Friday, 24 November 2017

December 2017

Prayerfully study this material and seek for inspiration to know what to share. How will understanding the purpose of Relief Society prepare daughters of God for the blessings of eternal life? reliefsociety.lds.org.

Willing to Bear One Another’s Burdens
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“We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness,” said President Thomas S. Monson. “We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us.”1

President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, said: “A great change began in your heart when you came into the Church. You made a covenant, and you received a promise that began changing your very nature. …

“… You promised that you would help the Lord make [others’] burdens light and be comforted. You were given the power to help lighten those loads when you received the gift of the Holy Ghost.”2

“We want to use the light of the gospel to see others as the Savior does—with compassion, hope, and charity,” said Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society General President. “The day will come when we will have a complete understanding of others’ hearts and will be grateful to have mercy extended to us—just as we extend charitable thoughts and words to others. …

“Our obligation and privilege is to embrace improvement in everyone as we strive to become more like our Savior.”3

As we bear one another’s burdens and keep our covenants, we open the way for Jesus Christ to heal others. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “Considering the incomprehensible cost of the Crucifixion and Atonement, I promise you He is not going to turn His back on us now. When He says to the poor in spirit, ‘Come unto me,’ He means He knows the way out and He knows the way up. He knows it because He has walked it. He knows the way because He is the way.”4

Additional Scriptures and Information

Matthew 25:40; Galatians 6:2; Mosiah 2:17; 18:8–9

Consider This

How does helping bear the burdens of others and keeping our covenants open the way for Jesus Christ to heal those in need?

Notes

1. Thomas S. Monson, “Serve the Lord with Love,” Ensign, Feb. 2014, 4.
2. Henry B. Eyring, “The Comforter,” Ensign, May 2015, 18.
3. Jean B. Bingham, “I Will Bring the Light of the Gospel into My Home,” Ensign, Nov. 2016, 6, 8.
4. Jeffrey R. Holland, “Broken Things to Mend,” Ensign, May 2006, 71.

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Sunday, 29 October 2017

November 2017

The message for November
is taken from a conference talk. As you carefully consider the needs of those under your care select a talk/talks that would uplift them.

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Saturday, 30 September 2017

October 2017

Enfolding with Love Those Who Stray

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“The reality is that there are no perfect families … ,” said President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency. “Whatever problems your family is facing, whatever you must do to solve them, the beginning and the end of the solution is charity, the pure love of Christ.”1

Of those who are not participating fully in the gospel, Linda K. Burton, former General President of the Relief Society, said: “Heavenly Father loves all His children. … No matter where they are—on or off the path—He wants them back home.”2

“However wayward [your children] might be, … when you speak or talk to them, do it not in anger, do it not harshly, in a condemning spirit,” taught President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918). “Speak to them kindly.”3

Elder Brent H. Nielson of the Seventy reiterated the Savior’s instruction to those who have 10 pieces of silver and lose one: “Search until you find it. When the lost one is your son or your daughter, your brother or your sister, … after all we can do, we love that person with all of our hearts. …

“May you and I receive the revelation to know how to best approach those in our lives who are lost and, when necessary, to have the patience and love of our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, as we love, watch, and wait for the prodigal.”4

President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, said: “I have prayed with faith that someone I loved would seek and feel the power of the Atonement. I have prayed with faith that human angels would come to their aid, and they came.

“God has devised means to save each of His children.”5

Additional Scriptures and Information

Matthew 18:12; Alma 31:35; 3 Nephi 13:32; D&C 121:41–42

Consider This

How can we continue to show charity to those who do not want to live the principles of the gospel?
Show References

Notes

1. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “In Praise of Those Who Save,” Ensign, May 2016, 79, 80.
2. Linda K. Burton, in Sarah Jane Weaver, “Sister Burton, Sister Wixom Visit Church’s Pacific Area,” Church News, Apr. 2, 2013, lds.org/church/news.
3. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith (1998), 254.
4. Brent H. Nielson, “Waiting for the Prodigal,” Ensign, May 2015, 103.
5. Henry B. Eyring, “To My Grandchildren,” Ensign, Nov. 2013, 71.

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Wednesday, 23 August 2017

September 2017

Prayerfully study this material and seek for inspiration to know what to share. How will understanding the purpose of Relief Society prepare daughters of God for the blessings of eternal life?

