Simple, Individualized, and Led By the Spirit

Simple, Individualized, and Led by the Spirit--Simple, Individualized, and Led by the Spirit: A short review of principles related to effective ministering

July 2018 RS Council

The following will help you prepare for our July 2018 RS Council this next Sunday.

July Council:  Spiritual Self-Reliance

Elder Larry Y. Wilson.  "Take the HolySpirit as Your Guide."  Ensign.  May 2018: 75-77.

1.  Ponder the wording of the title.  Why is the word "take" used?  How would the implication change if the word was "let" or "accept"?

2.  Read the following scriptures:

           

            Romans 8:11; Alma 42:16; Moses 6:65; Romans 8:2, and D&C 45:57.

           

Why does Elder Wilson use four paragraphs and eight scriptural references to try to help us understand being "quickened"?

3.  Have you had any personal experiences of having the Holy Spirit for your guide, similar to the one shared by Ensign Frank Blair?  Would you be willing to share?

4.  Why does Elder Wilson challenge us to pray "to be part of the solution"?

5.  Why is it important to be spiritually SELF-reliant?

RS Challenge for Week of June 24, 2018

As a Relief Society, we came up with our very first challenge together yesterday afternoon.  I am sharing that with you below, as well as the ideas that the sisters came up with as we worked on creating it.  I am also including a link to the song that Mara shared on the RS FB group that inspired the challenge this week.  She said to go to 20:58 to hear the song.  :)


Mara's Link to Song  

Challenge:  This week I can do something nice for someone else.

Ideas:
Go on a walk with a sister.
Pray for someone.
Help a neighbor.
Look around, observe, and be aware of those around you.
Be polite and kind.
Smile!
Clean up your trash after the parade.
Learn what she needs & wants, then DO IT!!

We can't wait to see what you notice this week as you work on this group challenge. Have a wonderful week!

Ministering Means More...

Emma invited a friend to dinner, and this small act led to the friend’s conversion.

RS Mini Lesson for June 17, 2018

RS Mini Lesson—-June 17, 2018

"Small and Simple Things" 

by President Dallin H. Oaks

Discussion Leader:  Barbara Janke

 

“We need to be reminded that in total and over a significant period of time, seemingly small things bring to pass great things. ”

President Howard W. Hunter taught that “frequently it is the commonplace tasks … that have the greatest positive effect on the lives of others, as compared with the things that the world so often relates to greatness.”

After reciting a seemingly small event that had great consequences, Nephi wrote, “And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things” (1 Nephi 16:29).

“Even small acts of disobedience or minor failures to follow righteous practices can draw us down toward an outcome we have been warned to avoid.”

President M. Russell Ballard described “how small and simple things can be negative and destructive to a person’s salvation.” He taught: “Like weak fibers that form a yarn, then a strand, and finally a rope, these small things combined together can become too strong to be broken. We must ever be aware of the power that the small and simple things can have in building spirituality,” he said. “At the same time, we must be aware that Satan will use small and simple things to lead us into despair and misery.” 

Weekly Challenge:  Look for evidence of the small and simple things in your life this week.  Determine if they are positive or negative and make any necessary changes to help them grow or eradicate them from your life.

Small and Simple Things

Unselfish Service

The Savior has taught us to follow His example and serve others.

RS Mini Lesson for June 10, 2018

RS Mini Lesson—June 10, 2018

"Precious Gifts from God"     

By President M. Russell Ballard

Discussion Leader: Careen Walker

“Life can be filled with faith, joy, happiness, hope, and love when we exercise the smallest amount of real faith in Christ. “

If we have faith as small as a mustard seed, the Lord can help us remove the mountains of discouragement and doubt in the tasks ahead of us as we serve with God’s children, including family members, Church members, and those who are not yet members of the Church.

Elder George A. Smith remembered some advice the Prophet Joseph Smith gave to him: “He told me I should never get discouraged, whatever difficulties might surround me. If I was sunk in the lowest pit of Nova Scotia and all the Rocky Mountains piled on top of me, I ought not to be discouraged but hang on, exercise faith, and keep up good courage and I should come out on the top of the heap at last.” 

We should remember Paul’s declaration: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”  Knowing this is another precious gift from God.

Remember the gift of the Sabbath day. The blessing of receiving the sacrament in sacrament meeting must never become routine or just something we do. It is only 70 minutes in a whole week when we can pause and find more peace, joy, and happiness in our lives.

The privilege of service to Heavenly Father’s children is another opportunity to follow the example of His Beloved Son by serving one another. Many opportunities to serve are informal—without assignment—and come as we reach out to others we meet in life’s journey.

Weekly Challenge:  Pray and ask for a service opportunity this week.  And/OR Study the gifts that President Ballard mentioned and pray to know how to best use and strengthen your testimony of them in your life.

It Begins With Faith...