We have a baptism of Carolyn Smith this coming Saturday at 5.30pm. Please come along and show your support for this wonderful moment in her life.
If any of you have not passed your VT reports / figures we need these ASAP so we can report the figures for this quarter.
Sister Maureen Folley has some further dental treatment to be done in Norwich under sedation on 22nd January in the afternoon. She is in need of a sister to drive her and be with her while the treatment is performed. Please if any sister can help speak to Maureen direct.
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Our Presidency Message was given this month by our RS President Louise Lamb. When considering what topic would benefit the sisters in our ward Louise noted that the most spoken about topic in the most recent General Conference was adversity and how to overcome it. It is something we all have to encounter in our lives whether due to ill health, financial concerns, consequences of bad choices, relationships and so many other causes.
"We know from the scriptures that some trials are for our good and are suited for our own personal development. We also know that the rain falls on the just and the unjust. It is also true that every cloud we see doesn't result in rain. Regardless of the challenges, trials and hardships we endure, the reassuring doctrine of the Atonement wrought by Jesus Christ includes Alma's teaching that the Saviour would take upon Him our infirmities and 'succor his people according to their infirmities' ". Elder Neil L Anderson
There is so much we can learn from these trials we are called to go through, some of which we discussed were described here by Elder James B Martino.
“Our Heavenly Father, who loves us completely and perfectly, permits us to have experiences that will allow us to develop the traits and attributes we need to become more and more Christlike. Our trials come in many forms, but each will allow us to become more like the Savior as we learn to recognize the good that comes from each experience. As we understand this doctrine, we gain greater assurance of our Father’s love. We may never know in this life why we face what we do, but we can feel confident that we can grow from the experience.” Elder James B Martino
We spent some time however discussing that although for every one of us it will be a case of when we have trials rather than if, the most important thing is how we approach them, what we do to handle them. A particularly wonderful piece of counsel came from Elder Holland:
"So how do you best respond when mental or emotional challenges confront you or those you love? Above all, never lose faith in your Father in Heaven, who loves you more than you can comprehend. As President Monson said to the Relief society sisters so movingly last Saturday evening, 'That love never changes...it is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God's love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve it. it is simply always there.' Never doubt that and never harden your heart. Faithfully pursue the time-tested devotional practices that bring the Spirit of the Lord into your life. Seek the counsel of those who hold keys for your spiritual well-being. Ask for and cherish priesthood blessings. Take the sacrament every week, and hold fast to the perfecting promises of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Believe in miracles. I have seen so many of them come when every other indications would say that hope was lost. Hope is never lost. If those miracles do not come soon or fully or seemingly at all, remember the Saviour's own anguished example: if the bitter cup does not pass, drink it and be strong, trusting in happier days ahead.' Elder Jeffrey R Holland.
Sisters we have to hold on to our faith, we must immerse ourselves in the Gospel, we must turn to Christ, we must do the basics and continue to be where we need to be - it is the ONLY way. But it is worth every effort we make, the blessings for staying true and strong are more than we could ever hope for:
"Your rewards come not only hereafter. Many blessings will be yours in this life, among your children and grandchildren. You faithful Saints do not have to fight life's battles alone. Think of that! The Lord declared, 'I will contend with him that contendeth with thee and I will save thy children'. Later came this promise to His faithful people, 'I the Lord, would fight their battles and their children's battles and their children's children's...to the third and fourth generation." Elder Russell M Nelson.
Sisters we love you.
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