New Beginnings...

We are closing out another year...but, I have always looked forward to NEW BEGINNINGS...New Year's Day has always been a day I so LOOK forward to...It is when I restate old goals and begin afresh with new ones...

As I have pondered over our "life's purpose" and how to "overcome the world" to one day become a part of that "Eternal City" after we "return and report" our experiences of mortality...I have wondered how I was ever truly going to accomplish this mission, while I am still here on earth...

Christ said: "Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect." (3 Nephi 12:48)

To KNOW that LIFE has "purpose" then, we have to decide that "overcoming the world" is a serious goal in life.

But "HOW" has always been the question and challenge placed before us. I am so GRATEFUL for LIVING prophets and apostles. We have "covenanted" to give "strict HEED" to their words. I have gathered ideas on "how to overcome this world" through their counsel, plus the wisdom contained in our scriptures... (this is far from complete...but, hopefully it will get you to thinking about your own life and where you are...at this time...).

I must add that we have been given the GIFT of the HOLY GHOST...an opportunity for His CONSTANT companionship...I do believe, we will have it...IF we truly strive...to live Father's commandments - LOVE and SERVE HIM - which includes LOVING and SERVING our Brothers and Sisters in this life:

Over the next few days...I would like to post quotes in some orderly fashion...These are simply thoughts as we enter a NEW YEAR...and ponder over the personal gift you have hopefully given to our Savior, Jesus Christ, over the Christmas season...Plus, in the process of renewing our covenants each Sabbath day...we are clean as we partake of the bread and water...REMEMBERING always...why we are here...

OUR MISSION WAS TO SAVE

"I always tried to make my hearers feel that I and my associates were PEACEMAKERS,
and lovers of peace and good will, that OUR MISSION was to SAVE,
and not destroy,
to BUILD UP
and not tear down."

("Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith (1998), xvii)

"At the heart of the message of the Savior of the world is a single,
glorious, wonderful, still largely untried concept. In its simplest terms
the message is that we should seek to overcome the SELFISHNESS we all seem to be born with,
that we should OVERCOME human nature and think of others before self.
We should think of God and serve Him, and think of others and
SERVE them."

(James E. Faust, Ensign, December 1999)

The Angels May Quote From It

I don't know how many of you keep a journal or some kind of Family History Book. Several years, ago, President Spencer W. Kimball admonished us to do so...I'd like to type up a portion of his thoughts:

"For those of you who may not have already started your books of remembrance and your records, we would suggest that THIS VERY DAY you begin to write your records quite fully and completely. We hope that you will do this, our brothers and sisters, for this is WHAT THE LORD HAS COMMANDED."

"Those who keep a book of remembrance are MORE LIKELY TO KEEP THE LORD IN REMEMBRANCE in their DAILY LIVES. Journals are a way of COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS and of leaving an inventory of these blessings for our POSTERITY."

"Your journal is your AUTOBIOGRAPHY, so it should be kept carefully. YOU are UNIQUE, and there may be incidents in your experience that are more NOBLE and PRAISEWORTHY in their way than those recorded in any OTHER LIFE."

"YOUR STORY should be written now while if is FRESH and while the TRUE DETAILS are AVAILABLE."

"Get a notebook...a journal that will last THROUGH ALL TIME, and the ANGELS MAY QUOTE FROM IT for eternity. REMEMBER, the SAVIOR CHASTISED those who failed to RECORD IMPORTANT EVENTS."

"The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, pages 349-351)

Look to the Light

Christmas Gifts

"Christmas gifts should be in memory of the divine gift, the life of Jesus Christ. His gift gave us eternal life; our gifts should enliven with joy those who receive. His gift was the sacrifice of his earthly life; our gifts should represent personal sacrifices on our part."

John A. Widtsoe, Ensign, December 1972, page 4

The Sacrament

Today, Wendy Abegglen gave a GREAT presentation on the SACRAMENT...Many of you MISSED her lesson, but she referred to a BYU EDUCATION WEEK talk by Matthew O. Richardson given in August 2008....I would like to present this talk to you...Get your pen and paper ready to take notes...GREAT INFORMATION...After listening to Brother Richardson's talk...I do believe...we will look at our WEEKLY partaking of the sacrament...in a different light...Blessings to ALL...

Where is the Line to SEE JESUS?

Believe...

I hope you don't mind...but, I have another Josh Groban song....
"Believe"...It is that time of year...where MUSIC seems to SPEAK more to my soul...than most other times..Perhaps...it is the THOUGHTS behind each song...that...draws me....so much closer to the spirit...or gets me to ponder the meaning...and purpose of my life...or to think over my life...Hope this selection...will enrich your moment...

Christmas MUSIC

Tonight...I wanted to simply listen to one of my favorite...versions of "Oh Holy Night"...by Josh Groban...

Hope you will enjoy it as much as I do...

Giving...

One of my greatest heroes in life...was Mother Teresa. She profoundly impressed on my mind...the VALUE of ONE SOUL...

I read these quotes years ago...from a little book called "Ancient Apostles" by David O. McKay "No man has come to true greatness who has not felt in some degree that his life belongs to his race, and that what God gives him He gives him for mankind."

"If any man seeks for greatness, let him forget greatness and ask for truth, and he will find both."

Secret to GREATNESS...
Referring to those who did great things in their lives, David O. McKay said of them..."Each one has given something of his life to make the world better. They did not spend all their time seeking only pleasure and ease, and a 'good time' for themselves alone, but found their greatest joy in making others happy and more comfortable. All such good deeds live forever, even though the world may never hear of them."

I saw this little video...and thought not only of Mother Teresa...but remembered these quotes...This man's example...of "giving" of his life was inspiring...

Mormon Tabernacle Choir - Hallelujah!

Service and Charity: The Pure Love of Christ

Today, Tawna Chery gave an EXCELLENT lesson on "Charity" and "Service"...I wanted to type up her notes...for those who did NOT get to hear it...or wanted some of the GREAT quotes that were presented:

Elder Cuthbert of the Seventy said "Over the years, many people have asked me 'How can I become more spiritual?' His reply has always been the same: 'You have to give more service.'"

