Sacrament Meeting
The topic of today’s meeting was “Leadership”.
The first speaker was Sister Kellie Keck. She talked about how by being humble and doing the right thing helps us to be leaders in our communities. By setting the example we give others the strength and courage to make the same right choice. She also brought up how people are really watching us to see what we do once they know we are members of the church.
The second speaker was Sister Debra Goodwin (the relief society president). She discussed how many people assume that leadership is the responsibility of those who only hold certain callings. But in reality, we all have areas in our lives where we can be leaders; in our homes, in our communities and in our different social roles. All of these places give us the opportunity to show others how gospel principles work in our daily lives. She quoted a talk by President Monson the gave 4 steps to becoming our best selves so we can be better leaders.
Be humble and acknowledge the Lord in all things
Pray fervently
Exercise Faith- we cannot fail if God is on our side
Keep the commandments by being firm and unwavering
If we do these things, we have been given these promises:
We will have gifts of the spirit as necessary
Have the strength to forebear temptation
Protection from those seeking our destruction
Provide the physical means to make the work happen
Lifted up at the last day
She also quoted Elder Uchtdorf; how the gospel is the ultimate formula for happiness and success and that discipleship is not a spectator sport. In the quote, he also reminded us that here are no benefits without effort and to be actively engaged in life.
The final speaker was elders quorum president; Brother Rob Cornett. He spoke about leadership in our homes. He stressed how it is important that we care about one another, work together and not put up barriers or isolate ourselves. Since Rob is retired from the army, he talked about how the army defines leadership; It is influencing people by providing them purpose. Good leaders also give vision, teach and coach, encouraging discipline while inspiring motivation. He stressed how those who are given leadership roles are responsible for that duty and must answer for it.
He likened this to spiritual leadership in families. Parents (he specifically addressed fathers) should be teaching gospel principles, doing things together, worshipping together, reading scriptures together, working and playing together, eating together, participating in family traditions and using all available resources to bring family members closer together. Parents, as part of their leadership responsibilities, should also provide for the material needs of their family as well as providing spiritual leadership.
Sunday School
Today’s lesson was about the second coming. 3 main topics were covered; the details found in the D&C about the actual details surrounding the return of the Lord, details about the millennial reign, and some of the signs that will be given before his return. These signs included positive things like the preaching of the gospel throughout the entire earth, the restoration of the gospel and all priesthood keys, the building of New Jerusalem, and others. Some of the negative signs include wars, rumors of wars, famine, scourges, pestilence, the love of mankind leaving them, iniquity and upheavals of the earth and sky. We check marked which of these signs have already happened, which are in the process of happening, and which ones need to still happen. There were only 2 of the 17 that had not yet happened at all!
Another point that was discussed was how in order to prepare for the second coming, we should not be afraid, but try to live our lives as if that day were tomorrow. Having a life of faith is the best way to prepare for those things which are to come.
Relief Society
Sister Robin Felver led a discussion based on a talk by Elder D. Todd Christofferson about the power of keeping our covenants.
This discussion focused on the security that is provided by living the gospel and keeping the covenants we made at baptism and beyond. Several sisters shared experiences about being blessed by others in our branch, or having the opportunity to bless others through service. We also discussed how keeping the commandments gives us the strength to withstand whatever may happen to us and offers protection in times of sorrow and trial. There is a security available to us by living the gospel, our covenants and promises offering source of moral and spiritual power.
The discussion moved toward how having the gospel in our lives does not keep us from having problems, but can give them better perspective. The question was asked how knowing the power behind our covenants and having knowledge of the gospel can help us smile through hardships and turn tribulation into triumph. The scripture from D&C 122:7 was read by Sister Cameron, pointing out how all things that happen to us work for our good. Sister Goodwin also brought up the story of Alma’s people pleading for relief from the burdens place don them in their bondage, and how although they did not receive an immediate release, their burdens were made lighter and easier to bear. We discussed how waiting for blessings is sometimes the hardest thing. As part of our covenants, we are promised blessings if we keep out part of the bargain, but those blessing or answers may not come as quickly s we would like for them to.
It was also pointed out in the talk, that Elder Christofferson tells us that obedience gives us greater control over our lives and will give us strength.
