Sharon Larsen - Winchester Hills 1st Ward

The blessings have come to me in “the search” for the right conference talk.  The searching has been the blessing.  I have listened to most of them at least 3-4 times; I love to do that first thing in the morning when I am getting ready for the day. 

One of the blessings is that it has put good thoughts in my mind at the break of a new day.   When my mind is busy with the list of things that I want to accomplish that day, what the weather is like and how to dress, what responsibilities I have……it is a wonderful “brain break” to ponder the words of God instead.

Another blessing is the deep introspection of how each talk applies to me and in the measurement of my own progress as a disciple of Christ.  Lots of reflection.  Lots of time to ponder how I’m doing with each principle and to correct my steps.  And sometimes, to feel the satisfaction of recognizing my tight grip on the iron rod and my movement in the right direction that is pleasing to God. 

I have a testimony of the love of our Heavenly Father and the atoning sacrifice of His son.  I have a testimony of knowing that our Stake leaders can guide us in those special ways that are unique to our neighborhoods and circumstances.  God knows me.  He knows us.  And for that I am most grateful and want to do my part to build Zion where I stand.

Name Withheld

When the Relief Society Zion Challenge to study a conference talk began, I was really excited because I like things like this. The conference talk I chose to focus and study was Elder Juan A. Uceda’s October 2016 conference talk, The Lord Jesus Christ Teaches Us to Pray.  As I read the talk and really pondered his words, the message of his talk for me became clear. I recognized similar experiences in my life and I knew that sorrow that comes from not recognizing and obeying the voice of the Spirit even when I had prayed for protection that same morning. I felt the same resolve to improve and studied on how I would follow this counsel.

Then shortly after that, I re-read and began to study Bishop Dean M. Davies conference talk The Blessings of Worship. I loved the example he shared of humble people who came to church, not out of duty but to truly worship, who were truly having an extra ordinary experience. I knew that I too could   improve in my worship, not only on the Sabbath but in every day. I thought on times when I had had extra ordinary experiences and I desired to have them more often in my worshipping, making note of what I would do to help this happen.

Well a couple of weeks went by and I felt strongly pulled to Elder D. Todd Christopherson’s conference talk, Abide In My Love. I was so moved when he said, to abide in God’s love means to submit fully to His will, to accept His correction when needed, to love and serve one another as Jesus has loved and served us. “Will ye not now return unto me and repent of your sins and be converted that I may heal you?”  The part where he said, “That I may heal you” really stood out to me as sometimes I feel bruised, broken or worn out. And I contemplated on the importance of humility and repentance in my life and the healing balm repentance has been and continues to be for me.

Then I began to think, I am messing this challenge up. I need to stick to one talk and really focus on it and complete the challenge. But then I began to understand that I am learning to truly personalize these conference talks and apply them to ME! They no longer are a mere part of my to-do list of required reading. These talks are becoming a part of me!

You see, in the past I have always listened to conference and even taken notes, knowing that in the following week I will be able to read the conference addresses when they become available on lds.org.  Then I will listen to them again throughout the coming months. I will play them on my device when I am getting ready in the mornings, or when I am in my car during my drive to town. I enjoy the positive, uplifting messages and the feelings of peace. But the thing is, I was listening to them but I am not sure I was really hearing and understanding their message for me, on a personal level. It’s kind of like a duck in the rain, water is raining down on the duck but the duck isn’t really getting wet. I thought I was doing a good job but through this experience of learning to personalize these modern-day revelations from God’s chosen leaders and let the Spirit teach me what the messages are for me, and what I need to understand for personal growth, I have begun asking myself questions like; what do I need do, or maybe do differently, or do more of or less of and then journaling a few of my thoughts as I feel new understanding and personal revelation begins to flow inside me. I have truly gained from this challenge. I have learned that merely dialing up and listening to a conference talk is not enough for me anymore.  It can be so much more.