SERVICE CHANGES PEOPLE

Service changes people. It refines, purifies, gives a finer perspective, and brings out the best in each one of us. It gets us looking outward instead of inward. It prompts us to consider others' needs ahead of our own. Righteous service is the expression of true charity, such as the Savior showed.

During his ministry on earth Jesus Christ spent his time serving and helping others. True disciples of Christ do likewise. The Savior said "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13.35.

Matthew 22: 37-39 - "Love the Lord thy God and thy Neighbor as thyself."
John 13:34 - "Love one another as I have loved you."

We come to know and love people by serving them---we understand their circumstances, their challenges, their hopes and aspirations a little more.

President Kimball: "Service to others deepens and sweetens this life while we are preparing to live in a better world. it is by serving that we learn to serve. When we are engaged in the service of our fellowmen, not only do our deeds assist them, but we put our own problems in a fresher perspective. When we concern ourselves more with others, there is less time to be concerned with ourselves! In the midst of the miracle of serving, there is the promise of Jesus that by losing ourselves, we find ourselves.

"The more that we serve the more substance there is to our souls." President Kimball

President Kimball: "In the account of the barren fig tree (Matthew 21:19) the unproductive tree was cursed for its barrenness. What a loss to the individual and to humanity if the vine does not grow, the tree does not bear fruit, the soul does not expand through service! One must live, not only exist; he must do, not merely be; he must grow, not just vegetate. We must use our talents in behalf of our fellowmen, rather than burying them in the tomb of a self-centered life...we must expend our energies and use our skills for purposes larger than our own self-interest if we desire true happiness."

"One who serves and sacrifices goes to bed at night with peace of mind." (Russell C. Taylor - Of the Seventy)

SERVICE HELPS US TO BE CHRISTLIKE

What is our greatest potential? Is it not to be Christlike ourselves? What qualities must we develop to achieve such greatness?

In talking about those qualities...
President Kimball stated "We might consider intelligence, light, knowledge, and leadership. But perhaps the most essential godlike quality is that of compassion and love---compassion shown forth in service to others, unselfishness, that ultimate expression of concern for others we call love. Wherever our Father's children magnify their opportunities for loving service, they are learning to become more like Him."

Luke 10:25-37 - "The Good Samaritan"
John 8: 2-11 - "The Adulteress"

What do these two stories have in common? We should love and serve and not JUDGE!

Mother Teresa: "If you judge people, you have NO TIME TO LOVE THEM."

President Monson asked us the question "Can we love one another as the Savior has commanded, if we judge each other?"

"I consider charity---or "the pure love of Christ"---to be the opposite of criticism and judging...charity manifests itself when we are tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions. The kind of charity that forgives, the kind of charity that is patient."

"Life is perfect for none of us. Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life. May we recognize that each one is doing her best to deal with the challenges which come her way, and may we strive to do our best to help out." (President Monson)

Matthew 20:28 - "Son of man came to minister"

Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, feet that were hot, sweaty, and soiled with dust and dirt. He washed not their hands or face; he washed their feet. I think that he was teaching a lesson in this act. He who was the greatest was not above any act of service.

Matthew 25:40 - "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these, ye have done it unto me".

Are we above serving and caring for others? Do we make the time to be there for others?

Mosiah 2:17 - "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in t he service of your God."

Why is it so important to teach our children at a young age to serve others?

Elder Cuthbert of the Seventy: "This is the way we shall save the RISING GENERATION from BECOMING a TOTALLY SELFISH, INDULGENT generation. We shall not save them by always providing them with fun activities which are INWARD LOOKING."

It is a wise parent that provides service opportunities for their children.

What are some ways you have done this? Some things you have done?

SERVICE SHOWS OUR GRATITUDE TO THE SAVIOR

We need to fill ourselves up with gratitude for His redeeming love, His infinite atoning sacrifice, His obedience to the will of the Father. As we become full of gratitude, it overflows into service. (Matthew 25:40 concept)

SERVICE HELPS US TO KNOW THE SAVIOR

Mosiah 5:13 - "For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?"

Elder Bruce R. McConkie has taught us that service is essential to salvation. "Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we MUST DO. Progress is not created by contented people. It is up to us, you and me, to be uncomfortable in complacency, to refrain from being spectators, and be players in the game of life."

The wonderful thing about service is there is no end to it. We can always find someone who can be lifted bya complement, who can be blessed bya a kind deed, who can be strengthened by loving charitable serice. As we do this there will be more substance to our souls and with that our spirituality will increase.

President Kimball stated "There is great security in spirituality, and we cannot have spirituality without SERVICE!"

Tawna then showed this clip...May we, as Sisters, truly rise up...do our Visiting Teaching...serve each other...like the Savior...whom we have chosen to follow...Let us truly "BE HIS HANDS"....

Mary Did You Know

Christmas Spirit

Let Him In...

Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Smith

Sealed in the Rexburg Idaho Temple
29 November 2010

Getting the car ready for the Bride and Groom
Funny part was...Jacob hid in the backseat of the car
under all those balloons...
Abe and Annie had no idea...
took off...About ONE BLOCK
from the church - the back BRAKE tail lights flash ON!
They dropped JACOB off at the corner...
and made him WALK back to the church! (smile)

It was COLD outside - Annie took alot of pictures
without her coat on...

Father and Daughter
Larry and Annie

TWO FAMILIES
Kalispell 3rd Ward
Are now ONE
Egley Family and the Smith Family

Many of you have asked to see pictures of Abraham and Annie on their "sealed for time and all eternity" day...These pictures were taken by BUNNY EGLEY...mother of the bride! (smile)

Seeing Through the Lens of His Gospel

Elder Neal A. Maxwell observed, "When one sees life and people through the lens of His gospel, then one can see forever". (Ensign, May 1974, Pg. 112)

Classics...

