Sister Bednar speaks of experience with Christ's love

Sister Bednar cited Romans 5:19: "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous."

She shared a compilation of random life experiences that have increased her testimony of the Savior and his love.

Sister Bednar promised the young adults that their confidence in the Lord's presence will increase exponentially if they ask this simple question, "have I seen the hand of God reaching out to me today?" She challenged each person to adhere to this daily prayer and to write down their experiences. When we document the evidence of the Savior's love, we can continually return to it, she said.

(To read the entire talk, click here)

The Tender Mercies of the Lord

First Presidency Appeals to Church Members to Help People in Haiti

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints appealed today to the worldwide membership of the Church to help relieve the suffering in Haiti.

In a statement published on the Church’s official Web site, Church President Thomas S. Monson and counselors Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf said they are “keenly aware that many in America are dealing with economic challenges brought on by the recent recession.” Many Church members have made substantial contributions to Church Humanitarian Services, but more is needed. Church members and others wishing to contribute to the aid efforts may do so by using the Donation Slip they normally use for Church donations or by logging onto lds.org and clicking on Humanitarian Services Emergency Response.

(To read the entire article, click here)

The Best Is Yet To Be

The start of a new year is the traditional time to take stock of our lives and see where we are going, measured against the backdrop of where we have been. I don’t want to talk about New Year’s resolutions, but I do want to talk about the past and the future, with an eye toward any time of transition and change in our lives—and those moments come virtually every day.

...As a new year begins and we try to benefit from a proper view of what has gone before, I plead with you not to dwell on days now gone nor to yearn vainly for yesterdays, however good those yesterdays may have been. The past is to be learned from but not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives.

...There is something in many of us that particularly fails to forgive and forget earlier mistakes in life—either our mistakes or the mistakes of others. It is not good. It is not Christian. It stands in terrible opposition to the grandeur and majesty of the Atonement of Christ. To be tied to earlier mistakes is the worst kind of wallowing in the past from which we are called to cease and desist.

...That also happens in marriages and other relationships. I can’t tell you the number of couples I have counseled who, when they are deeply hurt or even just deeply stressed, reach farther and farther into the past to find yet a bigger brick to throw through the window “pain” of their marriage. When something is over and done with, when it has been repented of as fully as it can be repented of, when life has moved on as it should and a lot of other wonderfully good things have happened since then, it is not right to go back and open some ancient wound that the Son of God Himself died to heal.

Let people repent. Let people grow. Believe that people can change and improve. Is that faith? Yes! Is that hope? Yes! Is that charity? Yes! Above all, it is charity, the pure love of Christ. If something is buried in the past, leave it buried. Don’t keep going back with your little sand pail and beach shovel to dig it up, wave it around, and then throw it at someone, saying, “Hey! Do you remember this?” Splat!

Well, guess what? That is probably going to result in some ugly morsel being dug up out of your landfill with the reply, “Yeah, I remember it. Do you remember this?” Splat.

And soon enough everyone comes out of that exchange dirty and muddy and unhappy and hurt, when what our Father in Heaven pleads for is cleanliness and kindness and happiness and healing.

...Perhaps at this beginning of a new year there is no greater requirement for us than to do as the Lord Himself said He does: “He who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more” (D&C 58:42).

The proviso, of course, is that repentance has to be sincere, but when it is and when honest effort is being made to progress, we are guilty of the greater sin if we keep remembering and recalling and rebashing someone with his or her earlier mistakes—and that someone might be ourselves. We can be so hard on ourselves—often much more so than on others!

Now, like the Anti-Nephi-Lehies of the Book of Mormon, bury your weapons of war and leave them buried (see Alma 24). Forgive and do that which is sometimes harder than to forgive: forget. And when it comes to mind again, forget it again.

...This is an important matter to consider at the start of a new year—and every day ought to be the start of a new year and a new life. Such is the wonder of faith, repentance, and the miracle of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

...Some of you may wonder: Is there any future for me? What does a new year or a new semester, a new major or a new romance, a new job or a new home hold for me? Will I be safe? Will life be sound? Can I trust in the Lord and in the future? Or would it be better to look back, to go back, to stay in the past?

...Keep your eyes on your dreams, however distant and far away. Live to see the miracles of repentance and forgiveness, of trust and divine love that will transform your life today, tomorrow, and forever. That is a New Year’s resolution I ask you to keep.

--Jeffrey R Holland

(To read the full article, click here)

His Hands

Birthday gift: Do something for others

One man asked his children to think of ways to serve their neighbors for President Monson's birthday. After some consideration, one of his daughters thought it would be fun to bake cookies for some families in the neighborhood. "The week leading to the day we were planning on making the delivery of the cookies had been particularly busy at my work," he wrote. "I was getting home late and was unable to take care of some of the basic home needs including mowing my lawn that was getting quite tall. As I arrived home on the day we were planning on delivering the cookies, the kitchen was busy with all four of my children and my wife baking. Upon completion, we delivered the goodies to all 10 families, which took two hours as we had short visits with each neighbor. We had a great time.

