President and Sister Drewes (i.e. Mission President and his wife) have asked for black church socks for our precious missionarie. With all of their hard work, they have worn right through theirs. "
Our RS presidency has a stake meeting on Saturday, November 8th and we have been asked to bring the socks then! If you would like to help the missionaries by contributing "Holy Socks" for the NLR Mission please bring them to church the next two Sundays... and we will be proud to deliver them for you.
Thanks so much for all that you do...We love you all!
Your Relief Society Presidency,
Carol, Cathy and Veda
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
October Visiting Teaching Message
“Gender Is an Essential Characteristic of Eternal Identity and Purpose,” Ensign, Oct 2008, 67
Teach the scriptures and statements that meet the needs of the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you teach to share what they have felt and learned.
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).
Why Is Gender Essential?
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “[Gender] in large measure defines who we are, why we are here upon the earth, and what we are to do and become. For divine purposes, male and female spirits are different, distinctive, and complementary. … The unique combination of spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional capacities of both males and females were needed to implement the plan of happiness” (“Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan,” Liahona, June 2006, 51; Ensign, June 2006, 83).
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: “As spirit daughters of God, women ‘received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth’ (D&C 138:56) on the earth. They were among the ‘noble and great ones’ (D&C 138:55) who ‘shouted for joy’ (Job 38:7) at the creation of the earth because they would be given a physical body with the opportunity to be proven in a mortal sphere (see Abraham 3:25). They wished to work side by side with righteous men to accomplish eternal goals that neither can attain independently. Female roles did not begin on earth, and they do not end here. A woman who treasures motherhood on earth will treasure motherhood in the world to come” (“A ‘Mother Heart,’” Liahona and Ensign, May 2004, 76).
What Can I Do Because of My Role in Heavenly Father’s Plan?
Margaret D. Nadauld, former Young Women general president: “Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. … We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith” (“The Joy of Womanhood,” Liahona, Jan. 2001, 18; Ensign, Nov. 2000, 15).
Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “The premortal and mortal natures of men and women were specified by God Himself. … [Sometimes women] ask: ‘Is a woman’s value dependent exclusively upon her role as a wife and mother?’ The answer is simple and obvious: No. … Every righteous man and woman has a significant role to play in the onward march of the kingdom of God. …
“… My dear sisters, we believe in you. We believe in and are counting on your goodness and your strength, … And we believe that God’s plan is for you to become queens and to receive the highest blessings any woman can receive in time or eternity” (“Women of Righteousness,” Liahona, Dec. 2002, 36–37; Ensign, Apr. 2002, 66–69).
Teach the scriptures and statements that meet the needs of the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you teach to share what they have felt and learned.
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).
Why Is Gender Essential?
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “[Gender] in large measure defines who we are, why we are here upon the earth, and what we are to do and become. For divine purposes, male and female spirits are different, distinctive, and complementary. … The unique combination of spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional capacities of both males and females were needed to implement the plan of happiness” (“Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan,” Liahona, June 2006, 51; Ensign, June 2006, 83).
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: “As spirit daughters of God, women ‘received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth’ (D&C 138:56) on the earth. They were among the ‘noble and great ones’ (D&C 138:55) who ‘shouted for joy’ (Job 38:7) at the creation of the earth because they would be given a physical body with the opportunity to be proven in a mortal sphere (see Abraham 3:25). They wished to work side by side with righteous men to accomplish eternal goals that neither can attain independently. Female roles did not begin on earth, and they do not end here. A woman who treasures motherhood on earth will treasure motherhood in the world to come” (“A ‘Mother Heart,’” Liahona and Ensign, May 2004, 76).
What Can I Do Because of My Role in Heavenly Father’s Plan?
Margaret D. Nadauld, former Young Women general president: “Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. … We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith” (“The Joy of Womanhood,” Liahona, Jan. 2001, 18; Ensign, Nov. 2000, 15).
Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “The premortal and mortal natures of men and women were specified by God Himself. … [Sometimes women] ask: ‘Is a woman’s value dependent exclusively upon her role as a wife and mother?’ The answer is simple and obvious: No. … Every righteous man and woman has a significant role to play in the onward march of the kingdom of God. …
“… My dear sisters, we believe in you. We believe in and are counting on your goodness and your strength, … And we believe that God’s plan is for you to become queens and to receive the highest blessings any woman can receive in time or eternity” (“Women of Righteousness,” Liahona, Dec. 2002, 36–37; Ensign, Apr. 2002, 66–69).
Friday, October 10, 2008
Fun, Fun, Fun Planned!
We have 2 fun events planned this week. I hope you will join us if possible.
Monday, October 13th: 10 a.m.
We will be starting our monthly brunch & everyone is welcome. The first one will be this Monday at Lindsee Shipp's home (i.e., 2420 Marie Drive). Please, bring a brunch item to share.
Thursday, October 16th: 6:30 p.m.
We will be doing a card making class this Thursday at the church for our mini enrichment activity. Amy Thueson will be there to teach us the ropes. A package of 4 all occasion cards will be provided. Please, bring a glue stick and scissors if you plan to participate.
Prayers Requests & Updates
Updates:
Donna Meeks is still working hard at the rehabilitation center. She will be able to go home on Monday. Gloria Nunley is now home and recovering from her surgery. Kaylee Eksund (Kimberly & Bret's baby) are finally home from the hospital. She is being monitored for sleep apnea and being treated for reflux.
New Requests:
Donna Meeks is still working hard at the rehabilitation center. She will be able to go home on Monday. Gloria Nunley is now home and recovering from her surgery. Kaylee Eksund (Kimberly & Bret's baby) are finally home from the hospital. She is being monitored for sleep apnea and being treated for reflux.
New Requests:
Jenae Thompson's son, Alex. He has passed out & will be seeing a cardiologist.
October 10th: Sister Amy Jaye's was having a procedure done to locate the blockages in her heart and then to fix it.
October 16th: Sister Rachel Davis has surgery. If the surgery is successful it will help alleviate her pain significantly.
October 20th: Sister Pendagraph will have surgery.
"Prayer unlocks the powers of heaven in our behalf. Prayer is the greatest gift which our Eternal Father has given us by which we may approach Him and speak with Him in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Be prayerful. You cannot make it alone. You cannot reach your potential alone. You need the help of the Lord." President Gordon B. Hinckley from Stand A Little Taller
October 10th: Sister Amy Jaye's was having a procedure done to locate the blockages in her heart and then to fix it.
October 16th: Sister Rachel Davis has surgery. If the surgery is successful it will help alleviate her pain significantly.
October 20th: Sister Pendagraph will have surgery.
"Prayer unlocks the powers of heaven in our behalf. Prayer is the greatest gift which our Eternal Father has given us by which we may approach Him and speak with Him in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Be prayerful. You cannot make it alone. You cannot reach your potential alone. You need the help of the Lord." President Gordon B. Hinckley from Stand A Little Taller
Thank you so much for the prayers for your fellow sisters! Together, we can make a difference and make life a little easier along the way!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Prayer Request for Kaylee Eksund
We ask that you would say a special prayer for Kimberly Eksund's baby. Kaylee choked this morning and they had difficulty getting her to respond. The pediatrician has asked that they take her into the hospital for some testing to be safe. I know the family would really appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Please, feed our missionaries!
Help! The missionaries need fed Monday, Wednesday, & Saturday. If your family could feed them one of those nights. They would really appreciate it. You can give Veda a call.
A couple of side notes, Kimberly's baby shower was fun. There were a lot of sisters enjoying a newborn snuggle. Also, Donna Meeks is looking great. She is making good progress.
Hope you have a great week Sisters! Thank for all of the little things that you do each day that goes unacknowledged, but makes a big difference.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Behind the scenes of the General RS Meeting
Thought you might enjoy this. A sister from the ward shared this with us. It's an email from someone who sang in the choir at the General Relief Society Meeting this past Saturday. I would encourage you to go back and watch if you didn't it was a wonderful meeting with beautiful messages.
Email:
Email:
Well, I broke down and decided to send a quick email to let you know that the choir for the General Women's Broadcast tomorrow night was selected from my area and I am in it. I just had to share some things I have learned and felt during the last 7 weeks at rehearsals.
