General Relief Society Meeting

Join your Chesapeake Ward Relief Society Sisters at the Annual General Relief Society Meeting

Saturday, September 25 6:30pm Dinner and Fellowshipping 6:30 followed by the Live Satellite Broadcast at 8- 9:30pm

“We must follow that same principle as the Lord gathers more and more people... the Atonement brings the same changes in all of us. We become disciples who are meek, loving, easy to be entreated, and at the same time fearless and faithful in all things. The Saints can accomplish any purpose of the Lord when fully united in righteousness.” Henry B. Eyring, “Our Hearts Knit as One,” Ensign, Nov 2008 “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” Ephesians 2:18–19. “And he commanded… that they should look forward with one eye , having one faith… having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.” Mosiah 18:21

Provident Living: Basic Food Storage

Courtesy of Sister Shanklin, Provident Living Specialist who received this as an email from her daughter…

Exactly What Does a Basic One Year Food Storage for 1 Person Look Like?

These are the Minimum Basic Amounts of Food Needed for Survival for ONE PERSON for ONE YEAR:

BARE-MINIMUM LDS Church Food storage for 1 adult male for 1 year Approximatly. 2,300 calories per day/ (storing only 695lbs total).  All food can be bought at a grocery store.

When measured out the amounts to show what you would get per day, per person it was impressive. All those ingredients and by adding yeast (which we know is not on the basic list – but hopefully you have stored), we were able to make one loaf of bread and 1/3 cup of beans. That would be your food for the entire day.   Don't FORGET water storage!!!

for more information:

http://www.providentliving.org/channel/1,11677,1706-1,00.html

http://www.providentliving.org/mediapopup/0,13405,1706-1-mcmullin,00.html

“Lay Up in Store”, Bishop Keith B. McMullin, Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, April 2007 General Conference: http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,49-1-690-20,00.html

Teaching Our Children the Gospel

Sunday Report: July 25, 2010 Teachings For Our Times: “Watching with All Perseverance” Elder David A. Bednar Taught by Sister Deandrade

A spiritual early warning system … can help parents in Zion to be  watchful and discerning concerning their children. Spiritual warnings should lead to increasingly vigilant watching. You and I live in “a day of warning” (D&C 63:58). And because we have been and will be warned, we need to be, as the Apostle Paul admonished, “watching … with all perseverance” (Ephesians 6:18).

A call of action – for children of all ages – and each of us personally: “The spiritual discernment and inspiration you will receive from the combination of these three holy habits will enable you to stand as watchmen on the tower for your families—”watching … with all perseverance” (Ephesians 6:18)—to the blessing of your immediate family and your future posterity.”

1. Reading and Talking about the Book of Mormon: 

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that abiding by the precepts found in the Book of Mormon would help us “get nearer to God” than any other book (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 64). Regular reading of and talking about the Book of Mormon invite the power to resist temptation and to produce feelings of love within our families. And discussions about the doctrines and principles in the Book of Mormon provide opportunities for parents to observe their children, to listen to them, to learn from them, and to teach them.

2: Bearing Testimony Spontaneously

Testimony is personal knowledge, based upon the witness of the Holy Ghost, that certain facts of eternal significance are true.

A personal testimony also brings responsibility and accountability.

Parents should be vigilant and spiritually attentive to spontaneously occurring opportunities to bear testimony to their children. Such occasions need not be programmed, scheduled, or scripted. In fact, the less regimented such testimony sharing is, the greater the likelihood for edification and lasting impact. “Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man” (D&C 84:85).

…A naturally occurring family conversation at dinner may be the perfect setting for a parent to recount and testify of specific blessings he or she received during the course of relatively routine activities that day. 

The reactions of children to such impromptu testimony bearing and their eagerness or reluctance to participate are potent sources of spiritual early warning signals. A child’s expression about a lesson learned in family scripture study or a candid statement of concern about a gospel principle or practice can be most illuminating and help parents better understand a child’s specific question or needs. Such discussions—especially when parents are as eager to listen intently as they are to talk—can foster a supportive and secure environment in the home and encourage ongoing communication about difficult topics.

3: Inviting Children to Act

…We should be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). Our hearts are opened to the influence of the Holy Ghost as we properly exercise agency and act in accordance with correct principles—and we thereby invite His teaching and testifying power. Parents have the sacred responsibility to help children to act and to seek learning by faith. And a child is never too young to take part in this pattern of learning.