Follow Up to Previous Post

Emilee Bunker - Winchester Hills 2nd Ward

I want to share a "tender mercy" that has come as a result of my desire to improve my observance of the Sabbath. As part of that I have been trying each Sunday to devote time to look on Family Search for a family name(s) to take to the Temple.  I am a total novice but have tried to follow advice to search for "cousins" through descendency etc.  Each week has come & gone without finding anyone. My solace was that "at least I'm trying." 

Yesterday I received an email from Family Search stating, "We found an ancestor for you to take on your next temple trip."  An unexpected miracle!!!  It made me cry.  Our Father in Heaven is so generous to bless us for our efforts - even when we don't have the knowledge, experience or expertise. He opens a window and pours out a blessing!  I KNOW that He is in the details of our lives.  He lives and loves us!     

Jodie Herpel - Pine Valley Branch

I have a health issue that does not allow me to go to Church every week. About four years ago I started reading my Scriptures every single day. I even read the Bible for the first time in my life and I am 55 years old. I have had many struggles in my life and I have never felt such peace through it all. I am extremely prayerful, I always have been- even when I wasn’t exactly doing what was right in my youth. I feel like I have a very personal relationship with my Savior and I know that when he comes I will recognize him without a doubt.

Recently I have added The Seminary Manuel to my Scripture Reading. I read the Book of  Mormon, just one chapter, then I read the same scripture reference in The Seminary Manuel. I am not a person who can relate to you what I have just read, but I know the things that I am reading are true and are for our use today, with the trials  that we have now. I feel so much comfort and peace daily it is hard to explain in words.

President Ivie was at my house once visiting and he said not to worry if I cannot make it to Church every week because the Spirit in my home is so evident. He also told me to bare my Testimony when I can.

I have been blessed with happiness and love for everyone. I can say now that I also love the Word of God.

I pray for the Holy Ghost to be with me daily and now that I have added Scripture Study to my routine, I can honestly say that the Holy Ghost is my constant companion. I feel like I have been born again and I now have that light that many have been searching for forever.

I cannot say that I Never have temptations, but...I do not have the same temptations I have always had in the past. I feel so close to my Heavenly Father. I love Him and I want to become more like him.

I say these things, Humbly, in the Name of My Savior, Jesus Christ

Allison Stingley - Dammeron Valley Ward

Subject: Personal Improvement

I am thankful for this program that the Stake put together, that we may become a Zion people, in following the counsel of our Stake President, President Stucki.

Several articles from our last General Conference have helped me become closer to Christ. Videos on lds.org  have been so inspirational. "Personal Witness" is a beautiful and inspiring video that touched my heart. You can find it and many more under "media".
Journal writing seems so time consuming to me, but since we've started this "journey" I have learned so much, and have so many ideas of how I may improve, I now look forward to writing these important and life-changing experiences.

Thank you so much for this opportunity to strive to become more pure in heart and closer to our Savior.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Name Withheld

In our recent Branch Council it was mentioned that a recently baptized couple reported they didn't intend to attend church meetings and it wasn't until a fellow priesthood holder repeatedly asked them, (I think it was 10 times) did they finally agree to come to church.  There's a message in there for us all. If we always act the part, we will be able to help the missionaries bring the Gospel to many many more people. It inspired me to be aware of those around me in a new way and include all my acquaintances as friends who could benefit from the Doctrines of our Gospel.

I am so grateful for my testimony of the Truth of the Gospel, of the Leaders of our individual and collective units, as well as all the blessings we share with family, and friends, and for Christ's atoning sacrifice for us.  What great things to live with!.

Follow Up to Previous Post

Deonna Burnett - Diamond Valley 1 Ward  

I have been working on learning how to be more worshipful of our Lord now, for almost 3 months.  Not every Sunday has been a perfect time of worship.  There are many distractions on some Sundays.  But I am doing better than I have ever done before.  I am discovering that my heart is more tender and loving, not only towards our Savior, but towards other people as well.  I have found that when I am reading scriptures that describes what my Savior went through for me, as in Mosiah 14, my heart is filled with more and more gratitude, which brings the spirit even more.  These are special times for me.  The scripture that really hit me this time was in Mosiah 14 verse 12 “because he hath poured out his soul unto death.”  That line in that verse brought into my mind a strong visual of what happened for me in the Garden of Gethsemane.  My desire then, was to praise Him and try to show my gratitude in some meaningful way, which then causes me to be more worshipful of Him as I go to church or the temple. 