First, you will see that we are wearing white blouses. Some people have commented to me their surprise at the color choice (or lack thereof) but I have to tell you the story behind this. Sis. Beck, the General R.S. Pres., stopped into our practice one night as a surprise and she spoke for a few minutes. First, I cannot describe the feeling she brought with her, the power of the Holy Ghost as testified to us of the Lord's hand in this conference and her humble pleading for help in her talk. She said that as she has traveled the world, she has felt such a powerful need to communicate to the women worldwide, regardless or race, economics, etc. that we are sisters and ALL members of the LORD'S church - together. She said that she felt inspired to request that we wear white because everywhere she has gone, the women always show up in a white clean shirt somehow. She said she didn't know how it was possible in some areas to have anything clean let alone white - but they always come somehow in white, even if it is an old tee-shirt, cleaned and turned inside out so the writing on it doesn't show. So, she wanted them to see the choir and know that they could be part of it regardless of money or situation. They also asked us to not wear jewelry (or very minimal) so that women who are not sure where the next meal is coming from don't feel such an economic division between Utah and them.
They have worked to prepare us spiritually as much as musically. From the first night, they have said, the music is secondary. The testimony of Jesus Christ is primary. It is only about Him and the sisters out there. From the second we started rehearsing, the Spirit has been tangible and present. Every time, I leave feeling changed inside. At our first rehersal, they said that there wouldn't be any new or original special songs. They told us that the conference is translated into the various languages, except the music. The music is always in English. There are many versions of Hymnals in the world, but they don't have every song in them. In fact, there are only about 15-20 songs (if I remember correctly) common among them all. So, to unify the sisters again, they chose 4 of the songs that are in every hymnal, so even if they don't understand our language, they will know the song and feel it is their hymns and their Church.
The theme of the music is rejoicing and hope in the Savior. In light of world events of the recent days, I can't tell you the power and peace I feel when I practice these songs. I invite you to listen closely to the words of the songs. They have come to me with force I have rarely felt in music ~ for example: 'His kingdom cannot fail. He rules over earth and heaven.' When it seems that everyday something else is failing, His kingdom cannot fail. Or, 'I would learn the Healer's art', 'Find in Thee my strength my beacon', or just the simple phrase 'Lift up your hearts! Lift up your voice! Rejoice again I say rejoice.' I have felt things during this preparation time that I never dreamed of feeling or learning. So, I felt the spirit say as I was practicing tonight ' 'Lift up your voice' and send some thoughts to those you love.' So, here are my thoughts and my love for whomever of you needs them.
My testimony has never been stronger of Jesus Christ and his love for us. My favorite name for him is 'Savior.' I feel it in every fiber of my being. He will not fail us if we cleave to Him. It is a marvelous time to be on the earth and great things are happening in this Church! It is his kingdom we are a part of. It is a privilege to bear His name and to try to be like Him. It is worth fighting for and holding our standards high. When we had our dress rehearsal in the Conference Center, and the organ started playing HUGE, and sound pouring out of the pipes over us, and singing with all the feeling of our souls, my heart felt like it would explode! I never considered how intimately the Savior watches over the preparations of conference, but I testify He is in every detail, every plan, every element of it. It is His conference, His church, His world, His people, His Love, and I am so grateful for the chance to sing my testimony to you tomorrow night! I will have you in my mind and heart!
First, you will see that we are wearing white blouses. Some people have commented to me their surprise at the color choice (or lack thereof) but I have to tell you the story behind this. Sis. Beck, the General R.S. Pres., stopped into our practice one night as a surprise and she spoke for a few minutes. First, I cannot describe the feeling she brought with her, the power of the Holy Ghost as testified to us of the Lord's hand in this conference and her humble pleading for help in her talk. She said that as she has traveled the world, she has felt such a powerful need to communicate to the women worldwide, regardless or race, economics, etc. that we are sisters and ALL members of the LORD'S church - together. She said that she felt inspired to request that we wear white because everywhere she has gone, the women always show up in a white clean shirt somehow. She said she didn't know how it was possible in some areas to have anything clean let alone white - but they always come somehow in white, even if it is an old tee-shirt, cleaned and turned inside out so the writing on it doesn't show. So, she wanted them to see the choir and know that they could be part of it regardless of money or situation. They also asked us to not wear jewelry (or very minimal) so that women who are not sure where the next meal is coming from don't feel such an economic division between Utah and them.