Inviting children as gospel learners to act and not merely be acted upon builds on reading and talking about the Book of Mormon and bearing testimony spontaneously in the home.

• Are you and I helping our children become agents who act and seek learning by study and by faith, or have we trained our children to wait to be taught and acted upon?
• Are we as parents primarily giving our children the equivalent of spiritual fish to eat, or are we consistently helping them to act, to learn for themselves, and to stand steadfast and immovable?
• Are we helping our children become anxiously engaged in asking, seeking, and knocking? (See 3 Nephi 14:7.)

The spiritual understanding you and I have been blessed to receive, …simply cannot be given to our children.  The tuition of diligence and of learning by study and also by faith must be paid to obtain and personally “own” such knowledge. Only in this way can what is known in the mind also be felt in the heart. Only in this way can a child move beyond relying upon the spiritual knowledge and experiences of parents and adults and claim those blessings for himself or herself. Only in this way can our children be prepared spiritually for the challenges of mortality.

Pioneer Day!

What did you do for your Pioneer Day Celebration?

Pioneer Day is an official holiday celebrated on July 24 in the U.S. state of Utah, with some celebrations in regions of surrounding states originally settled by Mormon pioneers.  It commemorates the entry of Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847, where the Latter-day Saints settled after being forced from Nauvoo, Illinois and other locations in the eastern United States.Parades, fireworks, rodeos, and other festivities help commemorate the event.

In addition to being an official holiday in Utah, Pioneer Day is considered a special occasion by many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). On Pioneer Day, some Latter-day Saints walk portions of the Mormon Trail or reenact entering the Salt Lake Valley by handcart. Latter-day Saints throughout the United States and around the world may celebrate July 24 in remembrance of the LDS Churches' pioneer era, with songs, dances, and pioneer related activities.  ^{From Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pioneer_Day_}

Celebrate with a few videos:

Fried Green Tomatoes!

July 20, 2010

At our Relief Society swim night we laughed, we cried, we told stories, we shared in friendship on Día del Amigo (Friendship day 7/20 for Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and others… ) no less!  We were reminded that we have a friend in Christ… “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” John 15:13-14

We had wonderful company, an bit of swimming, fruit salad, punch with a story, and little sweets too… and we even had an impromptu cooking lesson – Maryland Style. 

While showing our tall and bounteous tomato plants, I was surprised to find almost all of the sisters in attendance never before had fried green tomatoes – one of my favorite summer eats!  So with out further ado – out came the simple ingredients, a plug in pan and bam! mmm, mmm, mmm… goodness from the garden!

Fried Green Tomato Recipe:

• Large Green tomato – pick one about to turn yellowish/ orange – cut into 1/2” slices (you need two cut sides for the frying)
• Couple of tablespoons of Flour
• Couple shakes of salt and a few grinds (or shakes) of black pepper
• one beaten egg
• hot oil in a pan – just enough to coat the bottom – 1/8” to 1/4”  vegetable or olive oil, or a couple of table spoons of butter – watch the heat so the butter doesn’t burn!

Mix the flour, salt and pepper – dip each side of your tomato in flour,  then in the beaten egg then back into the flour and into the hot oil – cook one side for about a minute or so – till it’s lightly brown and crispy (doesn’t take long), then flip and cook the other side.  (you can skip the egg and the double flour dip and go straight to the pan – it’s just a less crispy texture – try it both ways and see which you like better – pictured above are the no egg – single  dip flour mix version).  Serve with a side dipping of Ranch dressing!  Mmm… Mmm…Mmm!  You will look forward to Summer’s “unripe” tomatoes! (not my photo below, mine are a bit more simple – but doesn’t that just look so good!)

Sunday Report: With the Proper Authority

Sunday, July 18, 2010 Gospel Principles: Ch. 13 - The Priesthood & Ch. 14 - Priesthood Organization Taught by Sister Jucar

Quotes from the Lessons:

The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God. Through the priesthood He created and governs the heavens and the earth. By this power the universe is kept in perfect order. Through this power He accomplishes His work and glory, which is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).

Our Heavenly Father delegates His priesthood power to worthy male members of the Church. The priesthood enables them to act in God’s name for the salvation of the human family. Through it they can be authorized to preach the gospel, administer the ordinances of salvation, and govern God’s kingdom on earth. We must have priesthood authority to act in the name of God when performing the sacred ordinances of the gospel, such as baptism, confirmation, administration of the sacrament, and temple marriage. If a man does not have the priesthood, even though he may be sincere, the Lord will not recognize ordinances he performs (see Matthew 7:21–23; Articles of Faith 1:5). These important ordinances must be performed on the earth by men holding the priesthood.