Elder Holland described the cycle more perfectly on his recent Face to Face with the youth.  During this Face to Face time they talked about the Atonement and Elder Holland read the scripture Moroni 8: 26, which says And the remission of sins (or the Atonement) bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart (or gratitude), and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love… 

I love my Savior, and I am so grateful for what he did for me.  The more I feel the cleansing effect of the Holy Ghost, the more I want.

 I am thankful for the wonderful sisters who have shared their testimonies of light and truth.  They have lifted me.  I can see Zion growing as each one of us shares our light of testimony with one another.  

Linda Brimhall - Dammeron Valley Ward

I love to read anything that has to do with our church history. It has been my passion for many years. In addition, I love to read the different histories of women in the Church. Never before in our church history has there been more research done and more books written about women in the Church as there is today, and more will be published over the next several years. In my opinion, the time is long overdue to publicly honor more women of the Church who have helped shape our history. The resources and literature available today are marvelous!

My personal goal for our Stake project is not taken from the General Conference talks, but rather from the newly published book - The First Fifty Years of Relief Society – all 689 pages! This book is not solely about Relief Society. It is also about:

            Personal struggles of women who settled the Great Salt Lake Valley

            Their contributions to the survival of the Church after they settled in Utah

            Their desire to remain faithful even in the face of horrendous adversity

            Their purpose for defending the practice of plural marriage

            Their accomplishments in pursuit of religious freedom

            Their success in their fight for women’s right to vote

            Their efforts to be holy women, undefiled by the world’s influences

            Their ability to become self-reliant in business affairs

            Their pursuit for higher education and obtaining degrees in all academic

                        disciplines

            Their commitment to follow the prophet at all costs

My goal is to finish reading the book before April 20. I am almost done.

As I read:

 I am looking for ways in how I can assist my fellow sisters make and keep sacred

            covenants through the examples of our sisters in the past.

I am looking for ways in how I can help our sisters live up to their divine

            potential

I am looking for ways to proclaim the Relief Society’s divine origins

I am looking for ways to share the tenacious fidelity of our Nauvoo roots

Lastly and more importantly, I am looking for ways to implement unity of purpose and a Zion society here in the St. George North Stake through the valiant examples of our pioneer sisterhood.

Melody Windover - Winchester 2 Hills Ward

After reading and listening to several if not all of the conference talks at least once sometimes several times over, I feel very “enlightened”.

When ever we receive counsel, especially from our living prophets and apostles, we are “enlightened” and in turn filled with the Spirit of God.  Over 22 years ago this month in 1995 my husband and I came through St. George on our honeymoon.  We were so intrigued by all the “Happy” people.  We watched them and observed them time and time again so happy, walking hand in hand. They looked so different from the people we were used to back East.  They looked different, they talked different, they dressed different. Different in a good way. We just couldn’t figure it out. And why were there so many churches. How did they get so many people to go to church? We had so many questions. Then on the last day here we visited the St. George Visitors Center. We wanted to see the big white church in the center of town. We then preceded to learn about the “Mormons”. We didn’t even know we were in “Mormon Country” We didn’t even know what “Mormons’ were.  They explained a little and gave us a pamphlet. Then we were “enlightened” again. We realized these people were “Happy” because of their church- their religion. We then went back to Maine and back to our lives. But we never forgot about the “Mormons”. We spoke so often about the “happy” people back in Utah. Eight years later we decided we wanted to buy a vacation/retirement home in Utah with the “happy” people.  After buying our home in Pine Valley, we were invited to church. By then we were Catholics (very active Catholics). After attending an real LDS church service we were again “enlightened”. I saw lights on the people in the church. We were even more curious about the Mormons now and learned all we could. We had the missionaries teach us for 10 years. Again each time we had the missionaries over we were “enlightened”. Until we finally moved to Utah in 2013 and joined the church in September of 2013. Again we were “enlightened” upon joining the church, being baptized and receiving the Holy Ghost. We were “enlightened” with each Sunday School lesson, each calling in the church.  We were again “enlightened” when we were endowed and sealed for all time and eternity in the St. George Temple in Nov. of 2014.  I have been “enlightened” with each trip to the Temple. Now, I am in my 2nd year of a church service mission right across from the Temple and the visitors center I visited 22 years ago. I serve at the Record Operations Center. We process the digital records from the Granite Mountain Vault in Salt Lake City and prepare then for indexing. I love it and learn new things every day. Why were the people so “happy” in St. George when we visited 22 years ago? They have been “enlightened” by the light of Christ. It was the light of Christ that I saw all those years ago. They are living the commandments, fulfilling their callings, attending the Temple. With each righteous choice they make they are being “enlightened” and growing and their light shines brighter.  The Light of Christ grows stronger when we do things that please Heavenly Father. Reading scriptures, praying, preparing for lessons, giving service etc. Our light shines brighter and we are happier.  Reading, praying and pondering these words from the conference have again “enlightened” me.