Of One Heart

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“And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them” (Moses 7:18). How can we become one?

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “At the heart of the English word atonement is the word one. If all mankind understood this, there would never be anyone with whom we would not be concerned, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or social or economic standing. We would strive to emulate the Savior and would never be unkind, indifferent, disrespectful, or insensitive to others.”1

President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, taught: “Where people have [the] Spirit with them, [they] may expect harmony. … The Spirit of God never generates contention (see 3 Nephi 11:29). … It leads to personal peace and a feeling of union with others.”2

Speaking of family challenges, Carole M. Stephens, who served as First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, said: “I’ve never had to live through divorce, the pain and insecurity that comes from abandonment, or the responsibility associated with being a single mother. I haven’t experienced the death of a child, infertility, or same-gender attraction. I haven’t had to endure abuse, chronic illness, or addiction. These have not been my stretching opportunities.

“… But through my personal tests and trials … I have become well acquainted with the One who does understand. … And in addition, I have experienced all of the mortal tests that I just mentioned through the lens of a daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

“Our opportunity as covenant-keeping daughters of God is not just to learn from our own challenges; it is to unite in empathy and compassion as we support other members of the family of God in their struggles.”3

Additional Scriptures and Information

John 17:20–23; Ephesians 4:15; Mosiah 18:21–22; 4 Nephi 1:15; reliefsociety.lds.org

Consider This

How does unity with one another help us become one with God?

Notes

1. M. Russell Ballard, “The Atonement and the Value of One Soul,” Ensign, May 2004, 86.
2. Henry B. Eyring, “That We May Be One,” Ensign, May 1998, 67.
3. Carole M. Stephens, “The Family Is of God,” Ensign, May 2015, 11–12.

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Monday, 24 July 2017

August 2017

Prayerfully study this material and seek for inspiration to know what to share. How will understanding the purpose of Relief Society prepare daughters of God for the blessings of eternal life?

Living a Consecrated Life

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“To consecrate is to set apart or dedicate something as sacred, devoted to holy purposes,” said Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives—that is, our time and choices—to God’s purposes.”1

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “We tend to think of consecration only as yielding up, when divinely directed, our material possessions. But ultimate consecration is the yielding up of oneself to God.”2

As we consecrate ourselves to the purposes of God, our faith in Jesus Christ and in His Atonement will increase. As we live a consecrated life, we can be made holy through those actions.

Carole M. Stephens, former First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, said:
“Elder Robert D. Hales taught, ‘When we make and keep covenants, we are coming out of the world and into the kingdom of God.’

“We are changed. We look different, and we act different. The things we listen to and read and say are different, and what we wear is different because we become daughters of God bound to Him by covenant.”3

Consecration is the covenant God makes “with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people” (Jeremiah 31:33). Living a consecrated life is in harmony with God’s plan for us.

Additional Scriptures and Information

1 Thessalonians 1:3; Doctrine and Covenants 105:5; reliefsociety.lds.org

Consider this

How does consecrating our lives to the Lord help us become more like Him?

Notes

1. D. Todd Christofferson, “Reflections on a Consecrated Life,” Ensign, Nov. 2010, 16.
2. Neal A. Maxwell, “Consecrate Thy Performance,” Ensign, May 2002, 36.
3. Carole M. Stephens, “Wide Awake to Our Duties,” Ensign, Nov. 2012, 115–16.

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Wednesday, 28 June 2017

July 2017

Prayerfully study this material and seek to know what to share. How will understanding “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” increase your faith in God and bless those you watch over through visiting teaching? For more information, go to reliefsociety.lds.org.

That They May Be One
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“Jesus achieved perfect unity with the Father by submitting Himself, both flesh and spirit, to the will of the Father,” taught Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

“… Surely we will not be one with God and Christ until we make Their will and interest our greatest desire. Such submissiveness is not reached in a day, but through the Holy Spirit, the Lord will tutor us if we are willing until, in process of time, it may accurately be said that He is in us as the Father is in Him.”1

Linda K. Burton, former Relief Society General President, taught how to work toward this unity: “Making and keeping our covenants is an expression of our commitment to become like the Savior. The ideal is to strive for the attitude best expressed in a few phrases of a favorite hymn: ‘I’ll go where you want me to go. … I’ll say what you want me to say. … I’ll be what you want me to be.’”2

