relief Society sisters. It's purpose is to share information, unite and help each sister grow closer to Jesus Christ. This is not an official site of the LDS Church, and the opinions and statements are not representative of the church as a whole.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
February 26: Lesson Recap
Conference Address
Joy and Spiritual Survival, Russell M. Nelson (Oct. 2016)
www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/10/joy-and-spiritual-survival?lang=eng
When the focus of our lives is on Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening, or no happening in our lives.
These are the latter days, a host of prophets including Isaiah, Paul, Nephi, and Mormon foresaw that perilous times would come, that in our day the whole world would be in commotion, that men would be "lovers of their own selves... without natural affection... lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God," and that many would become servants of Satan. Indeed you and I "wrestle against the rulers of the darkness of this world, [and] against spiritual wickedness in high places."
As commotion in the latter days continues, what can help us? What can help each of us with our personal struggles and with the rigorous challenge of living today? The prophet Lehi clearly knew opposition, anxiety, heartache, disappointment and sorrow, yet he declared "Men are, that they might have joy," (2 Nephi 2:25). Of all the words he could have used to describe the nature and purpose of our lives here in mortality he chose the word joy!
Life is filled with detours and dead ends, trials and challenges of every kind. Each of us has likely had times when distress, anguish and despair almost consumed us. Yet we are here to have joy? The answer is a resounding yes! But how is this possible? And what must we do to claim the joy that Heavenly Father has in store for us? We can choose not to complain. We can be happy under every circumstance. We can feel hoy even while having a bad day, a bad week, or even a bad year!
The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives. When the focus of our lives is on God's plan of salvation, and on Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening, or not happening in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy. Just as the Savior offers peace that "passeth all understanding," He also offers an intensity, depth, and breadth of joy that defy human logic or mortal comprehension. It doesn't seem possible to feel joy when we are in the midst of our toughest trials, or when brought low by horrible circumstances. Yet that is precisely the joy the Savior offers. His joy is constant, assuring us that our "afflictions shall be but a small moment" and be consecrated to our gain.
How do we claim this joy? We can start by "looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith" "in every thought." We can give thanks for Him in our prayers and by keeping covenants we've made with Him and our Heavenly Father. As our Savior becomes more and more real to us and as we plead for His joy to given to us, our joy will increase. Joy is powerful, and focusing on joy brings God's power into our lives. In all things Christ is our ultimate exemplar. In order for Christ to endure the most excruciating experience ever endured on the earth, our Savior focused on joy. Anything that opposes Christ or His doctrine will interrupt our joy. We learn to "suffer with joy," for suffering can be swallowed up in the joy of Christ.
If we look to the world and its formulas for happiness, we will never know joy. The unrighteous may experience any number of emotions and sensations, but hey will never experience joy. Joy is a gift for the faithful. It is the gift that comes from intentionally trying to live a righteous life, as taught by Jesus Christ.
Joy and Spiritual Survival, Russell M. Nelson (Oct. 2016)
www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/10/joy-and-spiritual-survival?lang=eng
When the focus of our lives is on Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening, or no happening in our lives.
These are the latter days, a host of prophets including Isaiah, Paul, Nephi, and Mormon foresaw that perilous times would come, that in our day the whole world would be in commotion, that men would be "lovers of their own selves... without natural affection... lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God," and that many would become servants of Satan. Indeed you and I "wrestle against the rulers of the darkness of this world, [and] against spiritual wickedness in high places."
As commotion in the latter days continues, what can help us? What can help each of us with our personal struggles and with the rigorous challenge of living today? The prophet Lehi clearly knew opposition, anxiety, heartache, disappointment and sorrow, yet he declared "Men are, that they might have joy," (2 Nephi 2:25). Of all the words he could have used to describe the nature and purpose of our lives here in mortality he chose the word joy!
Life is filled with detours and dead ends, trials and challenges of every kind. Each of us has likely had times when distress, anguish and despair almost consumed us. Yet we are here to have joy? The answer is a resounding yes! But how is this possible? And what must we do to claim the joy that Heavenly Father has in store for us? We can choose not to complain. We can be happy under every circumstance. We can feel hoy even while having a bad day, a bad week, or even a bad year!
The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives. When the focus of our lives is on God's plan of salvation, and on Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening, or not happening in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy. Just as the Savior offers peace that "passeth all understanding," He also offers an intensity, depth, and breadth of joy that defy human logic or mortal comprehension. It doesn't seem possible to feel joy when we are in the midst of our toughest trials, or when brought low by horrible circumstances. Yet that is precisely the joy the Savior offers. His joy is constant, assuring us that our "afflictions shall be but a small moment" and be consecrated to our gain.