 Tomorrow on our 22^nd wedding anniversary, my husband and I will be working in the Baptistery at the St. George Temple as Temple workers,

22 years after we were visiting here as non members from Maine.

As I grow and learn in the gospel, my light grows as well.  I hope that I never stop growing in the gospel and my light is always getting brighter.

Follow Up to Previous Post

Nilah Judd - Winchester Hills 2nd Ward

Sister Oscarson mentioned several things in the Relief Society Broadcast that we “need” to do”.  I felt impressed to “act in doctrine”.

Originally I left the action steps blank hoping that you would fill them in and that I could learn from you, but then I decided that it was hypocritical of me not to “act in doctrine” first before expecting others to.

I do not know if the blog spot is interactive, but I would love to hear your ideas of how we can act in doctrine regarding the points that Sister Oscarson teaches. 

• We need women who have a bedrock understanding of the doctrine of Christ.  I will act in doctrine by studying the doctrine of Christ.
• We need women who can detect deception.  I will act in doctrine by praying for the gift of discernment and heeding promptings.
• We need women who know how to access the power that God makes available to covenant keepers. I will act in doctrine by implementing my part of covenants at the sacrament table and in the temple.
• We need women who have the courage and vision of Mother Eve.” I will act in doctrine by kindly speaking out on doctrine.
• We need to be girls and women who study the essential doctrines of the gospel and have an unshakable testimony of their truthfulness.  I will act in doctrine by searching out and acting upon discovered doctrine found in prophetic commentary and scripture.
• We need to acknowledge the centrality of God our Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, to our faith and salvation. I will act in doctrine by worshiping my Father and His Son.
• We need to study and understand His Atonement and how to apply it.   I will act in doctrine by paying greater attention to Atonement scriptures/talks and then repent.
• We need to see Jesus Christ as our primary role model and the example of who we need to become.  I will act in doctrine by studying Christ’s actions and patterning my life after His.
• We need to continually teach about our Father’s great plan of salvation, which includes the doctrine of Christ.  I will act in doctrine by giving greater emphasis to the Plan as I teach.
• We need to understand the need for the restoration of the doctrine, organization, and keys of authority. I will act in doctrine by studying the apostasy, reorganization of Christ’s Church and priesthood keys.
• We need to have a witness that the Prophet Joseph Smith was divinely chosen and appointed by the Lord to bring about this restoration and recognize that he organized the women of the Church after the organization that existed in Christ’s Church anciently.  I will act in doctrine by praying for knowledge of the divine appointments of all of God’s prophets and searching for how the women were organized in Christ’s day.
• We need to study and understand temple ordinances and covenants….” I will act in doctrine by seeking insight into temple ordinances and covenants and how better to keep them.
• Young women…need to see themselves as essential participants in the priesthood-directed work of salvation and not just as onlookers and supporters. I will act in doctrine by doing all that is asked of me by priesthood holders.
• All women need to see themselves as essential participants in the work of the priesthood….we  need to have a greater vision of what is possible.  I will act in doctrine by searching for priesthood solutions. 

