March 2014
I hope you enjoy these few words of encouragement from one of my most favourite apostles, Boyd K Packer.
He quotes the apostle Paul, as Paul described ‘our day’ in these words. “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.”
President Packer said that “For many it may be quite disturbing, even discouraging. Nevertheless, when I think of the future, I am overwhelmed with feelings of positive optimism.” So why is he so positive in a world full of turmoil? He says “The scriptures hold the keys to spiritual protection. They contain the doctrine and laws and ordinances that will bring each child of God to a testimony of Jesus Christ as the Saviour and Redeemer. They teach us where to go and what to do.”
So let’s you and I set to and begin reading the Book of Mormon so that we can read it twice this year. Let us also read our assignments for the Old Testament and our Relief Society lessons, so that we too can be filled with optimism knowing that God loves us and watches over us always.
As we come to understand that Jesus Christ is the Light of the World, we will increase our faith in Him and become a light to others. Christ testified of His role as “the true light that lighteth every man [and woman] that cometh into the world” (D&C 93:2) and asked that we “hold up [His] light that it may shine unto the world” (3 Nephi 18:24).
Our prophets have also testified of the Light of Christ. President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, said: “Each time you choose to try to live more like the Savior, you will have your testimony strengthened. You will come in time to know for yourself that He is the Light of the World. … You will reflect to others the Light of Christ in your life.”
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said of our being a light to the world: “We need to protect our families and be at the forefront together with all people of goodwill in doing everything we can to preserve light, hope, and morality in our communities.”
From the Scriptures
John 8:12; Doctrine and Covenants 50:24; 115:5
"In ancient days the balm of Gilead was an aromatic spice used to heal and soothe. Made from a bush or a tree that grew plentifully around Gilead, it was a popularly traded commodity, always in high demand... In Relief Society we hold constant the virtues relating to women, mothers, families, and righteous living. At peace with this God-defined direction, Relief Society sisters can bring this balm of Gilead to troubled times. We have the spiritual resources of faith, hope, and compassion to apply as the balm..."
"My sisters of Relief Society, we are the bearers of the balm of Gilead. May your Relief Society sisterhood soothe and bless you. May you know how I support you in all you do for and with your families. May you feel the ameliorating influence, the balm of Relief Society."
~ELAINE L. JACK "Relief Society: A Balm in Gilead"
News Release — 7 February 2014
The Church announced changes in their organizations that will help meet the global needs of women and girls ages 8 and older:
1 - The newly-formed Young Women general board now has 5 members who live outside of Utah (Africa, Brazil, Japan, Peru, and New York) and 4 from the Wasatch Front.
2 - The Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary leadership training seminars previously held in the Spring in Salt Lake will now become online training available for Latter-day Saint women leaders around the world in multiple languages. The training will now take place after general conference so it can focus on the priorities and the words of our prophets at general conference.
3 - (As announced previously) the Church will hold a twice-yearly general women’s meeting rather than two separate annual meetings for women and young women. This meeting will include girls ages 8 and over.
Mini Omelette Muffins
Ingredients:
12 eggs, beaten & seasoned with salt and pepper
Mix-ins:
Diced ham, bacon, green onions, red bell peppers, mushrooms, shredded cheddar cheese or your choice.
Method:
Preheat oven to 180C. Line muffin tins with cupcake papers & spray with cooking spray. Break all eggs in a bowl & whisk until well combined. Set aside.
Fill muffin tins with mix-ins of your choosing starting with meat & finishing with cheese then fill the tins with the eggs. The muffins will puff up a little when you bake them so make sure you leave a little space at the top of each cup. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until you can poke them in the centres with a knife & it comes out clean (or almost clean). Cool completely & store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use. Simply warm in the microwave for a quick ‘breakfast on the go’.
8th 3-5pm STAKE CONFERENCE Priesthood Session - Mandurah Chapel
6-8pm STAKE CONFERENCE Adult Session - Mandurah Chapel
9th 10-12pm STAKE CONFERENCE Session - Mandurah Performing Arts Centre
22nd Relief Society 172nd Birthday, Cottesloe Beach, departing chapel @ 8:15am to get a nice spot. Carpooling, $5/person for fuel. Bring a plate to share.
25th 12pm, Friendship luncheon @ Sis. Lee’s home (PM for address)
27th Relief Society Sister’s Temple trip, Departing 9:45am for 11:30am session
2nd Presidency Inspired Topic
9th STAKE CONFERENCE
30th Combined Relief Society/Priesthood
Trivia
(Answers below)
Find us on Facebook:
(note: our group is now a closed group for our safety. If you're not yet a member, you can request (or have a friend request) to add you.
Get more information on our blog:
http://RockinghamRS.blogspot.com.au
Trivia Answers
Trivia Answers
1. The Television—invented by Philo T. Farnsworth
2. Telestial
3. Mount Rushmore
4th Sundays - Teachings for Our Time - Taken from Conference Talks April 2014 General Conference.