President David O. McKay promised every man who uses the priesthood in righteousness that he “will find his life sweetened, his discernment sharpened to decide quickly between right and wrong, his feelings tender and compassionate, yet his spirit strong and valiant in defense of right; he will find the priesthood a never failing source of happiness—a well of living water springing up unto eternal life” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay [2003], 116).

From Mormon Messages on YouTube:

Sunday Report: Personal Spiritual Experiences

July 4, 2010, Ward RS Presidency Message: Taught by: Sister Kimball

A Personal application question was posed for the Lesson:  What can I do to have a more personal spiritual experience in my Sacrament, Sunday meetings, and Sabbath day?

Elder Nelson taught, “Each member of the Church bears responsibility for the spiritual enrichment that can come from a sacrament meeting” (Liahona, Aug. 2004, 14; Ensign, Aug. 2004, 28).

President Spencer W. Kimball said: “We do not go to Sabbath meetings to be entertained or even solely to be instructed. We go to worship the Lord. It is an individual responsibility, and regardless of what is said from the pulpit, if one wishes to worship the Lord in spirit and truth, he may do so by attending his meetings, partaking of the sacrament, and contemplating the beauties of the gospel. If the service is a failure to you, you have failed. No one can worship for you” (“The Sabbath—A Delight,” Ensign, Jan. 1978, 4–5).

President Gordon B. Hinckley said that “every sacrament meeting ought to be a spiritual feast” and “a time of spiritual refreshment” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 563, 564).

Relief Society sister’s responses, discussion, and response quotes:  I can…..

• Fast for a purpose, fast for spiritual guidance
• Prepare our heart’s and minds for the spirit
• Pray for the inspiration of our teachers/ speakers/ and leaders
• Pray for the spirit in renewing our covenants
• Come prepared for instruction, read the lesson materials
• Listen to church music to and from church and even the morning and in getting ready for church
• Be punctual: We are seated well before the meeting begins. “During that quiet interval, prelude music is subdued. This is not a time for conversation or transmission of messages but a period of prayerful meditation as leaders and members prepare spiritually for the sacrament” (Liahona, Aug. 2004, 13; Ensign, Aug. 2004, 27).
• Get ready for Sunday, prepare in advance– with young children it is difficult to get everyone ready and have Sunday mornings be a pleasant experience and still make it to church on time – prepare and plan for it. 
• Say personal prayers
• Have personal scripture study
• Come with an attitude of worship
• Understand the purpose of the Sacrament: President Joseph Fielding Smith teaches that b This ordinance was introduced so that we can renew our covenants to serve Him, to obey Him, and to always remember Him. President Smith adds: “We cannot retain the Spirit of the Lord if we do not consistently comply with this commandment” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 2:341).  Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught the priesthood leaders of the Church how to plan and conduct sacrament meetings. “We commemorate His Atonement in a very personal way,” Elder Nelson said. “We bring a broken heart and a contrite spirit to our sacrament meeting. It is the highlight of our Sabbath-day observance” (“Worshiping at Sacrament Meeting,” Liahona, Aug. 2004, 12; Ensign, Aug. 2004, 26).   “The ordinance of the sacrament makes the sacrament meeting the most sacred and important meeting in the Church. It is the only Sabbath meeting the entire family can attend together. Its content in addition to the sacrament should always be planned and presented to focus our attention on the Atonement and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.”  Dallin H. Oaks, “Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 17–20 
• Participating actively
• Listening carefully
• Seeking to strengthen others
• Not criticizing speakers or teachers
• Be reverent: Elder Boyd K. Packer said that we should be reverent in the chapel so we do not intrude “when someone is struggling to feel delicate spiritual communications.” He also cautioned that reverence “does not equate with absolute silence. We must be tolerant of little babies, even an occasional outburst from a toddler being ushered out” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1991, 28; or Ensign, Nov. 1991, 22).  ideas:

• During sacrament meeting—and especially during the sacrament service—we should concentrate on worship and refrain from all other activities.
• Sacrament meeting is not a time for whispered conversations on cell phones or for texting.
• We need to be mindful of our children, take them out as needed, bring quite appropriate activities and toys. 
• We need to teach our children to be respectful and reverent during sacrament, practicing reverence at home and being good examples of reverence as adults. 
• Those without children could offer help or assist mothers with their hands full - offering help in a kind and loving manner. 
• Consider sitting closer to the front where there are less distractions and it is easier to listen.   
• Clean up after ourselves and children. 
• Sing Hymns: How wonderful when every person in attendance joins in the worship of singing—especially in the hymn that helps us prepare to partake of the sacrament.  Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve expressed concern that “an increasing number of our leaders and members do not sing the congregational songs.” He then counseled, “We should sing the songs of Zion—they are an essential part of our worship” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1991, 29; or Ensign, Nov. 1991, 22).
• Make it a conscious effort to keep the Sabbath Day Holy: President Spencer W. Kimball taught: “The Sabbath is a holy day in which to do worthy and holy things. Abstinence from work and recreation is important, but insufficient. The Sabbath calls for constructive thoughts and acts, and if one merely lounges about doing nothing on the Sabbath, he is breaking it. To observe it, one will be on his knees in prayer, preparing lessons, studying the gospel, meditating, visiting the ill and distressed, writing letters to missionaries, taking a nap, reading wholesome material, and attending all the meetings of that day at which he is expected” (Ensign, Jan. 1978, 4).  Ensuring that our activities honor God, are spiritually uplifting, nurture faith, strengthen the family, help or bless others, and are set apart from the daily activities of the world.  President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “Let the Latter-day Saints be in their homes, teaching their families, reading the scriptures, doing things that are wholesome and beautiful and communing with the Lord on the Sabbath day” (“Excerpts from Recent Addresses of President Gordon B. Hinckley,” Ensign, July 1996, 73).  President Hinckley also counseled: “Now I do not want to be prudish. I do not want you to lock your children in the house and read the Bible all afternoon to them. Be wise. Be careful. But make that day a day when you can sit down with your families and talk about sacred and good things” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 559–60).
• Have further discussions on the Sunday topics with family and others: a great way to carry on the Sunday lessons and topics and further be instructed and learn from each other.

Challenge: Select an item you can work on to have a more personal spiritual experience in your Sacrament, Sunday meetings, and Sabbath day.

Excerpts and quotes used in the lesson:  Lesson 16: “Thou Shalt … Offer Up Thy Sacraments upon My Holy Day”, Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, 87

Elder Oaks, “How should I behave in sacrament meeting?,” Friend, May 2010, 11

Dallin H. Oaks, “Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 17–20

A Land of Liberty

July Newsletter Article, Laura Kimball

With Independence day shortly upon us, the red, white, and blue stars and striped banners flying high, we are reminded of our liberties and the divine inspiration that brought to pass our independence and freedom.

In alma, we are taught the history of a brave and righteous people who were under siege:

“For behold, his [Zerahemnah’s] designs were to stir up the Lamanites to anger against the Nephites; … that he might gain power over [them] by bringing them into bondage. The design of the Nephites was to support their lands, and their houses, and their wives, and their children, that they might preserve them from the hands of their enemies; and also that they might preserve their rights and their privileges, yea, and also their liberty, that they might worship God according to their desires. For they knew that if they should fall into the hands of the Lamanites, that whosoever should worship God in spirit and in truth, the true and the living God, the Lamanites would destroy”. A great battle ensued. “Nevertheless, the Nephites were inspired by a better cause, for they were not fighting for monarchy nor power but they were fighting for their homes and their liberties, their wives and their children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their church. And they were doing that which they felt was the duty which they owed to their God; for the Lord had said unto them, and also unto their fathers, that: Inasmuch as ye are not guilty of the first offense, neither the second, ye shall not suffer yourselves to be slain by the hands of your enemies. And again, the Lord has said that: Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed. Therefore for this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion.” Alma 43

What a privilege we enjoy, to have the liberty and freedom to worship freely, few of us will ever have to fight to bloodshed to defend our families and our faith. We are privileged that so many who came before us have paved the way for us to claim the "privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience..." Articles of Faith #11. 