How do we claim this joy? We can start by "looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith" "in every thought." We can give thanks for Him in our prayers and by keeping covenants we've made with Him and our Heavenly Father. As our Savior becomes more and more real to us and as we plead for His joy to given to us, our joy will increase. Joy is powerful, and focusing on joy brings God's power into our lives. In all things Christ is our ultimate exemplar. In order for Christ to endure the most excruciating experience ever endured on the earth, our Savior focused on joy. Anything that opposes Christ or His doctrine will interrupt our joy. We learn to "suffer with joy," for suffering can be swallowed up in the joy of Christ.
If we look to the world and its formulas for happiness, we will never know joy. The unrighteous may experience any number of emotions and sensations, but hey will never experience joy. Joy is a gift for the faithful. It is the gift that comes from intentionally trying to live a righteous life, as taught by Jesus Christ.
Sunday, February 19, 2017
February 19, 2017: Lesson Recap
Teachings of Presidents of The Church, Gordon B. Hinckley
Chapter 4: The Pioneer Heritage of Faith and Sacrifice
https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-gordon-b-hinckley/chapter-4-the-pioneer-heritage-of-faith-and-sacrifice?lang=eng
"Whether you have pioneer ancestry or came into the Church only yesterday, you are a part of this whole grand picture of which those men and women dreamed... They laid the foundation. Ours is the duty to build on it."
President Hinckley's great-grandfather, [Ira Hinckley] was baptized in Nauvoo and subsequently crossed the plains in the migration of the pioneers. During that journey Ira's young wife and his brother died. Ira Hinckley made rough coffins and buried them, then picked up his infant child and carried her to the Salt Lake Valley. President Hinckley's own father became president of the largest stake in the Church with more than 15,000 members. President Hinckley came from faithful "pioneers" that crossed the plains, and help build the Church in its early years. Although proud of his instrumental ancestors, President Hinckley emphasized that "pioneering" continues around the word to the present day. There are saints all over the world that are carrying forward the work of the Lord in all nations and lands. While showing gratitude and pride in his pioneering ancestors, President Hinckley also reflected upon his own posterity, and the "tremendous obligation" that was his to pass on all that he had received as an inheritance from his forebears to the generations who came after him.
When President Hinckley spoke of the early pioneers, his purpose was much bigger than focusing on those who lived in the past. He looked to the future, hoping that the faith and sacrifices of those Saints would "become a compelling motivation for us all, for each of us is a pioneer in his own life and family."
With vision, labor, and confidence in the power of God working through them, the early Latter-Day Saint pioneers brought their faith to reality.
Faith is what kept the pioneers pressing forward. It was by faith that a small band of early converts to the Church moved from New York to Ohio, from Ohio to Missouri, from Missouri to Illinois, and eventually to west, in search for peace and the freedom to worship God according to the dictates of conscience.
These early Saints moved forward amid vicious persecution and physical deprivation and hardship. Many lost loved ones along the dangerous trek. Many lost loved ones from being disowned and cut off from their families due to their decision to join the Church. These Saints pressed forward with faith not knowing their immediate fate or future, but trusted that the Lord would guide and bless them. With faith in their hearts and the dream of Zion in their minds the Saints pressed forward.
Faith in God was not exclusive to the early Saints of the Church. Paul wrote to the Hebrews "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Heb. 11:1.) With great vision, with labor, and with confidence in the power of God working through them, [the early Saints] bought their faith into reality. This was the same great faith and power that made possible the exodus from Egypt, the passage through the Red Sea, the love journey through the wilderness, and the establishment of Israel in the promised land.
The early Saints moved west with a personal and individual recognition of God their Eternal Father. They could look in faith upon him, this was the very essence of their strength. They believed in that great scriptural mandate: "Look to God and live." (Alma 37:47.) With faith they sought to do his will. With faith they labored until they dropped, always with a conviction that there would be an accounting to him who was their Father and their God. Behind us is a glorious history. It is the product of faith. Before us is a great future. It begins today. We cannot pause. We cannot slow down. We cannot slacken our pace or shorten our stride.
Each of us is a pioneer.
It is good to look to the past to gain appreciation for the present and perspective for the future. It is good to reflect upon the work of those who labored before us. Their tremendous example can become a compelling motivation for us all, for each of us s a pioneer in his/her own life, often in his/her own family, and many of us pioneer daily in trying to establish a gospel foothold in distant parts of the world. We are still pioneering. We have never ceased pioneering. We are reaching out all over the world to spread the gospel to all nations, kindreds, and tongues, and that takes pioneering. The early Saints of the Church marked the path and led the way, but it is OUR obligation to enlarge and broaden and strengthen that path until it encompasses the whole earth... Faith was the guiding principle in those difficult days. Faith is the guiding principle we must follow today.
