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.

Jeanelle Averett - Central Ward

I needed the challenge of making my prayers more sincere.  In my household, it is really hard to find a quiet, private, place to pray, and I find myself rushing my prayers so that I am not interrupted or getting up from my knees before I've given myself a chance to hear an answer.  After I selected this topic, I read the next lesson from the Gordon B. Hinckley manual for 2017, (How Mighty a Thing is Prayer) and it was really timely to read how President Hinckley addressed our Heavenly Father while he prayed and how positively impacted his children were to hear him pray.  I love my Heavenly Father and I want to do as President Stucki counseled for our stake to become a Zion people by starting with myself and then my family and outward from there.  What better way to start than with prayer.

Michelle DePrizio - Veyo Ward 

I recently read Elder Christopherson’s talk “Abide in My Love.”  I have felt to abide in the Savior’s love through temple attendance and its blessings.  I wanted to relate the following experiences that I have been blessed with through keeping the commandment of temple attendance.

It has only been in the past year or so that I have attended the temple regularly.  I have made a commitment to go on a weekly basis and have grown to love feeling the Spirit and participating in the great and saving work that goes on within these beautiful heavenly sanctuaries.  Many times I have felt the presence of angels, family members and the spirits of the beautiful sisters for whom I am receiving the ordinances by proxy.  I have also felt the sweet, loving, reassuring presence of Heavenly Father and our Savior.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve and my heart burns with a testimony of the covenants and promised blessings associated with temple ordinances.

Regular temple attendance has been a much needed life-changing experience for me.  As I have pondered on the wonderful Spirit I have felt there, I remember the Lord’s desire to “always have His spirit to be with us.”  I recognize and am grateful for this desire that the Lord has  – to always be with us- and not only to always be with us, but for us to be aware that He is with us, to feel His presence in our lives, which in turn increases our love for Him and our faith in Him.  He in turn fills us with His love and a desire to love and serve others as He loves and serves us.  With that in mind I am trying each day to “Take Time To Be Holy” (see beautiful lyrics of this song at the bottom of this post)

Through the simple act of having a personal devotional before going to bed each night, I have come to realize that I can have holy “temple” experiences within the walls of my own home.  My special place to experience these sacred moments is in my rocking chair in my bedroom.  I turn on a soft lamp and gospel-centered music on the Mormonchannel  (I love that app! J).  Then I begin writing in my gratitude journal.  This journal is more than just a recounting of things I am grateful for.  It involves looking back on my day with an open heart to feeling gratitude for the many experiences I have had.  I find that as I begin to think about all of the daily blessings that I receive from the Lord’s hand, my heart softens and expands, and my thoughts and emotions become centered on feeling gratitude for the things of greatest value.  These blessings most often relate to my interactions with family, friends or even “strangers” (who are in reality our brothers and sisters) that I had during the day.  It might also be gratitude for the beauties, both great and small, in nature that have come to my attention.  It might be the enjoyment of learning something new or having the eyes of my spiritual understanding opened.  It might be as simple as gratitude for the help I receive in problem-solving a computer glitch, or the taste of a really good grapefruit for breakfast.  It might be gratitude for a healthy body and the means to keep it functioning well.      

When I write in my gratitude journal, I can easily fill a page in just a few short minutes.  I find, however, that I like to take time and ponder as I write.  When I do this, the Lord pours His spirit out upon me.  He blesses my soul with feelings of love, and my mind with insights about many things that He desires me to know.  If there is something not right in my thoughts, actions or interactions with others that occurred that day that hasn’t been resolved, He brings it to my attention and helps me know how I can repent and reconcile and move forward with a clean heart and mind.  He speaks peace to my heart about things that are troubling me.  He brings joy to my heart and a smile to my face as He helps me remember the good things in my life.  He helps me to experience and understand and feel humble reverence and gratitude afresh for the very real effects and personal nature of His Atoning sacrifice for me.

