Sunday Chat

Sisters,
I sincerely apologize to all of you and to Sister Dunaway for not getting this message out earlier this week. It is a beautiful note and I hope that you will take a moment to read her message in spite of my delinquency. ~Sister Wright]

Dear Relief Society Sisters,

Thank you to Kristi Atkinson for our November newsletter - it is attached. These darker, rainy days seem to invite time to be still and ponder. Today I have been pondering on Brother Hall's comparison of the Lord helping the Iron Curtain to fall so that the gospel could be preached in those countries to His ability to help the iron curtains in our own lives to come down so that the gospel will touch our hearts and we can be healed by its message as well. It's interesting to think about the promise made that the gospel will be preached to all countries, but that many doubted that it could happen within our lifetimes. I thought about what it means to trust in our Heavenly Father and His word and to move forward with faith and confidence whether his promises happen this week, this year, in our lifetime or in another's. I, like you, have iron curtains in my life - areas where it feels like not much progress is being made, areas where my heart still needs some softening and my mind still needs some opening and my will still needs some strengthening. So, how do we move forward with confidence, wanting so much to see the walls come down and the Spirit enter?
After relistening to Elder Scott's talk from conference this afternoon, a couple of ideas stuck with me. First, he says, "Our Father expects you to learn how to obtain that divine help by exercising faith in Him and His Son, Jesus Christ. Were you to receive inspired guidance just for the asking, you would become weak and ever more dependent on Them. They know that essential personal growth will come as you struggle to learn how to be led by the Spirit." This helps me understand why the curtains don't fall with just one prayer, or even a series of them. I can also see that I would become dependent on Them to solve everything for me (which in a way they do anyway, but they want me to gain some strength in the process. Think of Nephi - the Lord did solve the issue of obtaining the brass plates for him, but only after he acted obediently and moved forward.) The point of this life is to grow in faith as we apply our faith to our challenging situations. So, we pray, we ask in faith, and then we live with faith, obeying the commandments and putting ourselves in a position to be taught more. Elder Scott warns, "I believe that you can leave the most precious personal direction of the Spirit unheard because you do not respond to, record, and apply the first promptings that come to you." I know I have the weakness of wanting Him to move faster in helping me than I am doing in applying the principles the Spirit has already taught me.
When we talk of having the Spirit in our lives we are talking of having the Gift of the Holy Ghost guiding us. Elder Bednar says, "Obedience opens the door to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost." (Things as They Really Are) He then reminds us from Mormon 9:27, "Hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him." Sisters, we can turn to our Father in Heaven for all things in our lives - for the iron curtains we hope to bring down and for the direction we hope to receive. Even if the walls seem thick and impossible to move, we must remember that with God, "nothing shall be impossible." (Luke 1:37) Pray and ask what you need to do. Write down the inspiration you receive. Follow the guidance. Doubt not, and pray for further guidance. When guidance is given, thank Him for the great love he shows us, and do it. We can move forward with faith, which implies with confidence, knowing that whether His word is fulfilled today, tomorrow, or at some future point it will come to pass. Although at times it may feel like we are stumbling forward, He is always at our side.
Love, Sister Dunaway

Sunday Lesson

Dear Sisters,

This Sunday we will be discussing Chapter 44 “The Restoration of All Things: The Dispensation of the Fulness of Times.” In it Joseph Smith teaches:

“The work of the Lord in these last days is one of vast magnitude and almost beyond the comprehension of mortals. Its glories are past description, and its grandeur unsurpassable…It will be necessary for the Saints to hearken to counsel and turn their attention to the Church, the establishment of the Kingdom, and lay aside every selfish principle, everything low and groveling; and stand forward in the cause of truth, and assist to the utmost of their power, those to whom has been given the pattern and design…” pp. 512-3.

It is a chapter that will help strengthen us in our resolve to do our part in the Kingdom of God. I hope you will take the time to read it before Sunday.