I don't know about you, Sisters....but, I LOVE CLASSICS...Classic literature...Classic old movies...etc. I have spent some of my "holiday" moments watching...classic literature recreated in film form...plus, an old classic movie...entitled "How Green Is My Valley"...I would, now, LOVE to read the book...There were "statements" in the old 1941 film...that are rare on the screen, today...GOSPEL truths were taught...SCRIPTURE quoted...and GOD was often FOCUSED in the story...

One of the quotes from the movie...that I wrote down...that captured my attention, I would like to retype for you:

The scene was between a young boy name Huw and his mentor, a young preacher, Mr. Gruffydd...who tells the boy how to "keep your spirit clean"...

"As your father cleans his lamp to have good light, so keep clean your spirit...By prayer...And by prayer, I don't mean shouting and mumbling and wallowing like a hog in religious sentiment...
Prayer is only another name for good, clean, direct THINKING...
When you pray.....THINK!
THINK well what you are saying...
MAKE your thoughts into things that are solid.
and that way your prayer will have STRENGTH.
And that STRENGTH will become a part of you---
BODY, MIND, and SPIRT."

Happy THANKSGIVING!

Ashley Buckwalter

Debbie Perrone

L to R: Kari Beagley - Amy Robinson - Tawna Chery - Wendy Storey

Sabrina Dobson

Generous donations of "goodies"

THANK YOU...dear Sisters...who made our Thanksgiving "Treat" night...absolutely WONDERFUL...! THANK YOU...YOUTH and LEADERS...who helped DELIVER THEM....

Thoughts from our Prophet in our last General Conference:

President Thomas S. Monson made these comments:
"Regardless of our circumstances, each of us has much for which to be
grateful if we will but pause and contemplate our blessings."
He quoted President Joseph F. Smith:
"The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for,
and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love overpowers jealousy,
and light drives darkness out of his life. Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness
in its place. How much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul,
and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life,
a thankful attitude toward God and man!"

Who You Are...

A friend of my daughter, Sarah...made this video...inspired by my daughter's personal blog...She has a huge following...mostly young mothers...who get a daily dose of humor...from my daughter's ongoing sagas of young motherhood...(wait till they all become "teenagers"...my daughter will have PLENTY of material to write about) (smile)

All the pictures in this video are of my daughter and her family...The MUSIC is INSPIRING...I thought...many of us...could relate...to its message...as mothers...but, also, as WOMEN of GOD...!

The POWER of Laughter....

We all have heard the ol' saying..."Laughter is the best medicine..." or we could go to the scriptures..."A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." (Proverbs 17:22)

I read this interesting bit of information: "On average, children laugh 400 times a day, while adults laugh about 15 times. Why the gap? Did we lose something? Have we forgotten the way we used to be? Why is it that children seem to cope with life's oddities better than adults? Perhaps it's because they do not fully understand. But I think it's simpler than that---they LAUGH......Do we need to cultivate a different attitude? Humor is in the way we see things, the way we think. It's an attitude, not an event. Perhaps the key lies in becoming more childlike." (Gary K. Palmer, "The Power of Laughter," Ensign, Sept 2007, 32-35)

One of my very favorite apostles, Elder Neal A. Maxwell said..."The true believer is serious about the living of his life, but he is of good cheer. His humor is the humor of hope and his mirth is the mirth of modesty---not the hollow laughter or the cutting cleverness of despair. Unlike those of a celebrated "devil-may-care" lifestyle, his is the quiet "heaven-does-care" attitude." ("True Believers in Christ", page 139)

"Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face." (Victor Hugo) How true! Ever notice those with a "sunny" disposition? (smile)

Voltaire had an interesting thought..."God is a comedian, playing to an audience too afraid to laugh."

I liked this statement, also..."Laughter is the shock absorber that eases the blows of life." I have a daughter...who have 4 children---6 yrs. of age and under and is expecting her 5 child...She has a blog...where she takes every day..."hair-pulling"...events...and takes pictures of the situations...then, tries to find HUMOR in it... and writes to all her followers...EASING the daily frustrations...that mothers with YOUNG CHILDREN have on nearly a daily basis...(not to mention mothers of teenagers) (smile) But, this ability to find HUMOR is blessing HER LIFE...and helping other mothers...take their everyday....challenges...and find HUMOR in the situation...instead of becoming a "raving Witch of the West"...

Ever stop to think how many times a day you actually LAUGH? "Laughter is the brush that sweeps away the cobwebs of your heart."

In spite of our challenges...we are expected to be "cheerful"..."Though our trials are tiny compared to His, alas, we are often GRUMPY. Jesus was of good cheer because then current conditions did not alter His sources of ultimate joy. Are not our fundamental sources of joy the same as His? ("As I Am" - page 100)

And finally...Elder Maxwell...gave this wonderful words of wisdom: "Gospel gladness is possible even in the midst of affliction, because of the reassuring realities that pertain to our mortal circumstance. The everlastingness of certain things puts the temporariness of other things in perspective." ("As I Am - page 98)

May we all experience the POWER of LAUGHTER in everyday...living...

Introducing "Matthew Samuel" Okelberry

Matthew Samuel Okelberry
Born: 10 September 2010 - 10:06 p.m.
10 lbs. 4 oz.
21 1/2 inches long

Proud Parents:
Sam and Mona
Big Sisters: Krystal and Gabriella

Isn't he a doll? Already looks 2 weeks old!
(smile)

We are FREE TODAY...because....OTHERS GAVE THEIR BEST

THANK YOU...to ALL who sacrificed
for me and my children...