Lehi tells of this land, those who shall be brought to it and those who shall inherit it:

“…notwithstanding our afflictions, we have obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath covenanted with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed. Yea, the Lord hath covenanted this land unto me, and to my children forever, and also all those who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord. Wherefore, I, Lehi, prophesy according to the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord. Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever.”  2 Nephi 1:5-7 

Moroni declares this land is: "A chosen land, and the land of  liberty" Alma 46:17.  The founding of our country was based on these principles of freedom and liberty. “We believe that the Constitution was brought about by God to insure a nation where liberty could abound, where his gospel could flourish. Joseph Smith said, “The Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard; it is founded in the wisdom of God. It is a heavenly banner.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 147.) From... Spencer W. Kimball, “One of the reasons America is great today is because those men who formulated the Constitution had vision. They looked ahead to today, and all of us here are recipients of their wisdom and foresight.” Among other things, the Constitution guarantees the religious freedom that allowed the Reformation to continue and flourish." L. Tom Perry, “God’s Hand in the Founding of America,” New Era, Jul 1976, 45

May we show our gratitude to those who gave and give their all to bring to pass and continue to preserve our freedom. May we have the courage to uphold our Constitution as “a glorious standard...a heavenly banner” to fight for our liberties as dutifully and as honorably as our Founding Fathers and the Nephites for our families, lands, country, rights, religion.

What to Wear: Modest is Hottest

As the warmer months are upon us and we are eager to wear less and less to bear the heat, this is a good opportunity to remind us of the Lord’s standards for dress, because the Lord’s standards of modesty are not those of the world. The following is an excerpt from: Elder Robert D. Hales and one from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

“The Principle of Modesty: Modesty is a gospel principle that applies to people of all cultures and ages. In fact, modesty is fundamental to being worthy of the Spirit. To be modest is to be humble, and being humble invites the Spirit to be with us. Of course, modesty is not new. It was taught to Adam and Eve in the Garden of  Eden. “Unto Adam … and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them”  (Genesis 3:21; see also Moses 4:27). Like Adam and Eve, we have been taught that our bodies are formed in the likeness of God and are therefore sacred. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? “… The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” (1 Corinthians 3:16–17).

“In everyday living, immodest clothing such as short shorts, miniskirts, tight clothing, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and other revealing attire are not appropriate. Men and women—including young men and young women—should wear clothing that covers the shoulder and avoid clothing that is low cut in the front or back or revealing in any other manner. Tight pants, tight shirts, excessively baggy clothing, wrinkled apparel, and unkempt hair are not appropriate. All should avoid extremes in clothing, hairstyle, and other aspects of appearance. We should always be neat and clean, avoiding sloppiness or inappropriate casualness.” For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Our Duty to God, 2001

“Modesty is at the center of being pure and chaste, both in thought and deed. Thus, because it guides and influences our thoughts, behavior, and decisions, modesty is at the core of our character. Our clothing is more than just covering for our bodies; it reflects who we are and what we want to be, both here in mortality and in the eternities that will follow.”

“Modesty in Dress for Church Meetings: When we attend a Church meeting, our purpose is to worship our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ. Our clothing should show our reverence for Them. We do not dress to attract attention to ourselves, thus distracting others and causing the Spirit to depart. It is the responsibility of parents to teach their children how to dress and prepare for worshipping in the houses of the Lord. Mothers and fathers can teach their children by taking special care to dress in such a way as to show modesty and reverence in their own appearance and behavior. Show respect for the Lord and for yourself by dressing appropriately for Church meetings and activities, whether they are on Sunday or during the week. If you are not sure what is appropriate, ask your leaders for guidance.” Robert D. Hales, “Modesty: Reverence for the Lord,” Ensign, Aug 2008, 34–39

“I make a special appeal regarding how young women might dress for Church services and Sabbath worship. We used to speak of “best dress” or “Sunday dress,” and maybe we should do so again. In any case, from ancient times to modern we have always been invited to present our best selves inside and out when entering the house of the Lord—and a dedicated LDS chapel is a “house of the Lord.” Our clothing or footwear need never be expensive, indeed should not be expensive, but neither should it appear that we are on our way to the beach. When we come to worship the God and Father of us all and to partake of the sacrament symbolizing the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we should be as comely and respectful, as dignified and appropriate as we can be. We should be recognizable in appearance as well as in behavior that we truly are disciples of Christ, that in a spirit of worship we are meek and lowly of heart, that we truly desire the Savior’s Spirit to be with us always.” Jeffrey R. Holland, “To Young Women,” Liahona, Nov 2005, 28–30

Sunday Report: Learning Through Life’s Trials

May 1, 2010, Ward RS Presidency Message: Taught by: Sister Ellison

Excerpts and quotes used in today’s lesson:  pulled from: Larry Richman, “Learning through Life’s Trials,” Ensign, Mar 2010, 27–31

The trials of this life will ultimately lead to joy if we patiently trust in God’s plan and discover how to use adversity to grow stronger.