"The next day was Saturday and I had to work. When I got home that evening, my neglected lawn had been mowed and cared for. I knew that my wife, who was pregnant, was gone that day and would not have been able to do it. I then realized that I was the recipient of the service that was rendered on behalf of President Monson. I had never thought that I would be on the other end of the giving that was done for his birthday. It is a day I will never forget.

"Thank you President Monson, your gift did more than I had planned for."

(For the full article, click here)

Charity in Action - Sister Catherine Larsen

In 2006, I took a trip with two friends to Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia. I was teaching classes on world religions at BYU at that time, so I decided to devote my summer vacation to studying Buddhism and Islam first-hand. Unfortunately, I faced some terrible back problems during the first few days of the trip. A disc in my lower back had herniated so profoundly that it was hitting my sciatic nerve and causing me excrutiating pain with any movement. I hurt so badly that I couldn't even tolerate getting home, so I stayed and spent all day every day flat on my back at $5/night hostels in Asia. I was miserable.

When I was in Chiang Mai, Thailand, I received a blessing from a priesthood holder who said, "After faith comes the miracle." I certainly didn't believe him because I had endured so much pain and could not see a possible solution. I kept thinking to myself, "If I could just find an anti-inflammatory I've used in the past, I could make it home to where I could get help."

When we arrived at church in KL, it was Mother's Day. The primary sang the same songs I sang as a little girl. I cried like a baby, mostly out of love for the church and those songs and my mom but also out of pain in my back and leg. During Sunday School, I decided to lie flat on my back in a vacant classroom and take the pressure off of my nerves and joints. My friends were so upset, wondering what they could possibly do to help me. About half-way through the hour, in walked Elder Merritt. He introduced himself and shook our hands, even bending down to reach me on the floor. He looked at me and exclaimed, "You look just like my wife!" At that moment, Sister Merritt came in with the same hunched over back and the same swollen hip. It was just like looking in the mirror. The second she saw me, she asked, "Do you want some anti-inflammatory medicine?" Like my own manna in the wilderness, it was the exact same medicine I had hoped for in Thailand.

Sister Merritt and I crippled over to the Merritts' home like two old, old men. They gave me their bed and their clothes and their food. They invited a nurse over to help me--the same nice girl who periodically helped Sister Merritt. It was a true demonstration of mothering and fathering. I needed it, and they provided it. Their medicine saved my broken body, and their love saved my broken soul.

This Is Your Phone Call

President Monson tells the story of a retired executive named Ed who lived the example of a quorum member. On one occasion President Monson was speaking with Ed and asked him, “ ‘Ed, what are you doing in the Church?’ He replied, ‘I have the best assignment in the ward. My responsibility is to help men who are unemployed find permanent employment. This year I have helped 12 of my brethren who were out of work to obtain good jobs. I have never been happier in my entire life.’ “ President Monson continues, “Short in stature, ‘Little Ed,’ as we affectionately called him, stood tall that evening as his eyes glistened and his voice quavered. He showed his love by helping those in need. He restored human dignity. He opened doors for those who knew not how to do so themselves.”

There are many ways bishops and quorum members can help to relieve the suffering and anxiety of the unemployed. Phil’s Auto of Centerville, Utah, is a testament of what priesthood leadership and a quorum can accomplish. Phil was a member of an elders quorum and worked as a mechanic at a local automobile repair shop. Unfortunately, the repair shop where Phil worked experienced economic trouble and had to let Phil go from his job. He was devastated by this turn of events.

On hearing about Phil’s job loss, his bishop, Leon Olson, and his elders quorum presidency prayerfully considered ways they could help Phil get back on his feet. After all, he was a fellow quorum member, a brother, and he needed help. They concluded that Phil had the skills to run his own business. One of the quorum members offered that he had an old barn that perhaps could be used as a repair shop. Other quorum members could help gather needed tools and supplies to equip the new shop. Almost everyone in the quorum could at least help clean the old barn.

They shared their ideas with Phil; then they shared their plan with the members of their quorum. The barn was cleaned and renovated, the tools gathered, and all was put in order. Phil’s Auto was a success and eventually moved to better and more permanent quarters—all because his quorum brothers offered help in a time of crisis. Priesthood quorums can and must make a difference.

Bishops, the sisters have a role in this effort. Because of the economy, many mothers are finding it necessary to make budget and other living adjustments. Some are even finding it necessary to leave the home to find work. The Relief Society sisters, with their specially endowed, compassionate hearts, can help. They can help identify the needy. They can teach. They can babysit, console, comfort, and encourage. They can make a difference.