Elder Christofferson also reminded us that “as we endeavor day by day and week by week to follow the path of Christ, our spirit asserts its preeminence, the battle within subsides, and temptations cease to trouble.”3

Neill F. Marriott, Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, bears testimony of the blessings of striving to align our will with God’s will: “I have struggled to banish the mortal desire to have things my way, eventually realizing that my way is oh so lacking, limited, and inferior to the way of Jesus Christ. ‘His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come’ [“The Living Christ”; emphasis added].”4 Let us strive humbly to become one with our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Additional Scriptures and Information

John 17:20–21; Ephesians 4:13; Doctrine and Covenants 38:27; reliefsociety.lds.org

Consider This

How does doing the will of God help us to become more like Him?

Notes

1. D. Todd Christofferson, “That They May Be One in Us,” Ensign, Nov. 2002, 72, 73.
2. Linda K. Burton, “The Power, Joy, and Love of Covenant Keeping,” Ensign, Nov. 2013, 111.
3. D. Todd Christofferson, “That They May Be One in Us,” 71.
4. Neill F. Marriott, “Yielding Our Hearts to God,” Ensign, Nov. 2015, 32.

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Monday, 22 May 2017

June 2017

Priesthood Power through Keeping Covenants

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“My message to … all is that we can live every hour ‘blessed by the strength of priesthood power,’ whatever our circumstance,” said Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
“… As you worthily participate in the ordinances of the priesthood, the Lord will give you greater strength, peace, and eternal perspective. Whatever your situation, your home will be ‘blessed by the strength of priesthood power.’”1

How do we invite priesthood power into our lives? Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles reminds us that “those who have entered the waters of baptism and subsequently received their endowment in the house of the Lord are eligible for rich and wonderful blessings. The endowment is literally a gift of power … [and] our Father in Heaven is generous with His power.” He reminds us that men and women “are both endowed with the same power” in the temple, “which by definition is priesthood power.”2

Linda K. Burton, former Relief Society General President, said: “Since priesthood power is something we all desire to have in our families and homes, what do we need to do to invite that power into our lives? Personal righteousness is imperative to having priesthood power.”3

“If we will humbly present ourselves before the Lord and ask Him to teach us, He will show us how to increase our access to His power,” said President Russell M. Nelson, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.4

Additional Scriptures and Information

1 Nephi 14:14; Doctrine and Covenants 121:36; 132:20; reliefsociety.lds.org

Consider This

How does keeping our covenants bless us with priesthood power?

Notes

1. Neil L. Andersen, “Power in the Priesthood,” Ensign, Nov. 2013, 92, 95.
2. M. Russell Ballard, “Men and Women and Priesthood Power,” Ensign, Sept. 2014, 32.
3. Linda K. Burton, “Priesthood Power—Available to All,” Ensign, June 2014, 39.
4. Russell M. Nelson, “The Price of Priesthood Power,” Ensign, May 2016, 69.

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Saturday, 29 April 2017

May 2017

The message for May is taken from a conference talk. As you carefully consider the needs of those under your care select a talk/talks that would uplift them.

These quotes are all from the conference and can be downloaded by clicking on 'Download'. They are 6x4 format ready to print.Or if you prefer resize and print smaller.

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Tuesday, 11 April 2017

April 2017

Tuesday, 28 February 2017

March 2017

The Enabling Power of Jesus Christ and His Atonement

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“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). “Though we all have weaknesses, we can overcome them,” says President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency. “Indeed it is by the grace of God that, if we humble ourselves and have faith, weak things can become strong.”1

Our Savior says in the Doctrine and Covenants, “I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up” (D&C 84:88).

“Nephi is an example of one who knew, understood, and relied upon the enabling power of the Savior,” says Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “Nephi’s brothers bound him with cords and planned his destruction. Please note Nephi’s prayer: ‘O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I am bound’ (1 Nephi 7:17).

“… Nephi did not pray to have his circumstances changed. Rather, he prayed for the strength to change his circumstances. And I believe he prayed in this manner precisely because he knew, understood, and had experienced the enabling power of the Atonement.