Many times in the middle of writing and pondering I will feel the overwhelming desire to fall on my knees and offer up the feelings of my full heart to Father in Heaven.  I find that when I follow this prompting my prayers truly become expressions of loving reverence and gratitude and also a holy and intimate communion with Him.  I feel His loving arms envelop me.  This feeling is warm, comforting, loving, peaceful and very, very personal.  As I quietly listen, I hear His gentle reassuring and guiding words in my mind.  These beautiful moments of prayer help me to truly know and understand in a very real way that Heavenly Father knows me intimately, that our Savior knows me intimately.  And I am given an additional witness that Heavenly Father knows each one of us, His children, intimately.  It is an astoundingly sweet and beautiful reality to contemplate! 

When I rise from my knees I feel spiritually refreshed, uplifted and nourished.  Sometimes I will climb under the covers and just bask in the spiritual glow with a heart full of thanksgiving.  Other times I desire to write down thoughts and feeling that I have experienced, or I will feel prompted to organize the upcoming day, with the focus of prioritizing what the Lord most desires me to accomplish, which is always is about how to connect with and serve others.  Sometimes I am prompted to read the scriptures or other gospel-centered writings.  Right now I am reading the Discourses of President Gordon B. Hinkley Volume 1, which includes all of his general conference addresses from 1995-1999.  What a blessed experience to read his encouraging and hopeful words and to feel his good spirit and the mantle of his prophetic calling as I contemplate his inspiring messages and the accomplishments he was able to bring into fruition in moving the work of the Lord forward during his many years of devoted service!  I am reminded we all have our place and our work to do in Zion, and that Zion is built through the individual faithfulness and efforts of each and every one of us.  The Lord needs all of us in a very real and crucial way.    

I share these deeply personal experiences as my personal witness that Heavenly Father and the Savior love us.  They desire every one of us to experience these sweetly intimate spiritual moments with them.  As we take the time for quiet contemplation each day and open up our hearts they will come in and sup with us.  Oh, then what a spiritual feast we can enjoy through the Spirit!  I bear my witness that the Father and the Son desire us to know them, and to know that they are with us in every infirmity and struggle and challenge of life.  They are with us in the good times as well as in the hard times.  They send angels to attend us and to help us along our path in life and to fulfill our missions here on earth.  I am grateful for their infinite love and power to help us and to heal us!  I bear this witness in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.       

Take Time To Be Holy

1. Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
   Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
   Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
   Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
2. Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
   Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
   By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
   Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.
3. Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
   And run not before Him, whatever betide.
   In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
   And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.
4. Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
   Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
   Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
   Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above. 

Follow Up to Previous Post 

Amy Baldwin - Dammeron Valley Ward

On Valentine's day, I was sitting on the couch and I did not rush to my husband and throw my arms around him like had I planned to do every night and tell him that I loved him. I was in a bad mood and was complaining more than anything. He ended up throwing a box of luscious chocolate strawberries and said , “Happy Valentines Day” they were yummy and I shared them with him and my daughter later. Good thing we can start over on our plans. :)

Charity Smith - Winchester Hills 2 Ward

As a mother of seven small children I am often praying for patience. One day as I was speaking to the Lord about my children a thought came to my mind. " These are not my children they are His. They are only on loan and I should treat them as such. While rereading The Righteous Judge by Elder Lynn G Robbins I was reminded of this very thought when he said, "attributed to Goethe: “The way you see [a child] is the way you treat them, and the way you treat them is [who] they [will] become.” To remember a child’s true identity is a gift of foresight that divinely inspires the vision of a righteous judge." I have found this insight to help me in love and patience as I strive to bring His children back to Him.

