Tag Archives: service

General Women’s Conference: Sister Thompson’s Address

Continuing our summary of the general women’s conference broadcast which aired last Saturday night, we take a look at Sister Barbara Thompson’s address, entitled, “Now Let Us Rejoice.” This topic was very appropriate for the second counselor in the general Relief Society presidency, herself being an enthusiastic woman. Sister Thompson began her address by stating that Relief Society is evidence of God’s love for His daughters. She reminds us of Joseph Smith’s declaration that “the Church was never perfect until the women were organized.” These early sisters went from home to home, administering to the needs of the families under … Continue reading →

General Women’s Conference: Sister Beck’s Address

I hope you were able to attend the women’s session of general conference that was held this last Saturday night. If you weren’t, here is the first of a four-part summary for you. We began the conference with an opening address by Sister Julie B. Beck, entitled “Fulfilling the Purpose of Relief Society.” She spoke of the history of the Relief Society and how it was divinely ordained of God to be for the good of the sisters and to bring relief to all those who need it. She said, “The purpose of Relief Society as established by the Lord, … Continue reading →

Bringing In Meals

One of the great things about the Relief Society is the way the sisters band together to take care of every little need. When there’s sickness, death or a new baby, one of the most common ways the sisters render service is by bringing in dinner. What a kind, compassionate thing to do for someone who might not be in a position to make a meal for themselves, for whatever reason. If you are asked to bring in a meal, here are some tips for you to keep in mind. 1. The person making the assignment will generally tell you … Continue reading →

Welcome Or Not?

Have you ever been to a church where you sat through the service and then left feeling you were not welcome – because nobody took the time to speak to you? I’ve been to some churches like that. Sadly churches like this stick in the memory. I’ve also been to others when they have welcomed me with smiles and friendly conversations. I remember those churches too – for far different reasons. Recently I was talking to a young woman. Part of her job involves going around to various churches telling them about the work she is doing in teaching the … Continue reading →

The Parents’ Role

I was reading in Mosiah, chapter four, recently and came upon this verse: 15. But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another. This is the Lord’s command to us as parents. Of all the things we do, of all the time we spend signing them up for soccer teams and dance classes and making sure their shoes fit and that they have clean underwear, these charges are the most important we can fulfill. We are to: Teach them to walk in … Continue reading →

Young Men: “And Who Is My Neighbor?”

In his talk “And Who Is My Neighbor?” Bishop H David Burton is speaking at the Priesthood session of conference. He gives a report of the humanitarian aid effort of the church over the past year. It is amazing to listen to all that the church has been able to do to help others in need. Bishop Burton stated that they responded to 170 major events. This averages out to about one every two days. The church helped out in countries around the world. They helped with natural disasters, fires, earthquakes, famine and storms. The church also donated food to … Continue reading →

Teaching Children to Love and Serve Others

One of the most important things we can teach our children is to serve and help others. This basic concept can be taught from a young age. You can begin to teach your children to consider others feelings by teaching them to share with others. It is important that you work with your children on address each situation in a positive manner. Good sharing habits come when the children realize how their actions can make other people happy and sad. As children get older the focus will then move to including others in their games and play. It is important … Continue reading →

The Way it Works

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I’m just bubbling over here and I couldn’t wait to tell you all about it. What a great morning! I have not long come back from singing with our Sing Australia choir at a nearby nursing home. What an experience! The crowd was much smaller than those we normally have at some of the other nursing homes we regularly sing at. But what they lacked in numbers they made up for in response. We started by singing songs from the war years. These songs many of the residents knew. Our choir leader encouraged them to sing along with us. They … Continue reading →

Is My Service Focused on God, or On Me?

I’ve been going through a time of reflection lately, a time where I’ve been looking at myself and my attitudes and dare I say, my neuroses, and I’ve recently come to the realization that I’m co-dependent. It was nice to come to that conclusion – I’ve known I was something, but I didn’t know what. Now that I have the what, I can work on the how to overcome it. As I’ve been reading books on co-dependency, I hit upon something else that really surprised me. Sometimes we give service in such a way that it is no longer about … Continue reading →

Have You Lied to Yourself?

Have you ever lied to yourself? That’s what I realized I had been doing all day yesterday. I woke with a sore throat and clogged head but I was determined to go to singing practice. Having missed the last few weeks I desperately wanted to be there so I could help lead the singing at church on Sunday. I took the required tablet. ‘I’m fine,’ I told myself. I perpetuated the lie later in the afternoon though I started feeling worse. As we were having dinner, the rain came- driving, pelting rain. Common sense insisted it was stupidity to go … Continue reading →