Sincerely,
Andrea Hess

Needed

Hi Sisters, We are in need of a couple of places to rent. The Gresses, new to our ward, are looking for a place for 4 people. The Teripaiias are looking for a three bedroom house. If you know of anything you can contact them directly, or let me know. Thank you!!! Also, please find the November newsletter attached. Sister Dunaway694-5259

Classifieds

I have two couches that need to find homes. One is a 3 seater, and is definately an upholstery project or just needs a slip cover bought for it. The frame is excellent and it is comfortable. The second is a smaller couch, love seat, seats two. In decent shape. If interested call me, Jenn Harbertson @ 573-7196 by Friday.
Thanks, Jenn

Mystery Dinner Theatre

Put Wed., Nov. 4 on your calendars!!!
The Young Men and Young Women would like to invite all those of "grandparent" age in the ward to a Mystery Dinner Theater.
Be in your seats at 5:30 pm to begin solving the mystery in the cultural hall. With your help, the case should be closed by 7:00 pm.
See you there!

Sundays Lesson Oct 11

Dear Sisters, Our lesson this Sunday will be Chapter 41, “Becoming Saviors on Mount Zion.” Joseph Smith wrote in a letter that later became Section 128, verses 15-18 in the Doctrine and Covenants:
“And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you that these are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers—that they without us cannot be made perfect—neither can we without our dead be made perfect.” We’ll see you Sunday J.Andrea Hess

Temple Trip

"Sisters,

This Friday, October 9th, Sister Rowan is planning a Relief Society temple trip. Sisters, this is truly an opportunity to share the true spirit of Relief Society through serving in our Heavenly Father's House. It is also an opportunity to develop friendships, to gain strength from one another, and quite simply--to have fun together. Please come, we would love to fill the temple with sisters!

If you would like to join us, you can meet at Sister Rowan's house at 8:45 a.m. to carpool down, or be at the Pythian Home at 9:00 a.m. and the caravan will pick you up. Please call Sister Rowan so she can coordinate driving and numbers:

Wendy Rowan
(360)571-7706
8705 NE 31st Court
(8:45 a.m.)

Pythian House
33rd and Main st.
(9:00 a.m.)

We look forward to being with you on Friday!"

Needed

"Hi Sisters.

Does anyone have a world globe that I could borrow for a preschool lesson next Monday Oct 12th.
We are learning about Christopher Columbus.

It would be well cared for and I would not let the children touch it unsupervised.

I can pick it up from you any time and can bring it back to you Monday afternoon/evening.

Thank you,

Shawnna Lloyd"

RS Meeting Announcement

"Relief Society Sisters!


Mark your calendars for November 3rd, 6:30-8:00 PM!
Join us for our Relief Society Meeting and sign up to be a part of it!

Family Heirlooms:
If you have family heirlooms you can share with us for display contact Cara Kopp @ carajkopp@gmail.com or @ 360-953-0982!

Family History Ideas:
Do you have inspiring, fun, and/or creative ways to do your family history? We want to know about it! Contact Jennifer Riley @ rrileyfam@hotmail.com or 360-576-4496"

Classifieds

Sandra Wallace is moving into an apartment. She has a dog that is 15 years old, black, 15lbs Docson (Sorry, don't know how to spell it). She can't keep it and doesn't want to take it to the pound. Does anyone want the dog? Sandra's phone number is: 773-0615

Free Couch! I have a dark green leather-like couch with recliner, massager w/heat and phone. It is pretty well worn, but still usable and very comfortable. If you know someone who could use it or have questions/would like to see it, please call me at 326-4258
Thanks, Patti Wilks

I have a microwave/hood combo that goes above a cooktop to give away. It is stainless steel and is three years old and works great. If you're interested, send me an email at laurasheppert@msn.com or call me at 576-5105.
Thanks!
Laura

Sunday Chat 9-28

Dear Relief Society Sisters,

I hope you've had a nice Sunday. I know many of you were able to attend the women's broadcast yesterday - beautiful as always. If you are interested in watching, it is available to see on lds.org. I didn't see a place yet for printing it out. For those who weren't there, Enrichment is no longer called Enrichment (or homemaking). Everything is to be called a Relief Society meeting. Just a name change for the most part. I think that we will probably have a lesson or two regarding some of the principles taught there in the near future. My own testimony of Relief Society was strengthened as I listened to Sister Beck describe the important role Relief Society plays in each of our lives. I feel a bit (understatement) overwhelmed to lead such a great group of women in such an important organization, but I feel a certain peace in knowing that we are all supporting and leading each other and the the Lord through the priesthood will give us the direction we need to follow.