“I do not think the bands with which Nephi was bound just magically fell from his hands and wrists. Rather, I suspect he was blessed with both persistence and personal strength beyond his natural capacity, that he then ‘in the strength of the Lord’ (Mosiah 9:17) worked and twisted and tugged on the cords, and ultimately and literally was enabled to break the bands.”2

Additional Scriptures and Information

Isaiah 41:10; Ether 12:27; reliefsociety.lds.org

Consider This

How can the enabling power of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice help our weaknesses be made strong?

Notes

1. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Gift of Grace,” Ensign, May 2015, 108.
2. David A. Bednar, “Strength beyond Our Own,” New Era, Mar. 2015, 4.

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Thursday, 2 February 2017

February 2017

Christ’s Atonement Is Evidence of God’s Love

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Understanding that our Heavenly Father gave His Only Begotten Son that we might have immortality and the potential for eternal life helps us feel of God’s infinite and incomprehensible love for us. Our Savior also loves us.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? …

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

“Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35, 38–39).

Of Jesus Christ’s Atonement, Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “The Savior’s suffering in Gethsemane and His agony on the cross redeem us from sin by satisfying the demands that justice has upon us. He extends mercy and pardons those who repent. The Atonement of Jesus Christ also satisfies the debt justice owes to us by healing and compensating us for any suffering we innocently endure. ‘For behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam’ (2 Nephi 9:21; see also Alma 7:11–12).”1

Christ has “graven [us] upon the palms of [His] hands” (Isaiah 49:16). Linda K. Burton, Relief Society General President, says, “That supreme act of love ought to send each of us to our knees in humble prayer to thank our Heavenly Father for loving us enough that He sent His Only Begotten and perfect Son to suffer for our sins, our heartaches, and all that seems unfair in our own individual lives.”2

Additional Scriptures and Information

John 3:16; 2 Nephi 2:6–7, 9;

Consider This

How can we express our gratitude and love to God and to Jesus Christ for the gift of our Savior’s Atonement?

Notes

1. D Todd Christofferson, “Redemption,” Ensign, May 2013, 110.
2. Linda K Burton, “Is Faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ Written in Our Hearts?” Ensign, Nov. 2012, 114

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Friday, 13 January 2017

Apology

My apologies for no handouts for December and January, I have been (and still am) in hospital. I only have an iPad with and am unable to create them. I will resume them as soon as I am able.

Sunday, 30 October 2016

November 2016

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Friday, 30 September 2016

October 2016

Prayerfully study this material and seek to know what to share. How will understanding “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” increase your faith in God and bless those you watch over through visiting teaching? For more information, go to reliefsociety.lds.org.

The Family is Ordained of God
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“In the words of [the Primary song] ‘The Family Is of God,’… we are reminded of pure doctrine,” said Carole M. Stephens, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency. “We learn not only that the family is of God but also that we are each part of God’s family. …

“… The Father’s plan for His children is a plan of love. It is a plan to unite His children—His family—with Him.”1

Elder L. Tom Perry (1922–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “We also believe that strong traditional families are not only the basic units of a stable society, a stable economy, and a stable culture of values—but that they are also the basic units of eternity and of the kingdom and government of God.

“We believe that the organization and government of heaven will be built around families and extended families.”2

“Everyone, no matter what their marital circumstance or number of children, can be defenders of the Lord’s plan described in the family proclamation,” said Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women General President. “If it is the Lord’s plan, it should also be our plan!”3

Additional Scriptures

Doctrine and Covenants 2:1–3; 132:19

Doctrine of the Family

Sister Julie B. Beck, former Relief Society General President, taught that the theology of the family is based on the Creation, the Fall, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ:

“The Creation of the earth provided a place where families could live. God created a man and a woman who were the two essential halves of a family. It was part of Heavenly Father’s plan that Adam and Eve be sealed and form an eternal family.

“… The Fall made it possible for them to have sons and daughters.

“[Christ’s] Atonement allows for the family to be sealed together eternally. It allows for families to have eternal growth and perfection. The plan of happiness, also called the plan of salvation, was a plan created for families. …

“… This was Christ’s doctrine. … Without the family, there is no plan; there is no reason for mortal life.”4

Consider This

Why is the family the most important unit in time and in eternity?

