Fear is not new. The disciples of Jesus Christ, out on the Sea of Galilee, feared the “wind, and the waves” in the dark of the night. As His disciples today, we too have fears. Our single adults fear making commitments such as getting married. Young marrieds, like our children, can fear bringing children into an increasingly wicked world. Missionaries fear lots of things, especially approaching strangers. Widows fear going forward alone. Teenagers fear not being accepted; grade schoolers fear the first day of school; university students fear getting back a test. We fear failure, rejection, disappointment, and the unknown. We fear hurricanes, earthquakes, and fires that ravage the land and our lives. We fear not being chosen, and on the flip side, we fear being chosen. We fear not being good enough; we fear that the Lord has no blessings for us. We fear change, and our fears can escalate to terror. Have I included just about everyone?
Since ancient times, fear has limited the perspective of God’s children. I have always loved the account of Elisha in 2 Kings. The king of Syria had sent a legion that “came by night, and compassed the city about.” Their intent was to capture and kill the prophet Elisha. We read:
“And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?”
That was fear speaking.
“And [Elisha] answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.”
But he didn’t stop there.
But he didn’t stop there.
“Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”
We may or may not have chariots of fire sent to dispel our fears and conquer our demons, but the lesson is clear. The Lord is with us, mindful of us and blessing us in ways only He can do. Prayer can call down the strength and the revelation that we need to center our thoughts on Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. The Lord knew that at times we would feel fear. I have been there and so have you, which is why the scriptures are replete with the Lord’s counsel:
“Be of good cheer, and do not fear.”
“Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.”
“Fear not, little flock.” I love the tenderness of “little flock.” In this Church we may be few in number by the way the world counts influence, but when we open our spiritual eyes, “they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” Our loving Shepherd, Jesus Christ, then continues, “Let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.”
**** **** ****To follow up on some of the invitations given to us by President Russell M. Nelson at General Conference, here are the Relief Society Motto and Declaration for you to study and ponder --
A special THANK YOU to all who attended our Ministering Interviews. We appreciate your efforts to be there to give feedback on those sisters and families you minister to.
Invitation to Act from Elder Holland --
“Our prayer today,” said Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “is that every man and woman—and our older young men and young women—will [be] more deeply committed to heartfelt care for one another, motivated only by the pure love of Christ to do so.”
Announcements -
Sunday, October 28th - Regional Stake Conference will be broadcast in our chapel starting at 10 a.m.
Tuesday, October 30th - Primary Fall Carnival (**No Costumes) This will be held in the Cultural Hall from 6-7:30 p.m.
The Relief Society Sisters are invited to participate in a Humanitarian assignment that will be held on the evening of Tuesday, November 6th at 6 p.m. at our Stake Humanitarian center. We need sisters to RSVP. There are a limited number of spaces available, but we would like to fill those spaces. Please RSVP to a member of the Relief Society Presidency, with your commitment to be there. We will be working on individual Hygiene kits.
Blood Drive will be held November 29th. More information forthcoming.
Tithing Settlement is under way for this year. Please sign up to meet with the bishop.
Calendar this date : April 26 and 27th will be a Stake Youth Conference
Stake Relief Society is sponsoring a "Journey to the Temple" March 16, 2019. Each month they will give us suggestions of ways we can add a “drop of oil” to our spiritual lamps. **See attached photo for this month’s suggestions -
Released-
Craig and Susan Dart have been released from their ward callings. They will be serving in the Spanish Branch.
Called-
Todd Burrows as a Primary worker
A BIG welcome to Joe and Lindsey Hawkes and their family!! (They will be living with Rand and Leslie Curtis for a while.)
A BIG welcome to Brother and Sister Harrison, who will be in the new home between the Godfrey’s and the Jones’
Relief Society Lessons -
October 28 - Regional Stake Conference
November 4 - Combined Relief Society / Elders Quorum meeting to discuss implementation of new programs announced in General Conference
Birthdays -
October 23 - Stephanie Hansen
October 28 - Leann Hansen
October 29 - Lisa Saraiva