Elder Neal A. Maxwell: Hope through the Atonement of Christ

Elder Neal A. Maxwell: Hope through the Atonement of Christ

Treasures in Heaven

I am posting this TWICE...once for those who can't see the entire film on your screen on this post...Either CLICK to pull up the film....or if your screen is wide enough...see it directly on this post...Either way....I pray...you will be edified deeply like I was...Love, Deb

BYUtv - Treasure In Heaven

BYUtv - Treasure In Heaven

Gospel "Formulas"

Today, in Relief Society...we had some fun with "Gospel Formulas"...We only touched on a few of them...and so...over the next few days...I will post some of the ones I came up with....There are MANY MANY MORE...Send me some of YOUR FAVORITES...and I will POST THEM! It would be fun to see how many we can come up with...This would INCLUDE...General Conference talks...Quotes from the Brethren...

OK...Here are a couple to get started - (my two favorites):

DEALING WITH DIFFICULT Individuals or Situations:

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies,
Bless them that curse you,
Do good to them that hate you,
and Pray for them which despitefully use you,
and persecute you...
Matthew 5:44

FORMULA:

• LOVE them
• BLESS them
• DO GOOD to them
• PRAY for them

GODHOOD

"SERVICE is not something we endure on the earth
so we can earn the right to live
in the celestial kingdom.
SERVICE is the very fiber of which an EXALTED LIFE
in the celestial kingdom is made.
Knowing that SERVICE is
what gives our Father in Heaven fulfillment,
and knowing that we want to be where He is
and
as He is,
why must we be commanded to SERVE one another?
SERVICE
is
What GODHOOD
is all about."

President Marion G. Romney - Ensign - November 1982, page 93
Quoted By: M. Russell Ballard - Ensign - September 1992, page 73

FORMULA:
SERVE ONE ANOTHER

ANNUAL Chili Cook- OFF...And the Winner is....................

For those who were not able to make it to our Ward ANNUAL "Chili" Cook- Off...you missed some GREAT TASTING CHILI! Lots to choose from...plus...homemade "corn bread" and homemade "goodies"!!!!! SO GOOD....All "diets" were put on hold! (smile) Before I put forth some of the pictures taken last night...a HUGE THANK YOU goes to Janie Toren...for overseeing this entire event...She had many "extra" pair of hands...who helped "set up" and "take down"! That is what WARD FAMILIES DO! (smile) LOVE IT!

Wally and Mary Lou Hartman

Time to EAT!

Susanne and Shane Hill (left)
Mark and Grace Guest (on right)

Steve and Debbie Perrone
Debbie did it without "blinking"! (smile)

Stefanie and Jeff Walter
"Newly SEALED this past YEAR" ! YEAH!

Tony Robinson and Sons
AJ (older son)
A. Robinson - aka "Asher"

Pat and LeRoy Turner

Michele Hemsley having SOME FUN with her sons!

Melanie Labrum with "Attitude"
LOVE IT, Melanie! (smile)

Kara Baisden with darling son - Alma

Heidi Stott with our NEW MOVE-IN!
Sonya Lloyds and her little cutie son - "Teryx"

Garvin only won by "ONE" vote!
Best "Chili" of the evening!
Has been a FAMILY FAVORITE! Garvin's own "original"!

Sassy...Fran Mc Carrell
My camera DELAYED... MISSED her "funny" look she made at me! (smile)

GREAT FOOD!
See what some of you missed last night!

cccccc

One of the sweetest to behold last night...were parents with their children.
Bart Van De Car with his little son...

Hey! Bishop Robison!

Is there anyone here...that can't RELATE to this SCENE! (smile)
You have got to love the expressions on the BAISDEN children! (smile)

Amy Duvall WON the BEST "Treat"

You will need to come NEXT YEAR...to know what YOU had MISSED!

Aidien, Wendy Storey, Athena with Grandma - Sheryl Ruggles

Lots of Activity...going on...

Aaron Denney playing "tic tac toe" with son - Joseph

The Book of Mormon and Freedom

This coming TUESDAY is our opportunity and RESPONSIBILITY to VOTE for those who are willing to "protect" our FREEDOM and our "God Given Rights"... I have gathered quotes for years on the subject of freedom, the Constitution of the U.S., political matters...I thought you might like to read just a FEW quotes on these subjects:

"And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure if we have removed their only firm basis: a conviction in the minds of men that these liberties are the gift of God?" (Thomas Jefferson - Notes on the State of Virginia)

President Spencer W. Kimball: "We urge you to STUDY the platforms and acquaint yourself with the candidates. Then PRAY to the Lord for GUIDANCE, and go to the polls and vote." ("God Will Not be Mocked" - General Conference - Ensign - Nov. 1974 - pg. 4)

John Quincy Adams: "Vote for PRINCIPLE, though you vote alone, and you may cherish with sweet reflection that your vote was never wasted."

Prophet Joseph Smith: "...we shall have the satisfaction of knowing that we have acted conscientiously, and have used our best judgment. And if we have to throw away our votes, we had better do so upon a worthy rather than an unworthy individual who might make use of the weapon we put in his hand to destroy us." (Times and Seasons, Nauvoo, IV, 441. Cited also in Roberts, Comprehensive History, II, 208-209).

The Book of Mormon...teaches us MUCH on the subject of FREEDOM/protection of our AGENCY to choose:

How Can I Say There is No God....

Through out the scriptures...and in our world, today...MANY exclaim...there is NO GOD! One of the great insights we have been blessed with...that lies within our TESTIMONY...is that we have been given "eyes to see" and "ears to hear"....and the ability to TOUCH....We KNOW there is a very LOVING FATHER...and that "in the beginning God created..........the heaven and the earth........."

HISTORY - Rome, Italy

This is a great little clip on the breaking of the ground for the ROME ITALY TEMPLE!

Joseph Smith once said that..."Our missionaries are going forth to different nations, and in Germany, Palestine, New Holland, Australia, the East Indies, and other places, the Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done" (History of the Church, 4:540)

TEMPLES are the RESULT of MISSIONARY WORK...This is truly an exciting MOMENT!

EACH LIFE That Touches Ours for Good

Today, in Relief Society, we sang the hymn "Each Life That Touches Ours for Good." Never really gave much thought to this hymn, until today...The words just seemed to "come alive"...Ever thought about its message? Here are the words:

Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deeds of those who love.

