April Presidency Message from Sister Kay Sampson…

Dear Sisters,

There is something about children that softens our hearts and searches our souls. They are so innocent, honest, teachable, trusting, of whom our Savoir said, “Except ye…become as little children, ye shall not enter…the kingdom of heaven.”

Elder Richard L. Evans said, “One should not rest well, it seems, with thoughts of children growing up in ignorance; not taught of God, of life, its purpose; not taught of cleanliness, honesty, morality; of children warped in their ways by the neglect or bad example of adults.” There are too many little ones around us that are growing up in neglect and troubled homes. There are those who are looking for a worthwhile cause to be involved in. We do great work at humanitarian endeavors and other causes but what about the children of our own stake and community? Maybe we need to turn to the cause of seeing that children are taught and cared for.

One of our granddaughters asked my husband if he could come to her school for “Dads and Doughnuts.” Her dad was out of town and could not go. So he went. When he came home, he told me of a little boy in our granddaughter’s class that did not have anyone to read with him and so my husband invited him to read with them. My husband said that the little boy was shabbily dressed and was in need of a bath. As they began to read, it was obvious that the little guy could not read. This broke my husband’s heart. He talked to the teacher after about the little boy and she said that he came from a dysfunctional home where the parents were not supportive at all.

“Every child,” said President David O. McKay, “has the right to feel that in his home he has a place of protection from the dangers and evils of the outside world. One should not sleep well while children are left unloved and lonely. God bless and watch over little children, and bless us to love and understand and teach and care for them and give them all we can of wholesomeness and happiness.”

“I think when I read that sweet story of old,

When Jesus was here among men,

How He called little children like lambs to His fold,

I should like to have been with Him them.”

May each of us find ways to reach out to our Heavenly Father’s little ones.

Sister Kay Sampson

Visiting Teaching

This message on visiting teaching from Sister Julie B. Beck is inspiring, motivating, informative, and heart, might, mind and soul opening!!! It will enhance and improve the way we as sisters feel about visiting teaching and it will be a great blessing in our stake if every sister will listen to this and make it a part of her life!  Click here:http://mormonchannel.org/relief-society/questions-and-answers/13

March Presidency Message:

Dear Relief Society Sisters,

Just a few days ago, my sister in law had her second child, a beautiful baby girl…born February 29^th J What fun it was to hold that sweet, new little girl! I wondered what she was thinking and what she remembered about our heavenly home. I also wondered what her life would be like…What kind of life would she create for herself through her choices surrounding the circumstances she will face?

Today, as I watched my children work together at building a few snowmen in our front yard, it brought to mind that same topic…CREATING.  I thought about the many things we can create in our lives and then I thought about the kind of life we create for ourselves.

What kind of life are we creating for ourselves through the choices surrounding our own circumstances? In a talk given by Joseph B. Wirthlin entitled, “The Abundant Life,” he says, “We are happiest when our lives are connected to others through unselfish love and service.”  What a true statement…each one of us knows the joy that comes into our lives when we create an atmosphere of love towards our fellowmen through simple acts of love, kindness, and service.

Yesterday, I witnessed someone reaching out to another as they shoveled snow from the sidewalks and driveway of a neighbor.  Then in return the neighbor who had been served, reaching out to thank the person who gave their time and energy in shoveling their snow with a card of thanks letting her know that she was their ‘snow angel.’

As I have thought about recognizing what kind of life I am ‘CREATING’ on a daily basis, I know it is important to remember that there really is a ‘spark of greatness within each one of us,’ just as Elder Wirthlin says…and so I will end with a quote from his talk which says:

“There is a spark of greatness within every one of us – a gift from our loving and eternal Heavenly Father. What we do with that gift is up to us.

Love the Lord with all your heart, might, mind, and strength. Enlist in great and noble causes. Create of your homes sanctuaries of holiness and strength. Magnify your callings in the Church. Fill your minds with learning. Strengthen your testimonies. Reach out to others.

…Sisters, the abundant life does not come to us packaged and ready-made. It’s not something we can order and expect to find delivered with the afternoon mail. It does not come without hardship or sorrow.

It comes through faith, hope, and charity….Who knows of what we are capable if we only try? The abundant life is within our reach if only we will drink deeply of living water, fill our hearts with love, and create of our lives a masterpiece.”

I know that we really can create of our lives a masterpiece as we rely on our Savior, Jesus Christ and the enabling power of His Atonement… We can learn to become like Him.

Much Love,

Sister Jocelyn Walker