Julie Harward - Pine Valley Branch

The article I have chosen is by David A, Bednar..."IF YE HAD KNOWN ME"...My whole desire is to truly know my Savior Jesus Christ and this talk pointed out some ways for me to actively work on that.  I loved where he asked, do we only know about the Savior, or are we increasingly coming to know Him? We are told that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that we cannot come to the Father but by Him. We come to know the Father as we come to know His beloved son. What a beautiful circle that is!  David talks about 4 ways for us to do so...1.By exercising faith in Him...by relying upon Him and all His ways, then we begin to know the Savior.  As our faith in the Lord increases, we trust in Him and have confidence in His power to redeem, heal, and strengthen us. True faith is focused in and on the Lord and always leads to righteous action. He tells us that we are to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only." This takes on a very personal note to me, let me share my experience about this. I serve in the temple as an ordinance worker, one day one of the members of the temple presidency asked how I liked my new calling? I said; "What calling?" He just smiled. I went home and in my evening prayers, I told Heavenly Father that I did not want a new calling in the temple, I just wanted to keep doing what I was doing. The next morning as I awoke to get ready to serve in the temple, these words kept rolling over and over in my mind..."BE YE DOERS OF THE WORK AND NOT HEARERS ONLY." As I got to the temple, I asked a friend if she knew where that scripture was found? She went and looked it up, it was in James 1:22 and it read; "Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." But to me, it had been said; "Be ye doers of the WORK"....later that same day, I was called to work as one of the coordinators, and I knew what the Lord wanted me to do! He had chastised me in a most loving way. This talk also goes on to say that we become acquainted with the Lord and His voice as we study and feast upon His word, pray to  the Father in His name, with real intent and seek for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. 2. Follow Him...following the Lord includes emulating Him and through the atonement become like Him. He marked the path, led the way, and set the perfect example. Doing enables us to receive an actual knowledge that the course of life we are pursuing is in accordance with God's will. 3. Serving Him...We come to know Him as we serve Him and labor in His kingdom. As we do so, He generously blesses us with heavenly help, spiritual gifts, and increased capacity. He never leaves us alone. Then our desires align with His desires and purposes, and helps us to "not ask that which is contrary to His will." We grow to love those in whom we serve, what a blessing this is to me!  I learn that serving others is serving God, I grow to love Him and all my brothers and sisters, seeing them as He sees them. This is the pure love of Christ, this is a true Zion. We have been told to pray to the Father that we may be filled with His love, that we may become like Him and that when He comes, we may be like Him. 4. Believing Him...Do I believe what I know? Believing Him with my whole soul comes as I press forward along the covenant pathway, surrendering my will to His, and submit to His priorities and timing for me, because it is always the way of my happiness. Believing Him, accepting as true His power and promises, which always brings, perspective, peace, growth, joy into my life. I loved this talk and it always has been and always will be my goal, to truly know all that I can about the Lord...my way of happiness. 

Mindy Muller - Diamond Valley 2 Ward

Dear Sisters in Zion,

As I read through the Relief Society's blog posts on sgnorthstakers@blogspot.com, I was inspired to begin my personal work in Zion so I pulled up the 2016 General Conference talks and, with a prayer, began scrolling through.  Two talks jumped out at me immediately, so fast in fact, I never even made it past the first session on Saturday.  The first talk I watched was by Elder Craig C. Christiansen called "A Choice Seer Will I Raise Up."  I had just read those very words, "A Choice Seer Will I Raise Up,"  in my scriptures before deciding which talk to choose so to see those words so clearly made this talk an easy choice.  I learned things of Joseph Smith.  I felt extreme love for him and faith on his calling as prophet as I watched this amazing talk.  I was left pondering though, why this talk?  How am I helping build a Zion community by reading this specific talk?   So I read the other talk which jumped out at me by Carol F. McConkie called "The Soul's Sincere Desire."  This talk was also incredible.  It reminded me of how prayer worked, and that sometimes we are left puddled on the floor for a time, like Henry B. Eyring's sick father had been, before being lifted back up into a place of comfort, or like our Savior,  left in Gethsemane with the miserable cup he asked to be removed, still in full force.  I learned how proper prayer should engage each member of the Godhead for maximum power.  And I was inspired to do better with my prayers; to get on my knees more often to pray rather than to do it while lying in bed, or waiting till I'm in the shower. 