Ours is a great and solemn duty to reach out and help them, to lift them, to feed them if they are hungry, to nurture their spirits if they thirst for truth and righteousness. Our forebears laid a solid and marvelous foundation. Now ours is the great opportunity to build a superstructure, all fitly framed together with Christ as the chief cornerstone. With so great an inheritance, we must go forward. We must never let down. We must hold our heads high. We must walk with integrity. We must "do what is right [and] let the consequences follow."
Chapter 4: The Pioneer Heritage of Faith and Sacrifice
https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-gordon-b-hinckley/chapter-4-the-pioneer-heritage-of-faith-and-sacrifice?lang=eng
"Whether you have pioneer ancestry or came into the Church only yesterday, you are a part of this whole grand picture of which those men and women dreamed... They laid the foundation. Ours is the duty to build on it."
President Hinckley's great-grandfather, [Ira Hinckley] was baptized in Nauvoo and subsequently crossed the plains in the migration of the pioneers. During that journey Ira's young wife and his brother died. Ira Hinckley made rough coffins and buried them, then picked up his infant child and carried her to the Salt Lake Valley. President Hinckley's own father became president of the largest stake in the Church with more than 15,000 members. President Hinckley came from faithful "pioneers" that crossed the plains, and help build the Church in its early years. Although proud of his instrumental ancestors, President Hinckley emphasized that "pioneering" continues around the word to the present day. There are saints all over the world that are carrying forward the work of the Lord in all nations and lands. While showing gratitude and pride in his pioneering ancestors, President Hinckley also reflected upon his own posterity, and the "tremendous obligation" that was his to pass on all that he had received as an inheritance from his forebears to the generations who came after him.
When President Hinckley spoke of the early pioneers, his purpose was much bigger than focusing on those who lived in the past. He looked to the future, hoping that the faith and sacrifices of those Saints would "become a compelling motivation for us all, for each of us is a pioneer in his own life and family."
With vision, labor, and confidence in the power of God working through them, the early Latter-Day Saint pioneers brought their faith to reality.
Faith is what kept the pioneers pressing forward. It was by faith that a small band of early converts to the Church moved from New York to Ohio, from Ohio to Missouri, from Missouri to Illinois, and eventually to west, in search for peace and the freedom to worship God according to the dictates of conscience.
These early Saints moved forward amid vicious persecution and physical deprivation and hardship. Many lost loved ones along the dangerous trek. Many lost loved ones from being disowned and cut off from their families due to their decision to join the Church. These Saints pressed forward with faith not knowing their immediate fate or future, but trusted that the Lord would guide and bless them. With faith in their hearts and the dream of Zion in their minds the Saints pressed forward.
Faith in God was not exclusive to the early Saints of the Church. Paul wrote to the Hebrews "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Heb. 11:1.) With great vision, with labor, and with confidence in the power of God working through them, [the early Saints] bought their faith into reality. This was the same great faith and power that made possible the exodus from Egypt, the passage through the Red Sea, the love journey through the wilderness, and the establishment of Israel in the promised land.
The early Saints moved west with a personal and individual recognition of God their Eternal Father. They could look in faith upon him, this was the very essence of their strength. They believed in that great scriptural mandate: "Look to God and live." (Alma 37:47.) With faith they sought to do his will. With faith they labored until they dropped, always with a conviction that there would be an accounting to him who was their Father and their God. Behind us is a glorious history. It is the product of faith. Before us is a great future. It begins today. We cannot pause. We cannot slow down. We cannot slacken our pace or shorten our stride.
Each of us is a pioneer.
It is good to look to the past to gain appreciation for the present and perspective for the future. It is good to reflect upon the work of those who labored before us. Their tremendous example can become a compelling motivation for us all, for each of us s a pioneer in his/her own life, often in his/her own family, and many of us pioneer daily in trying to establish a gospel foothold in distant parts of the world. We are still pioneering. We have never ceased pioneering. We are reaching out all over the world to spread the gospel to all nations, kindreds, and tongues, and that takes pioneering. The early Saints of the Church marked the path and led the way, but it is OUR obligation to enlarge and broaden and strengthen that path until it encompasses the whole earth... Faith was the guiding principle in those difficult days. Faith is the guiding principle we must follow today.
Ours is a great and solemn duty to reach out and help them, to lift them, to feed them if they are hungry, to nurture their spirits if they thirst for truth and righteousness. Our forebears laid a solid and marvelous foundation. Now ours is the great opportunity to build a superstructure, all fitly framed together with Christ as the chief cornerstone. With so great an inheritance, we must go forward. We must never let down. We must hold our heads high. We must walk with integrity. We must "do what is right [and] let the consequences follow."
