Developing Our Talents

“We have a responsibility to develop the talents we have been given. Sometimes we think we do not have many talents or that other people have been blessed with more abilities than we possess. Sometimes we do not use our talents because we are afraid that we might fail or be criticized by others. We should not hide our talents. We should use them. Then others can see our good works and glorify our Heavenly Father (see Matthew 5:16).”

"Chapter 34: Developing Our Talents," Gospel Principles, (2009)

Obedience

“Obedience leads to true freedom. The more we obey revealed truth, the more we become liberated.”

James E. Faust, “Obedience: The Path to Freedom,” Ensign, May 1999.

The Atonement of Christ

“Our great personal challenge in mortality is to become ‘a saint through the atonement of Christ.’22 The pain you and I experience may be where this process is most measured. In extremity, we can become as children in our hearts, humble ourselves, and ‘pray and work and wait’23 patiently for the healing of our bodies and our souls. As Job, after being refined through our trials, we ‘shall come forth as gold.’24”

Kent F. Richards, “The Atonement Covers All Pain,” Ensign, May 2011.

Fathers

“The sacred title of ‘father’ is shared with the Almighty. In the Church men are called and released. Did you ever hear of a mortal father being released?

As I travel throughout the Church and see faithful families, I say, ‘Thank God for exemplary fathers and mothers.’ As I see faithful young people and am proud of their accomplishments, I say, ‘Thank God for diligent fathers and mothers.’

Fatherhood is not a matter of station or wealth; it is a matter of desire, diligence, and determination to see one’s family exalted in the celestial kingdom. If that prize is lost, nothing else really matters.
God bless all the fathers in Israel to do well the work within the walls of our own homes. With the Lord’s help we shall succeed in this, our most important responsibility.”

Ezra Taft Benson, “Great Things Required of Their Fathers,” Ensign, May 1981, 34

Sunday Lesson Schedule for June

June 5th: GPM, Ch. 33: Missionary Work, taught by Sister Carlson

June 12th: GPM, Ch. 34: Developing our Talents, taught by Sister Beck

June 19th: GPM, Ch. 35: Obedience, taught by Sister Remali

June 26th: May Ensign, “The Atonement Covers All Pain,” by Elder Kent F. Richards, taught by Sister Metheny

Announcements & Upcoming Events

There is a SA activity at the North Stake Center at 7 pm on Friday, June 3rd.

Our Stake Temple Weekend is June 3rd and 4th.

Following the meetings on Sunday, June 5th, we will have a Ward Linger Longer from 4 to 5 pm.

MSA Break the Fast is Sunday, June 5th at 6 pm at the Stake Center.

YSA Break the Fast will be held at the Franklin building on Sunday, June 5th at 6 pm.

There is a SA Temple Trip Wednesday, June 8th (morning session).

There is a RS Quarterly Activity on Thursday, June 9th at 6:30 pm at Sister Surface’s house.

Seminary graduation is Sunday, June 12th at 6 pm at the Stake Center.

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 19th.

The Things That Matter Most

“My dear brothers and sisters, we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. Let us be mindful of the foundational precepts our Heavenly Father has given to His children that will establish the basis of a rich and fruitful mortal life with promises of eternal happiness. They will teach us to do ‘all these things … in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that [we] should run faster than [we have] strength. [But] it is expedient that [we] should be diligent, [and] thereby … win the prize.’”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Of Things That Matter Most,” Ensign, Oct 2010

Motherhood

“Most of you are mothers, and very many of you are grandmothers and even great-grandmothers. You have walked the sometimes painful, sometimes joyous path of parenthood. You have walked hand in hand with God in the great process of bringing children into the world that they might experience this estate along the road of immortality and eternal life. It has not been easy rearing a family. Most of you have had to sacrifice and skimp and labor night and day. As I think of you and your circumstances, I think of the words of Anne Campbell, who wrote as she looked upon her children:

You are the trip I did not take;
You are the pearls I cannot buy;
You are my blue Italian lake;
You are my piece of foreign sky.

(“To My Child,” quoted in Charles L. Wallis, ed., The Treasure Chest [1965], 54)

You [mothers] are the real builders of the nation wherever you live, for you have created homes of strength and peace and security. These become the very sinew of any nation.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, “Women of the Church,” Ensign, Nov 1996, 67

Sunday Lesson Schedule for May

May 1st: Presidency Message, taught by Sister Bober
May 8th: GPM, Ch. 32: Tithes and Offerings, taught by Sister Beck
May 15th: Stake Conference
May 22nd: May Ensign, TBD, taught by Sister Metheny
May 29th: Combined Priesthood/RS

Announcements & Upcoming Events

Following the meetings on Sunday, May 1st, we will have a Ward Linger Longer from 4 to 5 pm.

MSA Break the Fast is Sunday, May 1st at 6 pm at the Stake Center.

Following the YSA Break the Fast at the Franklin building May 1st at 6:30 pm, the CES fireside will be broadcast at 8 pm.

Our Stake Temple Weekend is May 6th and 7th.

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8th.

There is a SA Temple Trip Wednesday, May 11th in the morning.

There is a RS Temple Trip Thursday, May 12th at 6:30 pm.

Our Stake Conference will be held at the Stake Center, Saturday May 14th at 7 pm and Sunday, May 15th at 10 am.

There is a MSA Temple Trip May 21st.

Sunday, May 22nd there is a SA Tri-Stake Fireside at the North Stake Building at 7 pm.

Memorial Day is Monday, May 30th.