But again I pondered "Why this talk?"  as it seems it would only benefit me, and not necessarily a community.  And that is when, while on my knees in the spirit of prayer, a picture entered into my mind that answered EVERY ponder on this subject.  I saw a community of people not unlike where we live and I watched as one person lit up with a bright light.  And then another, and then another. I watched as the entire community lit up, person by person, until the entire community radiated light and I GOT IT!  By me making inspired changes for myself, strengthening my own faith and devoting myself to our Savior, I was providing a portion of light to my own community.  Me, simple me. 

I feel excited.  I know as each one of us bring our own light to this endeavor, our community will radiate with the love of Christ.  Is there any place I'd rather live? I think not.

Thank you for the inspired opportunity to participate in this effort.  I love our Stake.


Cheers, Mindy Muller, DV2 Ward

Deonna Burnett - Diamond Valley 1st Ward

I had a conversation with a young man a couple of years ago that really got me to thinking about true worship.  He said he had several siblings that had gone away from the church because of anti Mormon teachings.  It was all so bizarre for him and he wanted to understand what they were going through and so he started to delve into some of these things as well.  He went through a whole range of emotions and thoughts and went into a fairly dark place for a while.  Through all of this he came to understand that he had gone through his whole life doing his duty to the church, fulfilling callings, doing all the assignments given.  So when he went to church it was out of his duty to the church and would get all the things done at church that he could to fulfill his duty.  He realized, through this process that he never went to church to truly worship.  Once he realized that and started to change, and go to worship, his testimony was renewed and strengthened he came back into the light and came to know we can’t know everything right now and it’s ok.

I knew then that I was somewhat the same in my worship.  And I made some effort to change, but didn’t really understand how.  Then I read the conference talk “Blessings of Worship” by Dean M. Davies.  The words he used to describe worship have helped me get in touch with some deeper feelings.   He said, “When we worship God, we approach Him with reverent love, humility, and adoration.  We acknowledge and accept Him as our sovereign King, the creator of the universe, our beloved and infinitely loving Father.  We respect and revere Him.  We submit ourselves to Him.  We lift our hearts in mighty prayer, cherish His word, rejoice in His grace, and commit to follow him with dedicated loyalty.”   These words have changed the way I feel as I go to church and to the temple.  In this frame of mind, the hymns we sing have become a very spiritual experience for me.  I’ve learned things in the temple that have been very eye opening.  I have felt a deeper appreciation for The plan of Salvation that has been given to us.  It’s such a perfect plan.   I am coming to understand more about how Lehi felt when he said. “Great and marvelous are thy works, O Lord God Almighty!” 1 Nephi 1:14.

I am praying for each of you sisters in our stake.  May we each learn and grow in our testimonies of the Savior and thus contribute to our Zion Society here in the St George North Stake.

Amy Baldwin -  Dammeron Valley Ward

I was so excited to be able to be a participant in this challenge to become pure in heart. This goes hand in hand with how I have been feeling. I had a goal last week during sacrament meeting on 1/29/16-  I have been feeling that I needed to improve on my relations/showing love towards people closest to me. This challenge is the perfect opportunity to be able to report, to have accountability.  The first on the list is my husband. We have been married for 26 ½ years. When he comes through the door, I do not even bat an eye anymore, it is like he is a roommate, actually, I treated my roommates with more acknowledgement. So, every day when he comes through the door, I am going to jump up and put my arms around him, tell him I missed him and that I love him. I started yesterday, I was even a little creative and played a clip of a song, from Nickelback, “Far Away”, I said, “Listen, this is for you”…….then I played, “I love you!, I’ve loved you all along, I’ve missed you!” A big grin spread across his face, and then I gave him a hug. So simple, later, he made me a sandwich with a plate of veggies and fruit. That little act changed the way he treated me. It was so amazing to witness and feel this love come quickly and easily.