Monday, February 6, 2017
February 5, 2017: Lesson Recap
Premortality, a Glorious Reality, By Elder Neal A. Maxwell
One’s life, therefore, is brevity compared to eternity—like being dropped off by a parent for a day at school. But what a day!
Consider how long the Earth existed before you, and how long the Earth will exist after you leave it. If you life is but one day, then all your pain and suffering is but one hour.
If our time on this Earth is like "One day at school," then how will we use our time here? Will be take advantage of all the classes available to us? Will we study diligently and learn as much as we can? Will we help others during the day? How will we spend "our lunch hour"? Will we waste time worrying what others think of us?
Our "one day of school" is short. We must use the precious seconds, minutes, and hours we have on the Earth to learn as much as we can, help others and do the Lord's will. We must remember that we are literal sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father and Mother, who brought unique talents with us on Earth that need to be developed. Let us use our time wisely to enhance these talents and abilities and not waste time worrying about the past and fretting about the future.
Thomas H. Morris, a professor at BYU gave a devotional titled, Time: A Precious Commodity; a finite resource.
Carl Sagan, the author and great spokesman for the television series Cosmos, used to browbeat us by telling us that we as humankind are arrogant to assume that there is not life beyond our planet, given the immensity of space and the universe. Sagan found no solid evidence for extraterrestrial life. In fact, in viewing our tiny blue planet from space, he said, “It underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another and to preserve and cherish the only home we’ve ever known: the pale blue dot.”2
Let us be mindful of our short time on Earth, and learn as much as we can and help as many people as we can during our "one day at school."
Sunday, January 22, 2017
January 22, 2017: Lesson Recap
Conference Address:
·
There is
Power in the Book” by LeGrand R. Curtis, (October 2016).
How were you introduced to the Book of Mormon, and how did you gain a testimony regarding its power and truth?
We are so blessed to be living in a time and in a country that allows us the religious freedoms to read the Book of Mormon and worship freely. Elder Curtis told of the "Freeze" in Ghana in the 1990s, when the government in Ghana banned the Church, restricted all religious meetings, and seized all Church property. Elder Curtis told of a young policeman who had been given the task of guarding a Church meetinghouse at night. Nicolas Ofonsu-Hene said that the building was in disarray, with papers and furniture scattered everywhere. In the midst of the disorder he found a Book of Mormon. He tried to ignore it because he was told that it was "evil." Ofonsu-Hene had been strangely attracted to it, when he finally picked the book up he was compelled to read it. He read through the night and with tears running down his cheek he read: 2 Nephi 25:26, " And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophets, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."
After reading this verse Nicholas Ofonsu-Hene felt the spirit so strongly that he started to sob. He realized that in the course of reading the Book of Mormon he received several spiritual promptings that this book was scripture, and was the most correct book he had ever read. Nicholas and his family joined the Church after the "Freeze" had ended, he was later promoted to Police Commander and was made President of the Tamale Ghana District of the Church. He later said that "The Church has transformed my life...I think the Almighty God for leading me into this gospel." And it all started with a book.
In Elder Jeffrey R. Hollands General Conference Talk, "Safety for the Soul," he testified that, "The Book of Mormon is one of the Lord's powerful keystones in this counteroffensive against latter-day ills, [it] begins with a great parable of life, an extended allegory of hope versus fear, of light versus darkness, of salvation versus destruction... Love. Healing. Help. Hope. The powers of Christ to counter all troubles in all times- including the end of times. That is the safe harbor God wants for us in personal or public days of despair. That is the message with which the Book of Mormon begins, and that is the message with which it ends, calling all to "come unto Christ, and be perfected in him."
Bishop Green has asked each of us to read the Book of Mormon as a Ward within the next 70 days. He reminded us this morning in Sacrement Meeting that there is indeed "Power in the Book," and that reading it and abiding by its precepts are life changing.
Monday, January 11, 2016
January 10 Lesson Recap
Links to Lesson -
Recap
President Hunter was born in Boise, Idaho in 1907, but moved to Southern California in 1928. In the Los Angeles area he not only found a career, but also met his sweetheart and had extensive opportunities to serve in the church. He would call the LA area home for more than 30 years before being called to be a member of the Quorum of the Twelve in 1959.
During his career in Southern California, he was a successful lawyer. He was known for his integrity, precise thinking, clear communications, and sense of fairness. He was also known as a “people lawyer”—someone who “always seemed to have time and the interest to help people with their problems.” One attorney said that Howard “was much more concerned about seeing that people got the help they needed than that he got compensated for it.”