A common misunderstanding among members of the Church is that if we strive with all our might to live the commandments, nothing bad will happen to us. We may believe if we are married in the temple, our marriage will automatically be heaven on earth, or if we live the Word of Wisdom, we will never get sick. But the truth is that bad things may happen to the best of people. The consequences of good and bad actions will come, but they do not always come immediately, and they may not even come in this life.

Origins of Adversity

Much suffering comes as a direct result of sin. When we use our agency to disregard the commandments of God, we follow Satan’s plan of misery rather than God’s plan of happiness.  Other trials come as a result of unwise choices. Yet other challenges come as a natural result of mortality and the world we live in. We are mortals with bodies that will age and may become ill or injured.

The Purposes of Adversity

Apostle Orson F. Whitney (1855–1931) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, explained: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God … and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”

Trials give us opportunities to show the Lord and ourselves that we will be faithful. We can choose to feel sorry for ourselves and ask, “Why me?” or we can grow from our trials, increase our faith in the Lord, and ask, “How can I be faithful in the midst of this trial?” We can let adversity break us down and make us bitter, or we can let it refine us and make us stronger. We can allow adversity to lead us to drift away from the things that matter most, or we can use it as a stepping-stone to grow closer to things of eternal worth.

Spiritual growth can often be achieved more readily by trials and adversity than by comfort and tranquility. Trials can teach us that faith in God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ is the source of inner strength. President David O. McKay (1873-1970) recounted the testimony of one of the survivors of the ill-fated Martin handcart company, who said: “We suffered beyond anything you can imagine and many died of exposure and starvation, but … [we] came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with Him in our extremities.”

Benefitting from Adversity

Since adversity will come to us all, consider the following ideas to help face trials and benefit from them.

• Rely on Christ: When we turn to Christ, we will not only find the comfort we seek, but in so doing we will also gain an increased testimony of the reality of the Savior and His Atonement, which can heal all suffering.
• Rely on Others: President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) taught, “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs.” We need to allow other people to be instruments in the Lord’s hands to help us through the challenges in life.
• Let Adversity Make You a Better Person: We are not always healed from pain and sickness. Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve has said, “Sometimes we are ‘healed’ by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us.”
• Live with Integrity: When faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, we may be tempted to take the easy way out. Yielding to adversity makes us weaker. Keeping the commandments—no matter how trying—makes us stronger and helps us overcome every challenge in life. Through faith and obedience, we qualify for the divine spiritual guidance we need to guide us along unknown roads.
• Be Patient: We live in a world of instant gratification. We want fast food, quick loans, and instant solutions to our problems. However, the Lord may ask us to show our faith by enduring some problems patiently. Today, we may not be able to grasp all the reasons for our challenges or the opportunities they will give us to grow. We may have to learn line upon line. As we patiently endure in righteousness, He may reveal to us greater understanding about our trials and the purpose of them in our lives.
• Keep an Eternal Perspective: Some of the challenges we experience in this life are conditions of mortality that will not continue into the next life. President Brigham Young (1801–1877) taught: “We talk about our trials and troubles here in this life; but suppose that you could see yourselves thousands and millions of years after you have proved faithful to your religion during the few short years in this time, and have obtained eternal salvation and a crown of glory in the presence of God? Then look back upon your lives here, and see the losses, crosses, and disappointments, the sorrows … ; you would be constrained to exclaim, ‘but what of all that? Those things were but for a moment, and we are now here. We have been faithful during a few moments in our mortality, and now we enjoy eternal life and glory, with power to progress in all the boundless knowledge and through the countless stages of progression, enjoying the smiles and approbation of our Father and God, and of Jesus Christ our elder brother.’”

Facing Adversity

If we turn to Christ with faith and patience, we can have the strength we need to face adversity. The doctrines of the restored gospel give us an eternal perspective that provides hope and courage to bear all of life’s trials. Each of us has the strength to bear our challenges in life because of who we are, who God is, and who we are together.

For the full text in English, see web.byui.edu/devotionalsandspeeches.