(For the full talk, click here)

Charity in Action - Sister Cathy

Being with the sisterhood of Relief Society has been a wonderful blessing in my life. When I was expecting my first child 19 years ago (and a new convert then), the sisters willingly shared with me their experiences and pregnancy tips.

I'm especially thankful to Sister Susie How, who constantly called me up to check on my progress when she found out that my baby was due. As a first time 'mature' mother-to-be (and being far away from my own sisters), the thought of going through the birth process was rather worrying and Sister Susie's calls had certainly been reassuring and comforting to me! And especially so when I went beyond the due date and she kept up with me every day till my baby was born. After the birth of Johann, she shared with me parenting tips and gave me a book that I still treasure till today!

Sister Joyce Yong's help for the first year of Johann's life will always be remembered with much fondness as I've learnt so much from her in the area of child discipline for her children are a great reflection of her mothering skills!

By the time Eriene, my second child came along, I no longer needed the services of a confinement lady as Sister Jenny Han was around to take my maid to the market every morning and taught her the dishes to cook for me to help me recover fast from the rigours of child-birth! Sister Jenny is one sister who is ever ready to give her time and energy at a moment's notice and I will always be appreciative of her.

I have always enjoyed Sister Geok Lee's sharing of her children's milestones with me and from her, I learnt about academic excellence and multiple talents. When my children excel, she deserves the credit too for she showed me the way!

Of course, there are many other sisters (too many to name them all but they know who they are :-)) who came bearing gifts for my babies and generously shared with me their experiences about children in particular, and life in general. To all these sisters who have touched my life with charity, kindness, generosity, and patience, I will be eternally grateful to you :-).

I know that I have not been able to return the favour to them; so to show my appreciation and gratitude, I'll make myself available to other sisters who are in need of my listening ears and companionship.

So Sisters, just remember that I'm on call for you. This will help me return the favour to all the wonderful sisters who have done much for me :-)

Julia and Emily: Sisters in Zion

Ever wondered who wrote the hymn "As Sisters in Zion"? Read the story below to find out.

My second great-grandmother Julia Hill and her sister Emily were baptized as teens in England, and then their parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Hill, disowned them. Nevertheless, Julia and Emily earned their own passage to America and sailed from Liverpool on the ship Thornton. Also on board this ship was Captain James G. Willie, who led the fourth handcart company west.

Once 23-year-old Julia and 20-year-old Emily arrived in Iowa, they joined the Willie handcart company. Early winter snowstorms caused everyone to suffer from hunger and exposure. On Rocky Ridge in Wyoming, many starved or froze to death. Those who survived were comforted in their suffering by their testimonies of Jesus Christ. But I believe what saved Julia and Emily, in addition to their testimonies, was their love for each other as sisters.

--Debbie J Christensen

(For the full article, click here)

Charity in Action - Sister Hui-Lian Liew

My mission has been one of the best things I have ever done, I think for my life. I learnt a lot and grew to love everyone I was able to meet, teach and associate with.

One of the highlights of my mission is definitely the companions that I had. Companions are definitely a God-sent because there's no way we can be as effective being solo missionaries. We are with them 24/7 and we have to do almost everything together. So of course, it's not all great. There are times when we have to work out our differences since we are all different and we each came from different backgrounds.

One companion I had was very strong-willed and having two strong-willed missionaries together, we were bound to head butt. She wanted a lot of control and so did I. But being the newer one in the mission at that time, I figured I'll back down and let her "run the show." It was frustrating and I found it difficult to enjoy our missionary work. Yet, we were taught that having the Spirit is important in every aspect of our work and I badly wanted it to work between us.

My companion had a scripture quote on charity, found in Moroni 7:47 which says, "But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him." She stuck it on her bedside and said she reads it every day to help remind her.

I thought a lot about it and thought to myself, I surely needed it, badly. I made a point in every personal prayer throughout the day, to pray for charity. To have the pure love of Christ so I could rid of this discontentment filling up inside. Things slowly turned out better. I began to see qualities in her that I never noticed before. I learnt to see her, as one specially chosen by Heavenly Father to be my companion and to be in this mission, the lives that she touched, the amazing teaching skills that she had, all the things that I wanted to have in my own self.

By the end of the transfer (6 weeks), she got ready to go home and I felt like the time we had was not enough. It was not fair. We have grown to love each other and worked really well together.

But life is such, that Heavenly Father shuffles things around a lot so we get to grow even more with different events in our lives. In this case, I had the opportunity to serve with more amazing sisters and meet so many wonderful people that touched my life even more.