Some of the church projects and initiatives that he was involved with -
- As Stake president, he felt strongly about Family Home Evening and encouraged his stake members to abide by setting aside Monday nights for FHE
- As Stake president, met with Quorum of the Twelve to discuss establishing an early morning seminary program - Sister Pat Neser commented that she was actually a member of the first early morning seminary class in Los Angeles.
- Encouraged his stake members to contribute generously to building the Los Angeles temple (more than $1.5 million was raised in six months)
- Served as president of the church's genealogical society for eight years
- President and Chairman of the Board of the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaii - became one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hawaii under his leadership
- Oversaw planning and construction of the BYU Jerusalem Center
Some of his teachings about Christ (from Lesson 1) - A prominent theme in President Howard W. Hunter’s teachings is that true peace, healing, and happiness come only as a person strives to know and follow Jesus Christ. President Hunter taught that “Christ’s way is not only the right way, but ultimately the only way to hope and joy.”
"We must know Christ better than we know Him and remember Him more often than we remember Him."
Sunday, March 1, 2015
MARCH Enrichment Meeting
March 18 at 7:00 p.m. at Woodland Hills Building
This month we'll be having two options for Enrichment Night and yep, you'll have to choose as both will happen at the same time on the same night.
1) Financial Resources! It's that tax time of the year, so we thought it would be a good time to talk finances! Sister and Bishop Cowley from the Tarzana Ward will speak about managing financial resources (aka, budgeting ... but we don't like that word so much!).
2) General Conference Preparation - Want to get the most (or just more) out of watching General Conference? We'll have ideas for watching with young kids as well as your own personal prep (hey, I like to color too!!!)
If you'd like bring a treat/snack to share - the theme for the month is Easter. Maybe you've seen something on Pinterest that you want to try out before you take it to the family Easter gathering? This is the perfect time - make it, share it and find out if it is really as good as it looks! Here's a site with some examples:
EASTER TREAT IDEAS!
BABYSITTING?? Will you need a sitter for the evening?? We plan to provide babysitting, but would like to know what the need is so that we can plan ahead with sitters for the evening. So, if your child (or children) will need babysitting, please email Kristina and let her know!
March 18 at 7:00 p.m. at Woodland Hills Building
This month we'll be having two options for Enrichment Night and yep, you'll have to choose as both will happen at the same time on the same night.
1) Financial Resources! It's that tax time of the year, so we thought it would be a good time to talk finances! Sister and Bishop Cowley from the Tarzana Ward will speak about managing financial resources (aka, budgeting ... but we don't like that word so much!).
2) General Conference Preparation - Want to get the most (or just more) out of watching General Conference? We'll have ideas for watching with young kids as well as your own personal prep (hey, I like to color too!!!)
If you'd like bring a treat/snack to share - the theme for the month is Easter. Maybe you've seen something on Pinterest that you want to try out before you take it to the family Easter gathering? This is the perfect time - make it, share it and find out if it is really as good as it looks! Here's a site with some examples:
EASTER TREAT IDEAS!
BABYSITTING?? Will you need a sitter for the evening?? We plan to provide babysitting, but would like to know what the need is so that we can plan ahead with sitters for the evening. So, if your child (or children) will need babysitting, please email Kristina and let her know!
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Enrichment Meeting
January 21 at 7:00 p.m. and Woodland Hills Building
This month we'll be creating personal "vision" boards - bring a poster board, some magazines and glue (we'll have a few of all of the above if you forget or have trouble getting to a store before the meeting).
Creating a vision board can be a useful tool to help you conceptualize your goals and can serve as a source of motivation as you work towards achieving your dreams.
January 21 at 7:00 p.m. and Woodland Hills Building
This month we'll be creating personal "vision" boards - bring a poster board, some magazines and glue (we'll have a few of all of the above if you forget or have trouble getting to a store before the meeting).
Creating a vision board can be a useful tool to help you conceptualize your goals and can serve as a source of motivation as you work towards achieving your dreams.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Hi All!
Wanted to make sure that everyone was aware of and had the opportunity to sign up for a couple of things happening this week and next –
Wanted to make sure that everyone was aware of and had the opportunity to sign up for a couple of things happening this week and next –
1) Bishop’s Storehouse – we still need
two volunteers to serve at the Bishop’s Storehouse this Thursday, September 11
from 2:45 to 5:30. Volunteers need to wear close-toed shoes. I know it is a not
the most ideal time, but please sign up if you’re schedule is open – people who
have served say it is a lot of fun and very rewarding experience
2) Enrichment Night! September, 17 from
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This is will be a very fun evening and we hope everyone
can come. Four things to sign up for and/or participate in –
a. Halloween Decoration/Banner – cost
is $15 and if you plan to make, please bring pinking shears, craft scissors, an
iron, and a glue gun (we’ll have a few, but please bring if you have these
things)
b. Halloween Treats - Seen something on
pinterest that you want to try before you make it for the BIG NIGHT!? Here's
your chance to try it out and share the results (good or bad, let us be your
guinea pigs)!