 

After making my list, I checked Sister Oscarson’s recommendatons:

• repentance
• temple
• magnify callings
• gain testimony by reading or listening to the scriptures, praying daily, and partaking of the sacrament in a meaningful way
• encourage family home evening
• Marffissa Maldonado acted in doctrine p. 14
• Listen to the recent messages from our leaders
• a mother inoculated her children against negative influences p. 14
• Teach correct principles i.e.

1. preparing to be a mother is of utmost importance
2. education
3. marriage is defined as between a man and woman
4. gender issues and healthy sexuality
5. potential
6. become a woman of faith and courage

Hoping to hear back from you so that I can learn and grow from your goals.

Emilee Bunker - Winchester Hills 2nd Ward

Remember when we were encouraged to 'rethink and refocus our efforts on what we do on the Sabbath day?' (I believe it was in the summer of 2015).  Ever since then I have been taking "baby steps" to improve on not just my outward observance but my heartfelt commitment of the Lord's day. With the stake challenge to become a "Zion people" I have been more earnestly trying to apply the messages from three conference addresses - "The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holly", "The Blessings of Worship", and "Gratitude on the Sabbath Day".  

For my post today I will just reference the first talk by Elder Peter F. Meurs, p. 85. This talk first came to my attention in late Nov. when the two full-time Elders in our stake spoke in our ward.  They brought such a spirit to our Sacrament Meeting and both gave inspiring talks.  One shared some of the specifics of Elder Meurs message.  I went home and read it.  

He gives 5 suggestions in making our participation in the sacrament more sacred and meaningful. 1-. Prepare in Advance   2- Arrive Early  3-  Sing and Learn from the Words of the Sacrament Hymn  4- Spiritually Participate in the Sacrament Prayers  5-  Ponder and Remember Him as the Sacrament Emblems Are Passed .

 As I am striving to apply Elder Meurs counsel in each of these areas (with special emphasis on 4 & 5), my testimony and appreciation of the Savior has grown.  During the weeks I have noticed how it is getting easier to more quickly think of Him and remember the covenants I have made with Him when the turmoil in the world seeks to take center stage.  Focusing on Him removes fear and replaces it with faith.  The words of the sacrament prayers give us great assurances and promises as we keep our covenants with Him.  What a choice weekly blessing it is!

He asks these questions at the end of his message:

Q:  "What will I do this week to better prepare for the sacrament?"

Q:  "Could I contribute more to the reverence and revelation that can accompany the     

       beginning of Sacrament meeting?

Q:  "What doctrine was taught in the sacrament hymn?"

Q:  "What did I hear and feel as I listened to the sacrament prayers?"

Q:  "What did I think about as the sacrament was passed?"

I am thankful for President Stucki's challenge to each of us.  It is a blessing to be asked to become part of a Zion people right here in our own Stake.  One by one we contribute and add strength to each other as we focus on our Heavenly Father and the Savior and seek to put them FIRST in our lives.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen 

Emilee Bunker

Nihla Judd  - Winchester Hills 2nd Ward

Linda S. Reeves, in her conference address (October 2016) shared this doctrine: “Each accountable child of Heavenly Father needs repentance. Consider what sins we need to repent of. What is holding us back? In what ways do we need to improve?”

Surely, a Zion Stake needs repentance.

Sister Reeves’ grandchild’s words cemented my conviction as to why I need to repent: “Because They love me! In order to progress and become like Them, I need to repent. I also want the Spirit to be with me, so I need to repent daily to have His wonderful companionship. I will never be able to thank Them enough.”

Certainly, a Zion Stake has the spirit with them because of their repentance.

Taking Sister Reeve’s challenge to heart, I knelt daily to obtain specific impressions regarding that of which I needed to repent.