They have worked to prepare us spiritually as much as musically. From the first night, they have said, the music is secondary. The testimony of Jesus Christ is primary. It is only about Him and the sisters out there. From the second we started rehearsing, the Spirit has been tangible and present. Every time, I leave feeling changed inside. At our first rehersal, they said that there wouldn't be any new or original special songs. They told us that the conference is translated into the various languages, except the music. The music is always in English. There are many versions of Hymnals in the world, but they don't have every song in them. In fact, there are only about 15-20 songs (if I remember correctly) common among them all. So, to unify the sisters again, they chose 4 of the songs that are in every hymnal, so even if they don't understand our language, they will know the song and feel it is their hymns and their Church.
The theme of the music is rejoicing and hope in the Savior. In light of world events of the recent days, I can't tell you the power and peace I feel when I practice these songs. I invite you to listen closely to the words of the songs. They have come to me with force I have rarely felt in music ~ for example: 'His kingdom cannot fail. He rules over earth and heaven.' When it seems that everyday something else is failing, His kingdom cannot fail. Or, 'I would learn the Healer's art', 'Find in Thee my strength my beacon', or just the simple phrase 'Lift up your hearts! Lift up your voice! Rejoice again I say rejoice.' I have felt things during this preparation time that I never dreamed of feeling or learning. So, I felt the spirit say as I was practicing tonight ' 'Lift up your voice' and send some thoughts to those you love.' So, here are my thoughts and my love for whomever of you needs them.
My testimony has never been stronger of Jesus Christ and his love for us. My favorite name for him is 'Savior.' I feel it in every fiber of my being. He will not fail us if we cleave to Him. It is a marvelous time to be on the earth and great things are happening in this Church! It is his kingdom we are a part of. It is a privilege to bear His name and to try to be like Him. It is worth fighting for and holding our standards high. When we had our dress rehearsal in the Conference Center, and the organ started playing HUGE, and sound pouring out of the pipes over us, and singing with all the feeling of our souls, my heart felt like it would explode! I never considered how intimately the Savior watches over the preparations of conference, but I testify He is in every detail, every plan, every element of it. It is His conference, His church, His world, His people, His Love, and I am so grateful for the chance to sing my testimony to you tomorrow night! I will have you in my mind and heart!
Prayer Requests
We have several prayer requests. Sister Winborn's father (i.e., Donald Loosbourrow) is having heart surgery to get a pacemaker. We ask that you would pray for a safe surgery and a speedy recovery. Sister Christine Evan's daughter is serving in the military in Iraq. We ask that you would pray for her continued safety as well as comfort for her children while she is away. Our last request is for Ana Garcia had gall bladder surgery today.
FYI, Sister Donna Meeks is doing well. She was transferred from the hospital this evening to a rehabilitation center. She will be there for approximately a week.
Thank you for the love and support you show your fellow sisters in the ward. These acts of kindness are what makes a ward a family!
FYI, Sister Donna Meeks is doing well. She was transferred from the hospital this evening to a rehabilitation center. She will be there for approximately a week.
Thank you for the love and support you show your fellow sisters in the ward. These acts of kindness are what makes a ward a family!
1st Annual Relief Society Retreat
These pictures are long overdue! The Conway 1st ward annual Relief Society Retreat was September 19-20th. From feedback given from sisters who attended all agreed it was a huge success. This retreat provided a time where we were able to get together as sisters and form or renew bonds of friendship. Our relief society sisters shared stories which brought tears to our eyes and showed us the strength they had gained from their experiences. We shared stories that filled the room with laughter. Saturday morning, our Mission President and his wife spoke to us of the importance of service and of course missionary work. It was a perfect end to an enjoyable getaway....a renewal of faith and friendship. Thank you sisters for attending and making it special. We will see you next year!
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