I then gave my daughter a big hug and said, “I love you.” Again, warm fuzzies spread around us. So, I am going to give my daughter a hug and say “I love you" every day.

This morning, before work, while exercising I listened to the talk “He asks us to be his hands”. I also want to improve love communications with my parents and two sisters. I keep waiting for them to call me and see how I am doing. I realize that it is not going to happen, unless I make it happen. I would like to talk to them on a weekly basis. They live in northern Utah so, I cannot see them at Sunday dinners etc. I am going to call them once a week. I started today, Monday. I left a message on my sister’s phone and I was able to talk to my parents. I started talking with my parents on my way home and didn’t stop talking for a half hour later. We had some spiritual, funny and just catching up moments. Before I hung up I made sure I said, “love you.” So great, and really fulfilling, I feel complete.

Jodi Gledhill - Winchester Hills 1st Ward

As I think and pray about our wonderful last General Conference and what I can work on to personally strive to improve in my life, I have narrowed it down to the talk by Elder Peter F. Meurs titled: “The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy.”  For me growing up and taking the sacrament was more just something I thought we do out of routine, it has only been the last few years of my life that I recognize the importance of this symbolic ordinance.

For starters,  I have begun to pay close attention to the words of the sacrament hymn as well as the sacrament prayers as I think and pray about their meanings. I’m also doing as Elder Meur tells us to; “prepare in advance and contemplate our spiritual progress and preparation.”  This is one thing that never really crossed my mind to do on Saturday.  Another point he makes is to “arrive early and receive that nourishment for the spirit as we reverently listen to the prelude music and ponder.”  I love how he words it as  nourishment for the spirit.  What comfort that gives me to think about and work toward. 

As I have begun doing these small things the past couple of weeks and will continue to do on a regular basis, I already feel my testimony and relationship with the Savior deepen which also makes my prayers more meaningful, as this is yet another way to deepen my spiritual growth and relationship with Heavenly Father.  Thank you to our wonderful stake leaders for this opportunity to become more aware of  our spiritual commitment to the gospel.  I am implementing the questions found within this talk and am eager to reap the blessings of this challenge.  

Joan Glasgow - Winchester Hills 1st Ward

The talk I have chosen is entitled "Joy and Spiritual Survival" by President Russell M Nelson, from Oct. Conference 2016. As I read this talk I was pulled in by the thoughts that he expressed about these being the latter days, and that we should not be surprised by the things that are going on around us. Many of the prophets foresaw these tumultuous days, including Isaiah, Paul, Nephi and Mormon. Modern day prophets that I can think of that have foretold these times were Pres. Benson, and President Hinckley, especially Pres. Benson.

Pres. Russell M. Nelson, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said in his Oct. 2016 General Conference Talk, "When we focus our lives on the Savior and His Gospel, we can feel joy, regardless of what is happening - or not happening- in our lives. So my word for this month is “Joy”.

As I think about all the evil and turmoil that abounds in this country and this world, I realized that the only thing I really have control of is my little part of His universe. If I want to have joy in my life it is entirely up to me. I can't help what is going on in Washington DC or in other parts of this country or the world, the only thing that I can have any effect upon at all, is me and maybe my family. Everything else has to be turned over to our Heavenly Father and he will take care of it.

I love Eliza R. Snow's observation of what was going on in the grueling winter of 1838. The Extermination Order had been issued and she and the other Saints were forced to flee the state of Missouri in the dead of winter. One of these bitter cold winter nights were spend in a small cabin, only 20' square, with about 80 people huddling together to try to stay warm. It was so cold, that even the food was frozen. Outside, a group of men spent the night gathered around a roaring fire, singing hymns and roasting frozen potatoes. Eliza recorded, Not a complaint was heard, all were cheerful and judging from appearances, strangers would have taken us to be pleasure excursionists, rather than a band of gubernatorial exiles."

They were truly a Zion people.

My question to myself today is, how can I become like those saints of old....finding joy no matter what my circumstances. By becoming more Zion like must be the answer.