The Frendship-er November 2010
Happy November Dear Sisters,
My lesson this month is based on a talk by Renata Forste from last May's BYU Women's conference. It is called Coming Together and Sustaining Each Other in Righteous Choices. I was struck by the importance of her message and felt that every latter day saint would benefit from hearing it. She talks about each person's inherent right to personal revelation. She warns us against making judgments on people or families that make decisions that we either don't understand or don't see as being aligned with the gospel. Below are some of my favorite quotes from her talk:
"As covenant women, we come from all walks of life, all ages, marital statuses, incomes, education levels, race and ethnic backgrounds – but together, we speak the same simple testimony, we comfort each other and sustain each other in our mutual faith. Our testimony of Jesus Christ crosses all boundaries – political, racial, economic, national. We are the same; as covenant daughters of God. That doesn't mean we are the same in all of our life decisions, or even in how we live the principles of the gospel."
"Relief Society should be our sanctuary. We should be able to come together in prayer and fasting, in testimony and faith, and in loving support of one another. No sister should leave Relief Society with feelings of guilt, isolation, or inadequacy. If we are perfectly joined together – what woman would not want to be part of such a society? We need all of us – young, old, tall, short, single and married – as Sister Parkin said: "Bring your talents, your gifts, your individuality so that we can be one." It is only then, united, that we can move the kingdom forward. Perfectly joined together we can be an unstoppable force for good."
Elder Faust, to the women of the church said: As I look into your faces I can feel your goodness. I commend each of you for your day-to-day
works of righteousness. Even though your works may be known to only a few, they are recorded
in the Lamb's book of life, which one day will be opened to witness of your dedicated service,
devotion, and deeds as "instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work". Now I beseech you, [sisters], by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that [we] all speak the same
thing, and that there be no divisions among [us]; but that [we] be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
The theme for this year is Unity in Diversity. It seems that each time I am seeking revelation on which topic I should speak about, I am always directed to this one. Obviously we need to hear this message again and again in order for us to realize the dire importance of it.
May we be unified in our diversity and be constantly engaged in spreading love; the true love of Jesus Christ.
In Spirit and Truth, Sister Phebe May
Important Dates:
5 Stake Harvest Ball
11 Remembrance Day
13 Worldwide Leadership Meeting
November Birthdays:
4 Lila Mc.
5 Tome N.
8 Shelley J.
9 Patricia C.
11 Evelyn L.
14 Angie D.
17 Christine R.
18 Stephanie G.
20 Julie Q.
24 Tara Lyn A.
Nancy V.
25 Ashley E.
27 Sasha P.
29 Nena Mc.
Zoe P.
November Lessons:
7 Relief Society Presidency
14 Gospel Principals #21 The Gift of the Holy Ghost
21 Gospel Principals #22 Gifts of the Spirit
28 "You Are My Hands"- Pres. Dieter F Uchtdorf May Ensign-pg 68
Service Projects:
- Campbell soup labels for Puntledge Park School;
- Boomer hats for babies;
- Non-perishable food for Lilli House
- Postage Stamps for the Order of the Eastern Star (see in the RS room for more information)
Groceries for our Sister Missionaries: There is a basket in the kitchen – the sisters appreciate your help. Frozen food or perishables should be left in the frig/freezer.
November Visiting Teaching Message: "Because the November issues of the Ensign and Liahona contain a report of general conference, the magazines do not contain a specific Visiting Teaching Message. Visiting teachers are encouraged to prayerfully select a conference address to share with those they teach."
Scripture Study: Wednesday at Sister Tyskerud's from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Call to confirm)
Did you Know-
Your heart beats 101,000 times a day. During your lifetime it will beat about 3 billion times and pump about 800 million pints (378 million litres) of blood. A normal heart beats 70 to 80 times a minute. Over 70 to 80 years, it gives a few billion beats. (From http://didyouknow.org/heart/)
The Courtenay R.S. Blog can be found at-
http://courtenaywrs.blogspot.com
