Sunday, June 29

Dear Liberty Ward Sisters,

This week I have a couple of comments and then the lessons for Relief Society and Sunday School. If you would rather not read my rambling, then just scroll down to the lessons. :)

First, it was great to see that so many of you were able to come to the Summer Stravaganza on Tues and that you were enjoying yourself. We missed those of you that weren't able to come, and hope it was because of conflicting schedules and not because you don't feel comfortable with us. :) If its the latter, let us know what we can do to improve!

Second, have you checked out the Relief Society blog/site lately? I recently added more free events and edited/added a couple of things on the museum posting. I hope to add before the end of this weekend, the last of the free events which will be categorized as miscellaneous. Keep tuned and share any info that you might have by clicking on comments at the bottom of a post, by writing us an email ( I am now including all of the presidency's email addresses in the weekly email and they are posted on the blog), or by telling us whenever you see us.

Third, in the June Ensign there are 2 great supplements included. The 2008 Worldwide Leadership Training, which has great and pertinent information for ALL MEMBERS, not just leaders; and a special booklet about the prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. If you don't get the Ensign, you can get these supplements and the Ensign from the Distribution Center.

Lastly, but not least - on to the lessons for this week:

Relief Society: this will be a surprise because it is the 5th Sunday; thus we meet with the priesthood and the topic and teacher is of the Bishop's choosing. And I know neither who will be the teacher, nor what the topic is. So just prepare by asking Heavenly Father to teach you what YOU need to know, and I promise that the Holy Ghost - no matter the topic nor teacher - will teach YOU personally.

Sunday School: Lesson 24 "Give Us Strength According to Our Faith...in Christ" Alma 13-16
Two events really stuck out to me in these readings: First, the eventual humility and faith of Zeezrom to repent of his sins, and to be forgiven and physically healed. Second, the humility and faith of Zoram to ask guidance from God via Alma to know how to rescue his people that were being held captives by the Lamanites. So, no matter if we have been caused to be humble, (such as was Zeezrom); or no matter our secular job, (such as was Zoram's military job); we can and need to be humble enough to call upon the Lord and have faith in him that He can guide us in ALL things, and heal us in ALL things -both spiritual and physical.

May God bless us all!

Love,
April

Sunday, June 8

Hello sisters! I hope you are all doing well and have gotten a chance to read through or at least skim the lessons for this week. They are very inspiring. both the Sunday School and Joseph Smith lesson contain a lot of information, and so here are only a few ideas that I would like to share with you.

Sunday School: Lesson 21 "Alma Did Judge Righteous Judgments" Mosiah 29 and Alma 1-4
I found it very interesting to read Mosiah's thinking and how he came up with the idea of judges instead of a king. In Mosiah 29:10 he says, "And now let us be wise and look forward to these things, and do that which will make for the peace of this people." Just another good reminder for me to look forward and prepare, in whatever way possible, myself, my family, and my community, so that there might be peace among us. And I was also impressed by the example of the believers (despite persecution and dissension) during the first year of the reign of Alma in the judgement-seat - Alma 1:25 ""...nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them."


Relief Society: Taught by Sundi Brown Joseph Smith Teachings Chapter 11 "The Organization and Destiny of the True and Living Church"
We are living the prophecy now. The church membership is larger outside of the USA than within. It truly has filled all of North America, South America and is filling the world as Joseph Smith prophesied. So, when we get discouraged, doubtful or find it difficult to the end, let us remember Alma 1:25 and the Standard of Truth - and we will be encouraged. "The Standard of Truth had been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done (Joseph Smith, p. 142).

Also, please make sure to check out the blog within the next day or two, there will be a lot of information on free things to do in the summer. Please feel free to comment on the blog, or emailing us, to ask questions, clarify or to give feedback. www.libertywardsisters.blogspot.com

Thanks! We love you all!

April