Charity not only brings about the pure love of Christ, but also opens up to more opportunities to catch a glimpse of what the Lord feels for each of us. I love it! :)

Relief Society: Divine Organization of Women

• The Relief Society, organized under the priesthood and after its pattern, is an essential part of the Church.
• The Relief Society enables women to act according to their benevolent natures, giving care to those in need.

Willard Richards reported: "The [Female Relief Society] meeting was addressed by President Joseph Smith, to illustrate the object of the Society--that the Society of Sisters might provoke the brethren to good works in looking to the wants of the poor--searching after objects of charity, and in administering to their wants--to assist by correcting the morals and strengthening the virtues of the community."

• The Relief Society encourages women to practice holiness and to instruct one another.

"You must put down iniquity, and by your good examples, stimulate the Elders to good works."

"If you live up to these principles, how great and glorious will be your reward in the celestial kingdom! If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates. Females, if they are pure and innocent, can come in the presence of God; for what is more pleasing to God than innocence; you must be innocent, or you cannot come up before God: if we would come before God, we must keep ourselves pure, as He is pure.

• The Relief Society encourages women to follow the example of the Savior in showing mercy and avoiding strife.

"If you would have God have mercy on you, have mercy on one another....We are full of selfishness; the devil flatters us that we are very righteous, when we are feeding on the faults of others. We can only live by worshipping our God; all must do it for themselves; none can do it for another. How mild the Savior dealt with Peter, saying, 'When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.' [Luke 22:32.] At another time, He said to him, 'Lovest thou me?' and having received Peter's reply, He said, 'Feed my sheep.' [John 21:15-17.] If the sisters [love] the Lord, let them feed the sheep, and not destroy them....

"Sisters of the society, shall there be strife among you? I will not have it. You must repent, and get the love of God. Away with self-righteousness. The best measure or principle to bring the poor to repentance is to administer to their wants."

Eliza R. Snow reported the following words of the Prophet: "notwithstanding the unworthy are among us, the virtuous should not, from self importance, grieve and oppress needlessly, those unfortunate ones--even these should be encouraged to hereafter live to be honored by this society, who are the best portions of the community. Said he had two things to recommend to the members of this society, to put a double watch over the tongue: no organized body can exist without this at all....The object is to make those not so good reform and return to the path of virtue that they may be numbered with the good....

"...Search yourselves--the tongue is an unruly member--hold your tongues about things of no moment--a little tale will set the world on fire.

"The little foxes spoil the vines--little evils do the most injury to the Church. If you have evil feelings, and speak of them to one another, it has a tendency to do mischief."

"Do not injure the character of anyone. If members of the Society shall conduct themselves improperly, deal with them, and keep all your doings within your own bosoms, and hold all characters sacred."

(For the full lesson, click here)

Charity in Action - Sister Susie How

Many years ago, when I was staying in Taman Supreme, Cheras, I seldom had visiting teachers who would come to my house to visit me. My house was up on a hill with a long and very steep slope. The angle of the slope was more than forty-five degrees and the distance more than one kilometer. Of course, there was no bus service and unscrupulous taxi drivers charged extra to go up the hill. As I lived there, I constantly walked up and down the hill but for others, it was quite a trek uphill to visit me unless they had a car. My own brothers complained that going uphill there daily would put a toll on their cars!

Later, I had a set of visiting teachers who made no excuses when visiting teaching and no hill was going to deter them. Sister Lillian Lim and Sister Annie Teh were the two faithful sisters who were obedient and diligent to their callings as visiting teachers and who loved me enough to visit me faithfully every month. They would come together after work by bus to the foot of the hill, then walked up. After a whole day of sunny weather, the road up the hill would usually be hot and the soles of their feet would also be heated up. Naturally, the first word they would utter when they saw me was always, "Water!" After drinking, then only would the greetings and message given. Theirs were the visits I've always treasured!

Charity, the Pure Love of Christ

Lucy Mack Smith, the Prophet Joseph Smith’s mother, said of the time when the Saints were first settling in Commerce, Illinois, later called Nauvoo: “As the season advanced, the brethren who had settled here began to feel the effects of their hardships, which, joined to the unhealthiness of the climate, brought them down with agues and bilious fevers to such an extent that there were some whole families in which there was not one who was able to give another a drink of cold water or even to help themselves. Hyrum’s family were mostly sick. My youngest daughter, Lucy, was also very sick, and there were, in fact, but few of the inhabitants of the place who were well.

“Joseph and Emma had the sick brought to their house and took care of them there. And they continued to have them brought as fast as they were taken down until their house, which consisted of four rooms, was so crowded that they were under the necessity of spreading a tent in the yard for the reception of that part of the family who were still on their feet. Joseph and Emma devoted their whole time and attention to the care of the sick during this time of distress.”

(For the full lesson, click here)