Here's a site with an example:
http://www.myeasyrecipes.net/best-20-halloween-treats-ideas/halloween-healthy-snack
And some more ideas -
http://www.myeasyrecipes.net/best-20-halloween-treats-ideas
Here's a site with an example:
http://www.myeasyrecipes.net/best-20-halloween-treats-ideas/halloween-healthy-snack
And some more ideas -
http://www.myeasyrecipes.net/best-20-halloween-treats-ideas
c. Missionary Care Package – We’ll be
putting together a Help support the missionaries in our ward by bringing items
for a care package - we will also have supplies to write notes and letters to
our missionaries:
-
Elder
Braiden Green
-
Sister
Jasmine Zamani
-
Elder
Nathanuel Davis
-
Elder
John & Sister Caroline Viernes
What can we bring for a care package? Here is a site that has some GREAT ideas (note – not specific to LDS missionaries):
http://amanda47.blogs.com/following_an_unknown_path/2007/06/care-packages.html
What's NOT a good idea - items that are HEAVY in weight and quickly perishable or that will MELT.
What can we bring for a care package? Here is a site that has some GREAT ideas (note – not specific to LDS missionaries):
http://amanda47.blogs.com/following_an_unknown_path/2007/06/care-packages.html
What's NOT a good idea - items that are HEAVY in weight and quickly perishable or that will MELT.
d. BABYSITTING!! Will you need a sitter
for the evening – we plan to provide babysitting, but would like to know what
the need is so that we can plan ahead with sitters for the evening. So, if your
child (or children) will need babysitting, please sign up!
Use the button in the upper right to sign up or use the following link - they'll both take you to the same page!
Woodland Hills Relief Society Sign-Up Page
Woodland Hills Relief Society Sign-Up Page
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Relief Society Sisters - our Relief Society lesson this week will be #17 in the Joseph Fielding Smith Manual - Sealing Power and Temple Blessings and will be given by Sue Graff. (We've switched the schedule a little from your printed schedule - we will have a conference talk next week and the bishop will teach on the fifth Sunday).
https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-joseph-fielding-smith/chapter-17-sealing-power-and-temple-blessings?lang=eng
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Faith, Covenants, and Personal Revelation
based on "Conversations" with Elder and Sister Bednar
Our lesson on Sunday, August 3 was based on excerpts of an episode from an audio program on The Mormon Channel called "Conversations." The episode the lesson was based on is an interview with Elder and Sister Bednar that was conducted by Sheri Dew. The excerpts below are elements of doctrine that Elder Bednar, and in some cases Sister Bednar, talked about during the interview. We shared and discussed these during the lesson. The link to the full audio is above. If you haven't yet listened, it is a great interview!
Joseph Smith taught that faith is a principle of action and of power in all human beings.
based on "Conversations" with Elder and Sister Bednar
Our lesson on Sunday, August 3 was based on excerpts of an episode from an audio program on The Mormon Channel called "Conversations." The episode the lesson was based on is an interview with Elder and Sister Bednar that was conducted by Sheri Dew. The excerpts below are elements of doctrine that Elder Bednar, and in some cases Sister Bednar, talked about during the interview. We shared and discussed these during the lesson. The link to the full audio is above. If you haven't yet listened, it is a great interview!
Joseph Smith taught that faith is a principle of action and of power in all human beings.
When we act in accordance with correct principles, we are then taught by the Holy Ghost. The teacher is never a man or a woman, teacher is the Holy Ghost.
When we act in accordance with truth, we get it for ourselves.
Acting in accordance with truth > receiving witness from Holy Ghost > Touches our heart
This is what moves us from intellectual knowledge in our mind to spiritual conviction in our heart.
Not enough to know it in your mind, you need to have a spiritual conviction in the heart to stand in the midst of adversity that we now experience and will yet experience.
"If I thought we had to execute this transition relying on our own experience, then I would be terrified. But we will have help from heaven. No, I'm not scared.
You have to take a step into the darkness, anticipating that the light will move. Most of us would like the light to light the pathway. Take the step and then the light moves. (Elder Bednar's comment to a colleague who asked if he was scared on the evening before Ricks College became BYU-Idaho. Elder Bednar was then President of Ricks College and oversaw the transition from a two-year college to a four-year university)
Sometimes we talk and act like recognizing the Holy Ghost in our lives is the rare and exceptional event. Remember that the covenant promise is that we may always have His spirit to be with us.
