Colleen Terry, 2nd counselor in the stake RS presidency, was the first speaker. She focused on FAITH. Colleen had each of us think of a trial we are currently facing. Then she reminded us that our trials are temporary. Elder Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve has taught us that our trials are our tutors. We learn from our trials when we exercise faith in Jesus Christ. Christ loves people more than we can and wants what's best for them more than we can.
Colleen talked about one of her heroes, Sarah, the wife of Abraham. Sarah exercised great faith throughout her life. In her old age, she bore her son Isaac. According to remarks by President Spencer W. Kimball, Sarah knew that the promise of the Abraham covenant would be fulfilled through Isaac, even if he had to die on Mt. Moriah. President Harold B. Lee taught that we must prepare for trials. It's as necessary for us to be tried as it was for Abraham (and Sarah). Perfection will not happen in this life, but later--through Christ. Gospel truths lead to joy. Choose at attitude of rejoicing during trials. Don't let your faith be difficult to detect.
Amanda Barnes Smith was another excellent example of faith. During the Haun's Mill massacre in the early days of the Church, her husband and one of her sons were killed. Her 7-year-old son Alma lived but had his hip shot out. Sister Smith asked her son if he believed that God could make something to replace his hip. Alma replied, "Do you believe he can?" to which Sister Smith replied YES. Prayer and great faith led to personal revelation about how to treat her son. The treatment was unconventional and long, but her son recovered fully and lived a long and productive life, filled with service to the Lord. Imagine how things might have been different if Sister Smith had not had such great faith.
Use the language of faith, not fear, in your life. Always remember that in the final judgment, Christ will use the most generous portion of mercy and the least portion of justice in dealing with us.
Colleen also brought a special message to the sisters of our stake from Elaine Dalton, who said, "You are magnificent! Don't list to what the world tells you."
Len Novilla, the stake RS secretary, was the next speaker. Len focused on FAMILY. She said that the foundation of what is really important was laid for us in Primary, specifically in the 13th Article of Faith, which states that we believe in the admonition of Paul "We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things." She said that as women tackle everything that's thrown at us. We are blessed with Jedi-level ability to turn chaos into order, yet we are gentle enough to deal with newborns. But sometimes we forget the joyful part of endurance. We may be missing some of the joyful noises that belong in our lives, such as song, prayer, and laughter. D&C 61 tells us to "be of good cheer." Being happy and positive is just as important in demonstrating faith as being contemplative or sober.
At a fireside for parents in 1987, President Ezra Taft Benson shared 10 effective ways to spend time with children.
1. “Take time to always be at the crossroads when your children are either coming or going.”
2. “Take time to be a real friend to your children.”
3. “Take time to read to your children.”
4. “Take time to pray with your children.”
5. “Take time to have a meaningful weekly home evening.”
6. “Take time to be together at mealtimes as often as possible.”
7. “Take time daily to read the scriptures together as a family.”
8. “Take time to do things together as a family.”
9. “Take time to teach your children.”
10. “Take the time to truly love your children.” (excerpted from To the Mothers in Zion [address given at a fireside for parents, Feb. 22, 1987], 8–12).
The Novilla family divided President Benson's ideas into three C's, none of which I can now remember, but they find their shorter list helpful as they contemplate which activities to keep or drop and how to spend their time together as a family.
- Daily scripture reading is an important family activity that shouldn't be eliminated to accommodate other things.
- Love your children, so they are confident with that love.
- Make a joyful noise with your children: schedule the time to be with them.
- Do what you can - no guilt over not being able to do everything.
- Serve with each other.
The Atonement endows us with hope, endurance, and faith. Our love for the Savior with anchor us and make up for whatever we lack.
We are remarkable because of HOW we handle the trials of life.
Our own Annette Bradshaw, who is the stake RS president, spoke next. She focused on SERVICE. Each act of service is a joyful noise unto the Lord. Moroni 7:48 talks about charity. Those who have charity can identify with Christ because they are like Him. Our goal is to be in a daily state of service. We can practice day to day.
Going to the temple is an important form of service.
We all have spiritual gifts. We have different gifts, which help society as a whole. As the Lord reveals our gift to us, we can use it to bless others.
When you pray, ask, "Whom can I serve today?" We can link arms with our companion, the Holy Ghost. He lets us know during the day how to serve. Don't ask if you won't listen.
Mother Teresa said, "We may not be able to do great things, but we can do small things with great love."
Heavenly Father loves our children more than we do.
Alma 5:26 talks about a change of heart, and it talks about singing. As we experience this change of heart, we make a spiritual joyful noise unto the Lord.
Doctrine & Covenants 45:8 tells us that when we accept the Lord, we will gain power to do miracles. When we accept Him, we will have the power to endure, to become, to lift, to bless, and to love.