What greater gift dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christ-like friends, whose gentle ways
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.

When such a friend from us departs,
We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory,
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.

For worthy friends whose lives proclaim
Devotion to the Savior's name,
Who bless our days with peace and love
We praise thy goodness, Lord, above.

What a sweet sweet message....Sisters... I bet right now...you can think of someone who...has blessed your life in this manner. Everyone one of us can do this one simple thing...be an instrument in Father's hands...for good...

Friends...are one thing...we can express our GRATITUDE to Father each and every day!
I am DEEPLY grateful...for every kind word...loving hug...each of you...have given me...THANK YOU...for being a LIGHT in MY LIFE...I know...this is what "heaven" will be like...LOVING KINDNESS...will be overflowing...from all those who enter Father's eternal kingdom! I am SO LOOKING FORWARD...to that forever experience!!! (smile)

Mothers - Temples - Posterity = PURE JOY!

Jared Beagley with his "beaming" mother - Kari

From the moment our children are placed into our arms...is the moment we begin to PRAY...from their very first breath...that they will DO BETTER than we did...and that they WILL stay TRUE to our HEAVENLY FATHER'S PLAN...!

There are THOUSANDS of MOTHERS...today, on bended knee praying over her little flock...and for YEARS afterwards...these same mothers will be on bended knee...pleading for guidance on how they can help lead this daughter or that son...to the "tree of life"...

This past weekend, one such mother is REJOICING in her POSTERITY...a dream pondered over...for the past 19 years...to witness her child...enter the "House of the Lord"...I know of NO GREATER JOY than that!

Elder David B. Haight said: "...when a mother honors and magnifies her calling, she is preparing for the eternities. She is not only preparing her children for their eternal destiny, but she is also preparing herself to become a queen and a priestess forever."

"As the First Presidency have declared: 'Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels." (Conference Report, October 1942, pp. 12-13) (Quoted from - "Woman" - page 19)

Helena MONTANA Training

Our Bishopric!
John Baisden - Bishop Mark Robison - Derek Toren
You have got to love it...
The saying... "A way to a man's heart is through his stomach"
(smile)

Part of the Relief Society Presidency
Debbie Smith - Twana Chery - Wendy Storey
Kari Beagley was with us - but had the privilege
of flying back with our Stake President and party
to experience a Mother's Dream: Seeing her son set apart for his MISSION!

Part of our NEW YOUNG WOMEN'S PRESIDENCY:
(L to R) Susan Robison (1st Counselor) - Jennifer Oliverson (Secretary)
Janie Toren was unable to attend - but is the Second Counselor

Part of the PRIMARY Presidency
Sheryl Ruggles - Anita Denney - Jennifer Sherratt
Sylvia Luehr (not in this picture)

General Relief Society - Sister Barbara Thompson - 2nd Counselor
Sister Thompson came to speak to all the Relief Society Sisters. She was absolutely OUTSTANDING! Her comments were so "down-to-earth"!
I thought to myself...we are ALL TRULY SISTERS.
Even in our own struggles in perfecting...
we are TRULY SISTERS - who are doing our very best!

Here are some of my notes from the Leadership Training
17 October 2010
Helena, Montana

Elder Terrance C. Smith - the 6th Quorum of SEVENTY:

• In the current Quorums of 70 - there are now 8 Quorums
• They represent: 59 countries and speak 63 languages
• Stated we must become ONE - then quoted the scripture - D&C 38:27 - "I say unto you, be ONE; and if ye are not ONE, ye are NOT MINE."
• As the Lord's people we are expected to serve well in the following areas:

1. FAMILY
2. Work/Community
3. Church

• Need to have the Spirit of the Holy Ghost to RECEIVE PERSONAL REVELATION. However we need to be doing or being in the following areas:

1. need to be WORTHY
2. Open to RESPONSE of the Holy Ghost
3. Listen to the counsel
4. Wait Upon the Lord
5. Have priorities straight

• Do NOT over plan your life - Leave room for the SPIRIT!
• Our marriages should be EXAMPLES - need to be STABLE - need to be GOOD/friendly
• Quoted 2nd Nephi 32:3 "Wherefore, I said unto you, FEAST upon the WORDS of CHRIST; for behold, the WORDS OF CHRIST will tell you ALL THINGS what YE SHOULD DO."
• Jesus does NOT want ADMIRERS - He want IMITATORS! (Loved that statement!) (smile)
• Elder Smith made the following comment: That the YOUNG WOMEN of the CHURCH need PRIESTHOOD BLESSINGS OFTEN...Admonished the BISHOPS in their 6 month interviews to ASK the YOUNG WOMEN if she would like a BLESSING!
• Also, that the YOUTH of the CHURCH need to receive their PATRIARCHAL BLESSINGS - at a younger age than the past...Times in which we live...now warrant such action!

SISTER BARBARA THOMPSON - 2nd Counselor - General Relief Society Presidency

• Quoted Alma 17:2-3 (LOVE THESE VERSES - PATTERN for PERSONAL REVELATION - and the ABILITY to TEACH WITH POWER! Plus KNOWLEDGE!!!!!) "...they had waxed strong in the KNOWLEDGE of the TRUTH; for they were men of SOUND UNDERSTANDING and they had SEARCHED the SCRIPTURES DILIGENTLY, that they might KNOW THE WORD of GOD." "But this is not all; they had given themselves to MUCH PRAYER, and FASTING; therefore they had the SPIRIT OF PROPHECY, and the SPIRIT of REVELATION, and when they TAUGHT they TAUGHT with POWER and AUTHORITY of GOD."

• TEMPLE BLESSINGS: (POWERFUL! - PONDER THESE VERSES, Sisters!)