Covenants help us access the power of the Savior's atonement. In covenants we use our agency to accept the terms and conditions of agency as they have been established by God. We give to God the only thing we can give. Not my will, but thine. Only then do we have access to the full power.
Learning how to receive personal revelation comes when we are acting and moving, not when we are being acted upon or sitting and waiting.
D&C - Oliver Cowdery is directed to meet Joseph Smith. Section 6 - intended to help Oliver understand he had been receiving revelation and didn't know it.
Sometimes we think revelation is before the fact, but Nephi went back to Jerusalem, to obtain the plates of brass, not knowing why.
Action first - revelation when we go.
Sacrament meeting. We covenant to Mourn with those that mourn, etc. During Sacrament meeting, Sister Bednar said that she thinks about the Savior, and asks that the spirit help her identify someone who needs help - maybe just a smile or a note, etc. She said the Spirit helps you recognize someone, then she will write down the name and sometimes take it home, etc.
Revelation comes as a conclusion, not as an explanation. We want to attach a reason to an impression. There is rarely a why, there is always a what.
To the degree that we respond to impressions, the capacity to receive revelation is increased. To the degree that we do not act upon that impression, our capacity is decreased. And if we don't respond to those simple, obvious promptings, then we won't be able to.
Revelation comes most clearly when it moves us to help others. This shows how eager our Father is to help his children.
Friday, August 1, 2014
My Heart is Telling Me by Annaliese Enderle
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." Prov. 23:7
I was visiting my old ward for fast and testimony meeting;
my heart was bursting as I told the following story:
Our house was a mess, and it was time to clean! I
told my five
year old son, James, that he needed to help me clean. He told
me he didn't like to clean. I told him that I didn't like to clean,
either (that's why it was a mess!), but that we all needed to
help out. He started giving me some attitude, so I told him to
go to his room and that he could come out when he was
ready to help. He stomped off, and I started cleaning.
About two minutes later, James returned, looked at me, and
said, "I'm going to help you clean. Do you know why?
I rolled my eyes and asked, "No, why?"
He said, "Well, my brain is telling me that I don't like to clean,
but my heart is telling me I should anyway."
I explained to him that was what choosing the right felt like.
Sometimes in life we have to do what our heart tells us to do
instead of what our brain is telling us to do.
The next Sunday a dear friend pulled me aside and told me
of some unfortunate events that had occurred in their home.
Over the previous week, one of their children had become
suicidal. At one breaking moment, the mother told her
daughter they both needed to pray. Each went to her room
and prayed. The daughter returned a few minutes later and
the mother asked her how she felt. With tears in her eyes,
she told her mother that all she could think about was what I
had said in testimony. She said, "My brain is telling me that I
don't want to live, but my heart is telling me I should
anyway.
I cried at the thought that a simple story could have such
impact on a struggling teenager. I am happy that the Spirit
prompted me to tell that little story, and I'm even happier
that she was listening.
(Story from Chicken Soup for the Latter Day Saint Soul)
I was visiting my old ward for fast and testimony meeting;
my heart was bursting as I told the following story:
Our house was a mess, and it was time to clean! I
told my five
year old son, James, that he needed to help me clean. He told
me he didn't like to clean. I told him that I didn't like to clean,
either (that's why it was a mess!), but that we all needed to
help out. He started giving me some attitude, so I told him to
go to his room and that he could come out when he was
ready to help. He stomped off, and I started cleaning.
About two minutes later, James returned, looked at me, and
said, "I'm going to help you clean. Do you know why?
I rolled my eyes and asked, "No, why?"
He said, "Well, my brain is telling me that I don't like to clean,
but my heart is telling me I should anyway."
I explained to him that was what choosing the right felt like.
Sometimes in life we have to do what our heart tells us to do
instead of what our brain is telling us to do.
The next Sunday a dear friend pulled me aside and told me
of some unfortunate events that had occurred in their home.
Over the previous week, one of their children had become
suicidal. At one breaking moment, the mother told her
daughter they both needed to pray. Each went to her room
and prayed. The daughter returned a few minutes later and
the mother asked her how she felt. With tears in her eyes,
she told her mother that all she could think about was what I
had said in testimony. She said, "My brain is telling me that I
don't want to live, but my heart is telling me I should
anyway.
I cried at the thought that a simple story could have such
impact on a struggling teenager. I am happy that the Spirit
prompted me to tell that little story, and I'm even happier
that she was listening.