Notes

1. Carole M Stephens, “The Family Is of God,” Ensign, May 2015, 11, 13.
2. L Tom Perry, “Why Marriage and Family Matter—Everywhere in the World,” Ensign, May 2015, 41.
3. Bonnie L Oscarson, “Defenders of the Family Proclamation,” Ensign, May 2015, 15.
4. Julie B Beck, “Teaching the Doctrine of the Family,” Ensign, Mar. 2011, 32, 34.

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Sunday, 28 August 2016

September 2016

Additional Scriptures

1 Nephi 8:37; 3 Nephi 22:13; Doctrine and Covenants 93:40; 121:41

Living Stories

“I was reading the newspaper when one of my young grandsons snuggled up to me,” said Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “As I read, I was delighted to hear his sweet voice chattering on in the background. Imagine my surprise when, a few moments later, he pushed himself between me and the paper. Taking my face in his hands and pressing his nose up to mine, he asked, ‘Grandpa! Are you in there?’

“… Being there means understanding the hearts of our youth and connecting with them. And connecting with them means not just conversing with them but doing things with them too. …

“We must plan and take advantage of teaching moments. …

“… The more I live, the more I recognize that the teaching moments in my youth, especially those provided by my parents, have shaped my life and made me who I am.”4

Consider This

Why is the gospel best taught by the language and example of love?

Notes

1. Thomas S. Monson, “Love at Home—Counsel from Our Prophet,” Ensign, Aug. 2011, 4.
2. Susan W. Tanner, “Did I Tell You … ?” Ensign, May 2003, 74.
3. Quentin L. Cook, “The Lord Is My Light,” Ensign, May 2015, 64.
4. Robert D. Hales, “Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation,” Ensign, May 2010, 96, 95.
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Sunday, 24 July 2016

August 2016

Additional Scriptures

Romans 12:10; Mosiah 4:15; Doctrine and Covenants 25:5

Living Stories

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared a childhood experience that impressed upon him the importance of a loving family. When he and his brothers were boys, their mother had radical cancer surgery that made it very painful for her to use her right arm. With a family of boys, there was a lot of ironing, but as his mother ironed, she often stopped and went into the bedroom to cry until the pain subsided.

When Elder Christofferson’s father realized what was happening, he secretly went without lunches for almost a year to save enough money to buy a machine that made ironing easier. Out of his love for his wife, he set an example of nurturing within families for his boys. Of this tender interaction, Elder Christofferson said, “I was not aware of my father’s sacrifice and act of love for my mother at the time, but now that I know, I say to myself, ‘There is a man.’”4

Consider This

How does loving and caring for one another invite the Spirit into our homes?

Notes

1. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 2010, 129.
2. Russell M. Nelson, “Salvation and Exaltation,” Ensign, May 2008, 8.
3. Linda K. Burton, “We’ll Ascend Together,” Ensign, May 2015, 31.
4. D. Todd Christofferson, “Let Us Be Men,” Ensign, Nov. 2006, 46.

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Sunday, 26 June 2016

July 2016

Our Potential for Parenthood

(Download message)

“It was essential that God’s spirit children have mortal birth and an opportunity to progress toward eternal life,” taught Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “In light of the ultimate purpose of the great plan of happiness, I believe that the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity.”1

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:

“We believe in families, and we believe in children. …

“‘… God said unto [Adam and Eve], Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth’ [Genesis 1:28]. …

“This commandment has not been forgotten or set aside in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”2

Though not all of us become parents in this life, we can nurture children of every age. We enjoy the blessings of being part of Heavenly Father’s family, and we experience the joys and challenges of being part of an earthly family. And for many, parenthood awaits them in the eternities ahead.

Additional Scriptures

Psalm 127:3; Matthew 18:3–5; 1 Nephi 7:1; Moses 5:2–3

Living Stories

“Many voices in the world today marginalize the importance of having children or suggest delaying or limiting children in a family,” said Elder Andersen. “My daughters recently referred me to a blog written by a Christian mother (not of our faith) with five children. She commented: ‘[Growing] up in this culture, it is very hard to get a biblical perspective on motherhood. … Children rank way below college. Below world travel for sure. Below the ability to go out at night at your leisure. Below honing your body at the gym. Below any job you may have or hope to get.’ She then adds: ‘Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.’”3

Consider This

In what ways is our earthly family like our heavenly family?

Notes

1. Dallin H. Oaks, “The Great Plan of Happiness,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 72, 75.
2. Neil L. Andersen, “Children,” Ensign, Nov. 2011, 28.
3. Neil L. Andersen, “Children,” 28.