Repentance Project #1 came in a very interesting manner.  A family member and I were having a serious discussion about the challenging behavior of a young member of our family and how difficult it was to manage.  We cited examples, and then I expressed my feelings that I was learning a great deal via observation.  The family member with whom I was having the discussion pointed out that, on occasion, I exhibited the same type of behavior.   My patterned response would have been to become quiet – you know -  “the silent treatment”.  In a Spirit of retaliation, flaws in this particular family member flashed through my mind, and then whisperings pierced my heart: “This is the answer for which you prayed!  Don’t kill the messenger!”  I recalled President Kimball’s counsel: “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs.” (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/waiting-on-the-road-to-damascus?lang=eng - note7)  I knew that my prayer regarding areas in my life needing repentance was being answered through this individual. Without a trace of sarcasm, I calmly responded:  “Thank you!”  The eyes of my conversing partner grew wide.  Leaning toward me, the face was quizzical.   Repeating, I said, “Thank you.”  With shrugging shoulders and a shaking head, this person walked away.

I had heard the answer for which I had been praying.  I admitted the truth and vowed to call upon the powers of the Atonement to eliminate my flaw.

Sister Reeve’s words sank deep into my heart:  “…the unselfish and Christlike thing to do is to confess and repent. This is Heavenly Father’s great plan of redemption.”

We gain further insight from Sister Reeve’s other grandchildren:

·         “How do you feel when you repent?”  “You can feel Him; you can feel His warmness, and the bad feeling goes away.”

When I took accountability for my behavior, “the bad feeling” went away.  I call that an Atonement miracle.

·         “How do you feel about Jesus & Heavenly Father when you repent?” “I feel that Jesus feels it was worth it to do the Atonement, and He’s happy that we can live with Him again.”

I cannot imagine anything “is worth it to do the Atonement” – including me. I am inexpressively grateful that He atoned so that I can experience the refreshing purifying experience of repentance.  I do want to live with Him.

Sister Reeves went on to share: “…feelings of relief, peace, gratitude, love for our Savior, and a knowledge that the Lord was lifting…heavy burden[s] and carrying [me]…caused joy beyond expression…”

·         “Why do Jesus and Heavenly Father want me to repent?”  

 “…the greatest miracles in life are not the parting of the Red Sea, the moving of mountains, or even the healing of the body. The greatest miracle happens when we humbly approach our Father in Heaven in prayer, fervently plead to be forgiven, and then are cleansed of those sins through the atoning sacrifice of our Savior.”

Absolutely, by acting in doctrine, we can repent and be a St. George, Utah North Stake of Zion!

Doctrine and Covenants 90:34 Behold, I say unto you that your brethren in Zion begin to repent, and the angels rejoice over them.

Name Withheld

In the march 2017 ensign is this story... what a great story! A Sister and a brother in a foreign country wanted to attend church but their father always threw obstacles in their way so they wouldn't attend church. Through all the negative forces being stacked in front of them they still were able to attend church. The father eventually knowing whatever he tried wouldn't stop them from going to church he finally allowed them too. They both still had struggles but held onto the their faith knowing they would be blessed. I just recently had a experience. We had just got a unexpected payment we needed to make. I was stressing because we could be in the red if so. So I said a prayer asking for suggestion on how I could pay all my bills with this unexpected bill. I got assurance all would be ok but I really didn't know how. Then it came to me I was paying my tithing that I would be blessed. So I checked my account sure enough I was ok.  I only had a couple dollars in our account but it was all good. If we live right and we ask for help he will always help us! I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Follow Up to Previous Posts

Amy Baldwin - Dammeron Valley Ward

Rushing around Costco I had a time table and I was irritated with people because they were in my way. I was in the water bottle section trying to get around this older man's cart, the man was on oxygen. He had an electronic cart and was in the process of lifting water into his cart. I was contemplating on how to get around his cart. A polygamist women walked by him and asked, "Can I help you get some water into your cart?" I was chagrined and humbled that I did not ask him that question, I just wanted to get around him. I especially admired the way the polygamist went out of her comfort zone. Polygamist women are not to associate/talk to people outside of their faith. 

The man replied "no" to the woman and she walked on by. I repented and thought that the love and service I was trying to develop at home was not transferring into the community. So I asked him if he needed help. He replied no, and asked if he could help me! It reminded me of the talk by Elder Hales"Come Follow me" by Practicing Christian Love and Service. I need to be loving others around me, not just my family.