Sister Charmaine Kuss led a discussion on dealing with adversities in our families, specifically dealing with addiction. She shared a story from a conference talk given by Elder M. Russell Ballard. ---
“Autumn is a particularly exciting time for the fly fishermen, for this is the time trout are driven by an almost insatiable hunger to feast in order to fortify their bodies against the scarcity of winter food.
The goal of the fly fisherman is to catch trout through skillful deception. The adept fisherman studies trout behavior, weather, the water current, and the types of insects trout eat and when those insects hatch. He will often craft by hand the lures he uses. He knows these artificial insects embedded with tiny hooks need to be a perfect deception because the trout will identify even the slightest flaw and reject the fly.
What a thrill it is to watch a trout break the surface of the water, inhale the fly, and resist until it is finally exhausted and reeled in. The test is the pitting of the fisherman’s knowledge and skill against the noble trout.
The use of artificial lures to fool and catch a fish is an example of the way Lucifer often tempts, deceives, and tries to ensnare us.
Like the fly fisherman who knows that trout are driven by hunger, Lucifer knows our “hunger,” or weaknesses, and tempts us with counterfeit lures which, if taken, can cause us to be yanked from the stream of life into his unmerciful influence. And unlike a fly fisherman who catches and releases the fish unharmed back into the water, Lucifer will not voluntarily let go. His goal is to make his victims as miserable as he is.” ---- (M. Russell Ballard Oct. 2010 - O That Cunning Plan of the Evil One)
The key to helping family members and loved ones who deal with addiction is to love them. Love doesn’t mean we condone their behavior or aid them in their addiction, but that we give them a safe place where they can feel love as they work through the challenge they have.
President Thomas S. Monson taught - “May we begin now, this very day, to express love to all of God’s children, whether they be our family members, our friends, mere acquaintances, or total strangers. As we arise each morning, let us determine to respond with love and kindness to whatever might come our way.”
Announcements -
We have been asked to share a reminder that the Cemetery workers will be removing any flowers from the Cemetery on Tuesday, June 5th.
Reminder that it is the Relief Society Sister’s turn to write to the missionaries serving from our ward this month. See blog post from May 20th for missionary addresses. ***Sister Kuss will have a manila envelope that we will be mailing out for each missionary, at church next week if you would like to bring a letter to put in it.
Thursday, June 7 - Stake Temple Day will be our ward Relief Society temple day. We will attend the 10:00 a.m. session or do Initiatory at 11:00 a.m. Those who want to can meet in the cafeteria for lunch at noon. The Stake President is encouraging this temple visit in preparation for Stake Conference later this month.
Stake Conference - Saturday, June 16th at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 17th at 10:00 a.m.
Ward Party/Dinner will be held at the pavilion by the Fire Station June 23rd at 6:30 p.m. More info coming...
Released-
Tiffany and Tyson Taylor as Sunday School Teachers
Shauna Clawson as Beehive Advisor
Called:
Nick Summers as Ward Clerk
Annie Stevenson as the Beehive Advisor
Angie Farr as the Assistant Young Women’s Camp Director
Congratulations-
Jake Clawson, Cade Black and Tyler Trimble on receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood.
June Relief Society Lessons -
10th - Am I A Child of God? - Elder Brian Taylor
17th - Stake Conference
24th - God wants all of His Children to be watched over and cared for.
Birthdays -
May 28 - Diana King
June 2 - Desiree Hennessy
June 6 - Shayane Sanders
June 8 - Barbara Danielson and Karen Olsen
