Courtenay Ward Relief Society: March 2012 Friendship-er

The Friendship-er March 2012

Dear Sisters,

We are daughters of God FIRST

I was reading in an old Ensign a couple of weeks ago a small article about a father and son who live on a Polynesian island. They were talking about when they first joined the church and how there were many customs in their culture that were not congruent with the principles and commandments taught in Jesus Christ's gospel. They found themselves having a conversation one day about what to do about this. They concluded quickly they were sons of God long before they were "Polynesians." The choice became simple in that moment. It didn't matter what rituals had been created here on earth, they were going to choose to follow Christ rather than try to please their fellow men.

This article really struck me. I started thinking about the absolute fact that I have been a daughter of God since the beginning of my existence. How often to do I not properly and fully follow the commandments of God with the excuse that my culture makes it difficult.

In this month's Ensign, there is an article by Elder Dallin H. Oaks called The Gospel Culture. This article was taken from his address at a regional stake and district conference broadcast to Africa in November of 2010. In this address, he speaks not just to the African people, but to all of us. We all need to hear this message and I encourage you to read it.

While many things about Western Culture support the gospel of Jesus Christ, there are also many things that don't. Modesty, the importance and sanctification of marriage, husbands and wives 'cleaving' unto each other, excessive debt, the Sabbath day …to name a few. How do we stand against these cultural trends? Are we following our Savior's culture, or getting dragged into Western Culture?

Dallin H Oaks said we need to heed the warning of the Apostle Paul, who said that we should not let anyone "spoil us through philosophy..after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

I am so thankful that I have had these words to ponder this week. I have had lots of thinking to do and I hope that these words get you thinking as well. We have His gospel, and we need to keep the commandments to enjoy His choicest blessings.

Much Love,

Sister Phebe May

Important Dates:

10 Talent Show

20 RS Anniversary Dinner

25 Fast Sunday

31 General Conference

March Lessons:

4 RS Presidency

11 George Albert Smith Ch 5- "The Holy Priesthood"

18 George Albert Smith Ch 6- "Sustaining Those Whom the Lord Sustains"

25 TFOT-Elder Tad R. Callister "The Book of Mormon. . ." pg 74 Nov Ensign

Service Projects:

Campbell soup labels for Puntledge Park School;
Non-perishable food/personal hygiene items for Lilli House
Postage Stamps for the Order of the Eastern Star (see Diane for more information)

March Birthdays:

2 Hillary F.

4 Holly B.

5 Calia G.

6 Jay D.

7 Sharon P.

8 Mary S., Nicole A.

9 Lisa C.

13 Rosina W.

17 Erin G.

18 Chelsey J.

20 Lynn W.