I was reading in the Church News this past week an article about President Packer and his 85th birthday. The photo accompanying the article shows he and his wife in their beautiful yard. He noted that 50 years ago when they bought the property it wasn't a property that anyone wanted, but that after working on it bit by bit over 50 years time it has become a place of beauty. When asked if he foresaw his life at 85 he said, "No, I've been preoccupied with what is, what I was trying to do. I did as fine as I could with the work before me. In the course of it, I learned to work hard. I love to work, outside and in." There's such a great lesson there for all of us. None of us can see what the next year, 5, 10, or 50 years will hold for us. We can, however, do the best work with where we are today. Bit by bit, we don't know what a beautiful garden of our souls we may grow over time.

My husband and I have learned a few lessons from our own garden (perhaps why this message resonated with me.) When we moved in it had little yard as well. Bit by bit we have seen how one plant at a time our yard has become a place of pleasure for our family. We planted a small (3' x 3') bush that we liked and watered semi-regularly. For about 3-4 years it stayed the same size. This year it has exploded in growth. I thought about how sometimes we may give regular care to our spiritual lives (prayer, regular church attendance, scripture reading, etc.) and seem to stay in a good, status quo position. But we can't see the roots we are forming through those regular activities which will at various point in our life provide the basis for growth. Similarly, we have a couple of fruit trees. The first year there was no fruit, the second year there was some disease and a couple fruits we picked prematurely, this year we are enjoying a regular output of fruit. Such is the law of the harvest. It requires some regular care and time and sometimes ridding ourselves of some disease before we can enjoy the blessings. And they will yet require pruning and care. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with caring for my yard (which is not huge, but I get overwhelmed easily ) and my soul. I appreciated President packer's wise counsel that all I can care for is what is in front of me now. One day at a time, one church meeting at a time, one personal interaction at a time, one bit at a time. Bit by bit, as we keep ourselves on the path which leads back to our Heavenly Father, we will find ourselves in paradise.

Have a wonderful week!

Love, Sister Dunaway

VT Reports Adress Reminder

"Hello Sisters,

Sister Lloyd has created a new email address for you to report your visiting teaching. Feel free to give your report at the following email address: vtreport@gmail.com

Have a wonderful day!"

Youth and Family Temple Opportunities

"Dear Sisters,

Here is a wonderful opportunity for families with youth (12-18) to go to the temple together. I can hardly wait for Allison to turn 12 in a few months!

Subject: RE: Temple Youth Baptisms


Bishops: Just a reminder that the temple has the following opportunities for families to do baptisms (this would be apart from a youth temple trip). Youth and unendowed adults would need to be issued their own limited use recommend to participate.

First, Tuesday thru Thursday from 4:00 to 5:00 pm families can schedule 15 mins (12 names) for baptisms and confirmations (families need to call the temple to schedule a time slot). During these time slots the temple will provide the names and the priesthood to perform the ordinances. In other words, families just need to show up and perform the ordinances.

Second, individuals that have their own family file names, and the priesthood to perform the ordinances, can schedule a time at 9:00 and 4:30 on Saturdays. Again, during this time slot you need to have your own names and the necessary priesthood (at least 3) to perform the ordinances.

There is something very special about dads and moms doing baptisms and confirmations with their kids in the temple. I would encourage you to promote these opportunities within your wards. If you have any questions please do not hesitate contacting me.

Thanks

Joseph Vance"