1. D&C 97:13-14, 16 (verse 13) "For a place of THANKSGIVING for ALL SAINTS, and for a place of INSTRUCTION for ALL those who are called to the WORK of the MINISTRY in all their several callings and offices;
2. (verse 14) "That they may be PERFECTED in the UNDERSTANDING of their ministry, in theory, in principle, and in doctrine, in all things pertaining to the KINGDOM OF GOD on the earth, the keys of which kingdom have been conferred upon you.
3. (verse 16) "Yea, and my PRESENCE SHALL BE THERE, for I will come into it, and all the PURE IN HEART that shall come into it SHALL SEE GOD."
4. D&C 109: 22 "And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this HOUSE ARMED with thy POWER, and that thy name may be UPON THEM, and thy glory be ROUND ABOUT THEM, and THINE ANGELS have CHARGE OVER THEM

• Listen to SACRED MUSIC - aids us in receiving PERSONAL REVELATION
• PONDER - BE STILL

• President Monson wants ALL the SISTERS to KNOW...HOW MUCH HE LOVES US!

Amazing Grace

"When music is reverently presented, it can be akin to revelation. At times, I think, it cannot be separated from the voice of the Lord, the quiet, still voice of the Spirit."

President Boyd K. Packer
"The Spirit of the Tabernacle"
Liahona, May 2007
Pages 26-29

An Answer To Prayer....

In the Relief Society broadcast in September, Sister Julie Beck made this declaration: "Our presidency has prayed, fasted, pondered, and counseled with prophets, seers, and revelators to learn what God would have us do to help His daughters be strong in the face of "the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth."

AN ANSWER has come that the SISTERS OF THE CHURCH should KNOW and LEARN from the history of Relief Society. UNDERSTANDING the history of Relief Society strengthens the foundational IDENTITY and WORTH of FAITHFUL WOMEN."

Sisters in this beautiful Kalispell Valley...we will be studying the history of Relief Society. The church is in the process of putting a HISTORY together and will be available for our use NEXT YEAR. It will be most interesting...to see how this will BLESS our LIVES TODAY!

I have spent a great deal of time over the years studying EMMA SMITH, the wife of the prophet and the first Relief Society President called in this last dispensation. I will look forward to one day...THANKING HER...for all of her sacrifices in life...

I LOVE this MUSIC to this video...on Emma Smith...I hope you will be TOUCHED as much as I am...I have listened and watched this clip on Emma many times...I have looked into my own heart...and pondered my own service in the kingdom...

I'll Never, no Never, no NEVER FORSAKE!

Like many of you, I have been pondering over the messages that were given over the weekend...trying to find that SINGLE THREAD that would pulled the mind of the Lord to my understanding...

At one point, I thought, the single thread was FOLLOW the COUNSEL OF THE LIVING PROPHET! FAITH-TRUST in the LORD could have been one...AGENCY, certainly, was mentioned a few times...GRATITUDE...

But, it wasn't until this morning that a thought STRUCK me quite forcefully...and I thought I would share that thought with you...

Each morning before Hyrum goes to Seminary, we have a SONG (I know, it is hard to imagine that we would be bringing in the spirit with 6:00 a.m. singing voices) (well, our voices at any hour, for that matter) (smile)...prayer and the reading of the Book of Mormon. It was Garvin's turn to pick out the hymn and he chose "How Firm a Foundation", but he only wanted us to sing the LAST TWO VERSES...It was the 7th verse that I had this strong impression...on the SINGLE THREAD of General Conference...Here are the words of the LAST VERSE:

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no never, I'll never, no never,
I'll NEVER, no NEVER, no NEVER FORSAKE!

It was those words that RANG out to me...In Elder Neil L. Andersen's talk...he brought up the Savior asking this important question...that each of us must answer:

"...many of his disciples went back, and walked NO MORE WITH HIM.
Then said Jesus unto the twelve, WILL YE ALSO GO AWAY?
Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of ETERNAL LIFE. (John 6:66-68)

We were given sound counsel on what is needful at this time in our lives...to handle the season that has been foretold by all other dispensations of time...But, in the midst of all our trials and those, yet to come...there will be that haunting question..."Will ye also go away?" Will we be able to "endure" to the end...?

ANSWER is YES, we can...by being obedient to all the counsel that was given to us by our PROPHETS, SEERS, and REVELATORS in this General Conference.

We can with CONFIDENCE...live in harmony with the Holy Ghost...if we are reading our scriptures every day...talking to our Father on a daily basis...keeping a current temple recommend...having GRATITUDE in our hearts on a DAILY basis...TRUST GOD...FOLLOW the LIVING PROPHET...BEING MINDFUL on the USE of our TIME...SERVE and LOVE one another.

I'll NEVER, no NEVER, NO NEVER FORSAKE!

Saturday Sessions - General Conference

Sisters, I sure hope you were able to see the Saturday General Conference Sessions TODAY! There were some incredible talks given......Some of the subjects that were covered were:

1. 4 new temples announced
2. President Monson made "serious" statements on "Missionary Work".
3. Jeffrey Holland gave an INCREDIBLE talk on "Individual WORTH"!
4. Rosemary Wixom - talk on how to get our children back home safely to our Heavenly Father.
5. Claudio Costa - FOLLOW THE PROPHET!
6. David McConkie - Those who have been called to TEACH...4 principles one must follow.
7. D. Todd Christofferson - A Consecrated Life
8. Deiter F. Uchtdorf - Slow down....take note....of where you are in life...
9. Robert D. Hales - Agency
10. Quentin L. Cook - "When the lights Go On Again...All Over the World"
11. Richard C. Edgley - FAITH
12. Kevin Duncan - FOLLOW the COUNSEL of the PROPHET
13. Gerrit Gong - didn't take notes - but it was a good talk
14. Neil L. Andersen - Road to Discipleship
    
15. Richard G. Scott - FAITH - Moral Character

You notice I didn't give details...I am hoping you either saw these talks...or will be curious enough...to look them up and read them when they are made available... (smile) We can discuss more...once they are published...

WOULD LOVE YOUR COMMENTS on what caught YOUR ATTENTION, today...or on SUNDAY!

Hope you will all WATCH tomorrow!