(Story from Chicken Soup for the Latter Day Saint Soul)
Pumpkin Dump Cake (Hazel's Pioneer Day winning Cake)

Ingredients
15 ounce can pumpkin puree
10 ounces evaporated milk
1 cup brown sugar
3 eggs
3 teaspoons pumpkin spice
1/2 cup butter (melted)
1 cup graham crackers (crushed)
1/2 cup toffee pieces (I used Heath Bar Pieces)
1 yellow cake mix
10 ounces evaporated milk
1 cup brown sugar
3 eggs
3 teaspoons pumpkin spice
1/2 cup butter (melted)
1 cup graham crackers (crushed)
1/2 cup toffee pieces (I used Heath Bar Pieces)
1 yellow cake mix
Directions:
Preheat to 350
Spray 9x13" baking pan with cooking spray.
Combine pumpkin, milk, sugar, eggs and pumpkin spice. Stir to combine.
Pour into prepared pan, and sprinkle with cake mix, followed by the graham crackers and toffee.
Pour melted butter evenly on top.
Bake 45-50 mins until center is set and edges are browned.
Preheat to 350
Spray 9x13" baking pan with cooking spray.
Combine pumpkin, milk, sugar, eggs and pumpkin spice. Stir to combine.
Pour into prepared pan, and sprinkle with cake mix, followed by the graham crackers and toffee.
Pour melted butter evenly on top.
Bake 45-50 mins until center is set and edges are browned.
Serve with ice cream of whipping cream.
(The original recipe calls for 1 cup of butter, but Hazel only used 1/2)
Here is a video if you need a visual
Quotes
Refuse to lower your standards to accommodate those who refuse
to raise theirs.
-Mandy Hale
What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters
compared to what lies within us. And when you bring what
is within out into the world, Miracles happen.
-Henry David Thoreau
I don't care what you think about me, I don't think about you
at all.
-Coco Chanel
To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable
because God had forgiven the inexcusable in you.
-C.S. Lewis
Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem,
smarter than you think, and twice as beautiful as you ever imagined.
to raise theirs.
-Mandy Hale
What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters
compared to what lies within us. And when you bring what
is within out into the world, Miracles happen.
-Henry David Thoreau
I don't care what you think about me, I don't think about you
at all.
-Coco Chanel
To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable
because God had forgiven the inexcusable in you.
-C.S. Lewis
Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem,
smarter than you think, and twice as beautiful as you ever imagined.
Friday, July 25, 2014
Linger Longer This Sunday
We are planning a Linger Longer after church this Sunday, 7/27 (so sorry for the late notice!!) to say thanks and goodbye to both the Tippetts family as well as the outgoing Relief Society Presidency. This will be the Tippetts last Sunday before they move out of our ward (we will miss them sooo much!!).
We're using VolunteerSpot to help us organize the sign-ups. Please click the link below to learn more and sign up to to bring some goodies for the pot-luck. Thanks for helping us express our love and appreciation to both the Tippetts and the outgoing Relief Society.
If you have questions, you can contact Shirley Maney at 818-710-0905.
We're using VolunteerSpot to help us organize the sign-ups. Please click the link below to learn more and sign up to to bring some goodies for the pot-luck. Thanks for helping us express our love and appreciation to both the Tippetts and the outgoing Relief Society.
If you have questions, you can contact Shirley Maney at 818-710-0905.
Kristina Ferrin,
Relief Society Pres.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Lularoe Pop Up Shop hosted by Natasha Rezai
This is going to be from 1 to 3 pm on Saturday, July 26th. The owner of Lularoe is a member of the church so these clothes will be modest as well as stylish. Please bring cash or check.
Friday, July 18, 2014
Seminary Registration Time
To parents of all Seminary-age students:
It is Seminary Registration time! The Church has implemented a new on-line registration system and all parents are being asked to sign up their students right away. It would be very helpful for our incredible teachers to have an idea of how many incoming students they should be preparing for, so please take a few minutes to register your child at seminary.lds.org.
If you have any difficulties with this process or if you require any additional information, I can be reached at ddcollett@yahoo.com or (818) 451-3805.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter,
Debra Collett
Stake Seminary Supervisor
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Single Adult Pot Luck
DON'T FORGET
ITS MONDAY
SINGLE ADULT FAMILY HOME EVENING
IS
MONDAY 21 JUNE 2014
AT
6:30 PM
IT'S
AT
RN & JS JORGENSEN RESIDENCE
23147 CALFIA STREET
WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91367
VIEWING
THE JOSEPH SMITH PAPERS
EPISODE 14 LUCY MACK SMITH, JOSEPH'S
FIRST BIOGRAPHER
COUPLES ARE WELCOME
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