Relief Society Lesson - 11/21/10

The lesson for November 21, 2010 was given from Chapter 20 "Baptism" of the Gospel Principles manual.

Here is a copy of the handout:
Quote: Today, as in the days of Jesus, there are certain principles and ordinances of the gospel that we must learn and obey. A gospel principle is a true belief or teaching. An ordinance is a rite or a ceremony. The first two principles of the gospel are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance. Baptism is the first ordinance of the gospel. One of the instructions the Lord gave His Apostles was, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28: 19-20)

1. We Must Be Baptized for the Remission of Our Sins
When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, repent, and are baptized, our sins are forgiven through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

2. We Must Be Baptized to Become Members of the Church of Jesus Christ
“All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized … that … have truly repented of all their sins … shall be received by baptism into his church” (D&C 20:37)

3. We Must Be Baptized before We Can Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost
The Lord said, “If thou wilt turn unto me, and … repent of all thy transgressions [sins], and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, … ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Moses 6:52)

4. We Must Be Baptized to Show Obedience
Jesus Christ was without sin, yet He was baptized. He said His baptism was necessary “to fulfil all righteousness” (Mathew 3:15) The prophet Nephi explained that the Lord told him, “Follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do … with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism” (2 Nephi 31:12–13)

5. We Must Be Baptized to Enter the Celestial Kingdom
Jesus said, “Whoso believeth in me, and is baptized … shall inherit the kingdom of God. And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned” (3 Nephi 11:33-34)
Baptism is the gateway through which we enter the path to the celestial kingdom (see 2 Nephi 31:17–18)

Mosiah 18: 8-10 And it came to pass that [Alma] said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are to come into the Brotherhood and Sisterhood; of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

Yea, and are to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the resurrection, that ye may have eternal life;

Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being "2 Ne. 31: 17; Alma 4: 4." in the Taking the Name of."name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a "Neh. 10: 29; TG Commitment." with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts. [emphasis added]

More Precious Than Rubies Podcast

Here is the podcast of the Fireside "More Precious Than Rubies". This was a great fireside, that many of us need to be reminded of periodically. Especially at this time in our lives, and with the way the world has been changing.

In addition, here is one of the videos shared that night regarding magazines and how they influence our perception.

Some statistics that were shared with us that night:

Americans had 11 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures in 2006 - up 7%.

More than half of teenage girls are, or think they should be, on diets. They want to lose some or all of the 40 pounds that females naturally gain between ages 8 and 14. About 3% of these teens go too far, becoming anorexic or bulimic.

The Medical Journal of Psychiatryconducted a general population study on men with eating disorders and found that 2% of men, compared to 4.8% of women, have anorexia or bulimia.

The average American woman is 5'4" tall and weighs 140 pounds, while the average American model is 5'11" tall and weighs 117 pounds. Most fashion models are thinner than 98% of American women.

80% of American women are dissatisfied with their appearance.

Female athletes are six times more likely to develop eating disorders than other women.

80% of women say that the images of women on television and in movies, fashion magazines, and advertising makes them feel insecure.

42% of girls and first through third grades want to be thinner.

81% of 10 year olds are afraid of being fat.

Without treatment, up to 20% of people with serious eating disorders die. With treatment, that number falls to 2 to 3%.

The average woman spends 2 1/2 years of her life washing, styling, cutting, coloring, cramping, and straightening her hair at home and in the salon.

Most fashion models are thinner than 98% of American women (Smolak, 1996)

The average American woman is 5 ’4” tall and weighs 140 pounds. The average American model is 5 ’11” tall and weighs 117 pounds (nationaleatingdisorders.org)

All media images and messages are constructions; they are NOT reflections of reality

Advertisements and other media messages have been carefully crafted with an intent to send a very specific message

To convince you to buy a specific product or service, advertisers will often construct an emotional experience that looks like reality Models Can’t Even Match Up

Majority of images presented in the media have been airbrushed or manipulated Average magazine cover costs $60,000 to produce & 6 months of airbrushing

56% of girls believe models have perfect bodies

40% of girls only see their flaws when they look in the mirror

Teen Ideal- 5’7 and 100 lbs, size 2, blonde hair and blue eyes

Relief Society Lesson - 11/7/10

Our Relief Society President presented this lesson. It was based on many different talks. One from our Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, "Charity Never Faileth" General Relief Society Broadcast - September 2010.

More Precious Than Rubies Fireside

On Wednesday, Nov 10th @ 7:00pm, there will be a special meeting for all YW and Women (ages 12 and up). The program "More Precious than Rubies" will examine the truth about body image in a world full of lies. This presentation will feature special guest speakers and will help women and YW identify and appreciate their inner beauty. Plan now to attend this special event, which will be held at the stake center.

Relief Society Lesson - 10/31/10

It's the 5th Sunday of the month, which means combined Priesthood/Relief Society meeting. Brother Dalton spoke to us about the sacredness of the Constitution, and our civic responsibility as members of the Church. Here are a few articles and books he quoted during the lesson.

"Two Contending Forces," Pres. David O. McKay - BYU Speeches (May 18, 1960)
"I, the Lord God, Make You Free," Elder Shirley D. Christensen - Feb 2006 Ensign
"Our Divine Constitution," President Ezra Taft Benson - November 1987 Ensign
"Examples of Righteousness," President Thomas S. Monson - June 2008 Ensign
None Dare Call it Conspiracy, by Gary Allen and Larry Abraham
Prophets, Principles, and National Survival, by Jerreld L. Newquist

Relief Society Lesson - 10/26/10

This Relief Society Lesson was taken from 3 past General Conference Addresses:
“Help Them on Their Way Home” - President Henry B. Eyring
“Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation” - Elder Robert D. Hales
“Watching with All Perseverance” - Elder David A. Bednar

Relief Society Lesson - 10/17/10

This podcast lesson is taken from Gospel Principles - Lesson #19 - Repentance

Below is the handout and read throughout the lesson:


Quote #1 – What is sin? James said, “To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). John described sin as “all unrighteousness” (1 John 5:17) and “the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4).


Moses 6:57 – All men, everywhere, must repent, or they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God, for no unclean thing can dwell there, or dwell in his presence.

Quote #2 – We come to earth for the purpose of growing and progressing. This is a lifelong process. During this time we all sin (see Romans 3:23). We all have need to repent. Sometimes we sin because of ignorance, sometimes because of our weaknesses, and sometimes because of willful disobedience. In the Bible we read that “there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” (Ecclesiastes 7:20) and that “if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8).


Alma 7: 9, 11-12 – But behold, the Spirit hath said this much unto me, saying: Cry unto this people, saying—Repent ye, and prepare the way of the Lord, and walk in his paths, which are straight; for behold, the kingdom of heaven is at hand, and the Son of God cometh upon the face of the earth.
And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

Doctrine and Covenants 19: 16-19 – Behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;
Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—
Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.

The Repentance Process: Recognition of sin – Sorrow for our sins – Confess and forsake the sin – Make restitution – Forgive others – Keep the commandments of God

Quote #3 – We are not fully repentant if we do not pay tithes or keep the Sabbath day holy or obey the Word of Wisdom. We are not repentant if we do not sustain the authorities of the Church and do not love the Lord and our fellowmen. If we do not pray and are unkind to others, we are surely not repentant. When we repent, our life changes.


Matthew 5:48 – Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.