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Saturday, 28 May 2016

June 2016

All the ordinances necessary for salvation and exaltation are accompanied by covenants with God. “Making and keeping covenants means choosing to bind ourselves to our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ,” said Linda K. Burton, Relief Society general president.¹

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “The Lord said, ‘In the ordinances … the power of godliness is manifest.’

“There are special blessings from God for every worthy person who is baptized, receives the Holy Ghost, and regularly partakes of the sacrament.”²

“When men and women go to the temple,” said Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “they are both endowed with the same power, which is priesthood power …

“… All men and all women have access to this power for help in their lives. All who have made sacred covenants with the Lord and who honor those covenants are eligible to receive personal revelation, to be blessed by the ministering of angels, to commune with God, to receive the fulness of the gospel, and, ultimately, to become heirs alongside Jesus Christ of all our Father has.”³

Additional Scriptures

1 Nephi 14:14; Doctrine and Covenants 25:13; 97:8; 109:22

Living Stories

In 2007, four days after a massive earthquake in Peru, Elder Marcus B. Nash of the Seventy met branch president Wenceslao Conde and his wife, Pamela. “Elder Nash asked Sister Conde how her little children were. With a smile, she replied that through the goodness of God they were all safe and well. He asked about the Condes’ home.

“‘It’s gone,’ she said simply.

“… ’And yet,’ Elder Nash noted, ‘you are smiling as we talk.’

“’Yes,’ she said, ‘I have prayed and I am at peace. We have all we need. We have each other, we have our children, we are sealed in the temple, we have this marvelous Church, and we have the Lord. We can build again with the Lord’s help.’ …

“What is it about making and keeping covenants with God that gives us the power to smile through hardships, to convert tribulation into triumph … ?”

“The source is God. Our access to that power is through our covenants with Him.”⁴

Consider This

How do temple ordinances and covenants strengthen and empower us?

Notes

1. Linda K. Burton, “The Power, Joy, and Love of Covenant Keeping,” Liahona, Nov. 2013, 111.
2. Neil L. Andersen, “Power in the Priesthood,” Liahona, Nov. 2013, 92.
3. M. Russell Ballard, “Men and Women in the Work of the Lord,” Liahona, Apr. 2014, 48–49.
4. See D. Todd Christofferson, “The Power of Covenants,” Liahona, May 2009, 19, 20–21.

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Thursday, 28 April 2016

May 2016

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Sunday, 27 March 2016

April 2016

Daughters of Our Eternal Father

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The scriptures teach us that “we are the offspring of God” (Acts 17:29). God referred to Emma Smith, wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith, as “my daughter” (D&C 25:1). The family proclamation teaches us that we are each “a beloved spirit … daughter of heavenly parents.”1

“In [the premortal] realm, we learned about our eternal female identity,” said Carole M. Stephens, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency.

“Our mortal journey to earth did not change those truths.”2

“Your Father in Heaven knows your name and knows your circumstance,” said Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “He hears your prayers. He knows your hopes and dreams, including your fears and frustrations.”3

“We each belong to and are needed in the family of God,” said Sister Stephens. “Earthly families all look different. And while we do the best we can to create strong traditional families, membership in the family of God is not contingent upon any kind of status—marital status, parental status, financial status, social status, or even the kind of status we post on social media.”4

Additional Scriptures

Jeremiah 1:5; Romans 8:16; Doctrine and Covenants 76:23–24

From Our History

In his account of the First Vision,5 the Prophet Joseph Smith verifies many truths—including that our Heavenly Father knows our name.

Young Joseph struggled to know which church to join and found guidance in James 1:5. Joseph concluded he would ask God.

One spring morning in 1820, he went to the woods to pray but was immediately seized upon by some dark power. Of this he wrote:

“Just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.

“It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Joseph Smith—History 1:16–17).

Consider This

How does knowing you are a daughter of God affect your decisions?

Notes

“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 2010, 129.
Carole M. Stephens, “The Family Is of God,” Ensign, May 2015, 11.
Jeffrey R. Holland, “To Young Women,” Ensign, Nov. 2005, 28.
Carole M. Stephens, “The Family Is of God,” 11.
See Gospel Topics, “First Vision Accounts,” topics.lds.org.

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