Testimony

LDS.org - Liahona Article - Testimony

This talk was brought to my attention...by Jill Normandeau and Meridel Barden. I asked myself...what did I KNOW and what did I BELIEVE...

I realized what a precious GIFT it was to have the KNOWLEDGE through the Holy Ghost...that something was TRUE...

For an interesting...exercise...Make a list of what YOU KNOW...what you have been given through the Holy Ghost. If you find...there are some very important things you still have not had confirmed through the Holy Ghost...perhaps, you will want to do what NEPHI did...

"I, Nephi, was DESIROUS also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, (what his father saw), by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him...." (1 Nephi 10:17)

Verse 19: "For he that DILIGENTLY SEEKETH shall FIND; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unot them by the power of the Holy Ghost..."

1 Nephi 11:1 - "...I had DESIRED to know the things that my father had seen, and BELIEVING that the LORD was ABLE TO MAKE THEM KNOWN unto ME, as I sat PONDERING in mine heart............"

Counsel to the Sisters of the Church

If you were unable to attend the STAKE/GENERAL Relief Society Broadcast this past Saturday, please, go to the following website to see excerpts from this event. I had some FAVORITE moments...especially during President Thomas S. Monson's talk...You have got to LOVE his humor and his FACIAL expressions....(smile)

Please go to the following web address:
http://new.lds.org/pages/general-rs-meeting-sept-2010?lang=eng

Counsel from the Lord...

I thought our Stake Conference this past weekend was TERRIFIC! Both Saturday night and Sunday morning sessions! We were given GREAT COUNSEL...I am going to just highlight some of President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk...I hope each of you are pondering WHY would the Lord give us this counsel...at this time...but, will ACT upon the counsel that was given...for a PROMISE was given if we do....

President Uchtdorf quoted a saying by Buddha:
"Conquer the angry man by love. Conquer the ill-natured man by goodness. Conquer the miser with generosity. Conquer the liar with truth."

He also quoted this from President Brigham Young:
"I have proven to my satisfaction, according to the best knowledge I can gather, that man can be deceived by the sight of the natural eye, he can be deceived by the hearing of the ear, and by the touch of the hand; that he can be deceived by all that are called the natural senses. But there is one thing in which he can not be deceived. What is that? It is the operation of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit and the power of God upon t he creature." (Journal of Discourses, Conference Address - 17 September 1876.)

He told us the following (to the best of my ability to take notes in the dark) (smile):

• President Monson has a CLEAR VIEW for the direction of this church.
• Challenging times
• We are inspire our youth to SERVE and MAKE WISE CHOICES
• Prepare ourselves to SERVE THE LORD
• Save your money
• Those who are preparing to serve a mission - STUDY Chapter 3 in "Preach My Gospel".
• Serving a mission will bless GENERATIONS and it is a DIVINE CALLING.
• PRAY for WISDOM
• TRUST in the LORD
• Rely on the Spirit of the Lord
• We are living in a "gathering" place
• Life is exciting and fascinating
  
• Satan is keeping us from using our TIME WISELY and SETTING GOALS
• GOALS forces us to choose a course that will occupy our time
• Evaluate where you are - make a course evaluation
• He who loves the Lord will keep His commandments
• We are the Lord's friend - if we keep His commandments.
• Tithing is a law that is about FAITH - all the commandments are...Given by a LOVING and CARING Heavenly Father.
• Conference is a way to strengthen us.
• Let virtue guide our thoughts
• Satan desires to sift us as wheat.
• When we are converted, we are to strengthen our brothers and sisters.
• Never be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
• RELIGHT the FIRE of CONVERSION!
• This is a time to BELIEVE in MIRACLES!
• 3 PROVEN ways to strengthen our CONVERSION:

1. Have a CURRENT TEMPLE RECOMMEND - another meaning to "CTR" - besides meaning "Choose the Right"...We can look at our CTR rings and think --- "CURRENT TEMPLE RECOMMEND"...(smile)
2. READ our SCRIPTURES DAILY (Sister Mary Cook - 1st Counselor YW - also, gave 3 statements of counsel...but, she specifically stated to READ THE BOOK OF MORMON DAILY!) (Isn't it nice to know....WE ARE ALREADY FOLLOWING THEIR COUNSEL!!!) (smile)
3. PRAY to our Father DAILY! - President Uchtdorf said that NOTHING CAN TAKE THE PLACE OF PRAYER!

• World needs the gospel - People need the MORAL VALUES as NEVER BEFORE! - especially this RISING GENERATION!
• President Uchtdorf "as an apostle of the Lord" PROMISED if we will follow THE COUNSEL he gave us....that we will see MIRACLES in our FAMILIES and in our own PERSONAL LIVES!
  

You raise me up slideshow

"How to Instill the Love of the Lord in our Children"

One of the subjects last night in Stake Conference was: "Instill the LOVE of the Lord in our Children". A sister in our Ward just happened to send me this You Tube of a 2-year old reciting the 23rd Psalm. This clip reminded me...of my experience....YEARS ago...when I was Primary President when I had ALL the children from 3 years of age to 11 years...MEMORIZE all the Primary Scriptures for the year. Each child on a ONE-to-ONE meeting with me...would recite the scripture of the month...

I am a stickler about doing things WORD PERFECT! At first, it was the PARENTS who balked at such an idea. They said this would be too difficult for their child to do....but, I insisted...

I am here to TESTIFY that the only ones who were holding their children back...were the PARENTS NOT the child....In time....Almost the ENTIRE PRIMARY were passing off to me...WORD PERFECT...INCLUDING the "3" year olds! They would CHASE ME DOWN THE HALLWAYS...."Sister Smith....Sister Smith....can I pass off my scripture NOW!?"

Please, understand, there were a couple of children who had learning disabilities...and I recognized who they were...but...........when they would RECITE...to the best of their ability.........they BEAMED....They literally LITE UP THE ROOM.......when it was their turn to recite what they could! IT WAS WORD PERFECT in my mind.........and they KNEW THEY HAD ACCOMPLISHED a GREAT DEAL!......(smile)

Yes...ALL we need to do is take a little time and help them...for our children CAN DO IT!!! MEMORIZING scriptures...in securing words from our Heavenly Father...into their little minds...will BECOME a part of their HEARTS...and sink into their SOULS...for the SPIRIT will TESTIFY that what they just learned....IS TRUE! Starting them out YOUNG is SO IMPORTANT...It is the "planting of the seed"....parable.....

Even if you do NOT have children...you can be an example...HELP your own GRANDCHILDREN...support a CHILD in our WARD...There are plenty of them...that you can MENTOR...

Watch this little video...It testifies...of the truth...on HOW to INSTILL the LOVE of the LORD in our children...It can be done...I PROMISE!

STAKE CONFERENCE - Saturday Night Session

Garvin with Daughter #2

Garvin and Daughter #3 on her wedding day

Garvin with daughter #4 on her wedding day
Wiping away his tears...

Garvin with daughter #1 on her wedding Day

Dear Sisters!
If you missed tonight's Stake Conference session...you missed a GREAT MEETING!!!!! I hope to highlight some of the thoughts that were expressed tonight...but, my word, I took SO MANY NOTES...that it will take me all week...to get them down...

So, this is what I hope to do...AFTER, tomorrow morning's broadcast from Salt Lake City, I will put thoughts together...and post something all this week! HOWEVER...this is what I would LOVE FOR ANY OF YOU TO DO!!!!!

PLEASE, if you have thoughts on what you heard either TONIGHT or tomorrow's morning's session....PLEASE...ADD YOUR COMMENTS to each POST...including this one! The more INPUT from each of you...will only BENEFIT all the REST OF US!!!!! Getting just my thoughts....is NOT GOOD ENOUGH!

I will say this much about tonight...It was a GREAT TRIBUTE to WOMANHOOD.....Heavenly Father LOVES His DAUGHTERS...VERY MUCH!!!!! Yes, He LOVES His sons...but, there is a relationship between Father and Daughter...that is TENDER...and ever so sacred...We are indeed his "baby girls"...and always will be...I picture us with our Heavenly Father...much like the wedding pictures of our daughters with their father.....sweet and ever so tender...

YOUTH - YM-YW ACTIVITIES - Kalispell 3rd Ward

Parents:
I will try my best to keep up with the Youth Activities of our Ward, but NO PROMISES! (smile)

I still need to meet up with the Young Women's President. Please, be patient with me...I will work on this as I begin to receive information.

In the meantime:
Here is a STAKE EVENT for all YOUTH of the Kalispell Montana STAKE!
STAKE YOUTH FIRESIDE - 6 p.m.
Sunday - September 26th

"Letters to God"

Have you ever written a letter to God before? I have never thought to do it myself... till I watched a Christian film called..."Letters to God" tonight. The story was inspired by the true life of a young boy who was dying of cancer.

A scripture was mentioned - 2 Corinthians 3:3...I must admit, I hadn't heard this verse referred to very much. "Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart."

It caused me to search Conference talks to see if anyone ever used this verse or part of it in a talk...There weren't too many...but, I found a few lines that made reference to 2 Corinthians 3:3.

"An easiness to believe will come when "the word of God is ETCHED into our hearts." (General Conference - 2004 - October - Elder Michael Ringwood)

"In each of us, the RESTORED GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST can be "written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tablets of the HEART." (General Conference - 2003 - October - Relief Society - Anne C. Pingree)

"Our day-to-day offerings of charity are "written not with ink, but with the spirit of the living God...in the fleshy tables of our hearts." Little by little our charitable acts change our natures, define our characters, and ultimately make us women with the courage and commitment to say to the Lord, "Here am I; send me." (General Conference - October - 2002 - Relief Society - Anne C. Pingree)

We talk to Father...in our daily prayers..............but, I wonder...........if we wrote to Heavenly Father, our thoughts...daily...in a JOURNAL............. Would our thoughts be deeper...? Would we see things in a different LIGHT...? Just.......wondering.......

LDS.org - Liahona Article - The Book of Mormon as a Personal Guide

LDS.org - Liahona Article - The Book of Mormon as a Personal Guide

Testimony of the Book of Mormon

Many of you witnessed Elder Jeffery R. Holland's POWERFUL WITNESS
of the Book of Mormon in General Conference - 4 October 2009.
He said:
"I ask that my testimony of the Book of Mormon
and all that it implies, given today under my own OATH and OFFICE,
BE RECORDED BY MEN ON EARTH AND ANGELS IN HEAVEN.
I want it absolutely clear when I stand before the judgment bar of God
that I declared to the world...that the Book of Mormon
IS TRUE."

He also, declared this thought:
"I TESTIFY that one cannot come to the FULL FAITH
in this latter-day work---and thereby find the FULLEST MEASURE
of PEACE and COMFORT in these, our times---
until he or she EMBRACES the divinity of the Book of Mormon
and the Lord Jesus Christ,
of whom it testifies."

Nephi's Testimony

As we all begin to study and read The Book of Mormon...I am struck my Nephi's TESTIMONY of what he records:

"...I KNOW that the record which I make is TRUE!" (1st Nephi 1:3)

Sisters, as you READ, please, feel free to COMMENT on what you are reading
or your TESTIMONY of the Book of Mormon!
May the "POWER of the WORD"
STRENGTHEN and BLESS US ALL!

New Bride

Diane and Rick had gone out and cut all the "wildflowers"
for all of their flower arrangements

Diane, also, used the wildflowers to decorate
their wedding cake that she made.
Didn't the cake come out AWESOME?

Diane Masciullo became a new bride on Saturday, August 28th! She married, Rick Groves, also, from our Ward.
I am sorry...my pictures of both Rick and Diane did not turn out.
But, I have this wonderful picture of Diane...
just before she legally become MRS. Rick GROVES!