As we approach this new year before us, may we continue to find strength and comfort in supporting one another and remembering that "as a worldwide sisterhood, we are united in our devotion to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Exemplar. We are women of faith,virtue, vision, and charity." (from R.S. theme) Since its inception in 1842, the LDS Relief Society has had the motto, "Charity never faileth" (1Cor. 13:8; Moro. 7:46)
Jesus Christ was the great example of love. He taught us by example how to love our neighbor. Charity is how heloves us. It is unconditional and pure. Bruce R. McConkie said, "It is love so centered in righteousness that the possessor has no aim or desire except for the eternal welfare of his own soul and for the souls of those around him." It is as important a principle to practice as any that Christ taught.
Like anything else involving effort, charity takes practice. We have to work at getting into the habit of standing with others in their distress. Sometimes offering help is a simple matter that does not take us far out of our way such as remembering to speak a kind word to someone who is down or spending an occasional Saturday morning at a service project. At other times, helping involves real sacrifice. "A bone to the dog is not charity," Jack London observed. "Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry as the dog."
If we practice taking the many small opportunities to help others, we'll be in shape to act when those times requiring real, hard sacrifice come along. Exercising charity with whole heart and discerning mind will bring a great degree of fulfillment. It enriches our lives with a sense of nobleness and purpose, makes us morally awake, and encourages us about life generally. Most people, thinking back over their lives, remember the times they spent giving and helping and loving as the very best moments.
But feeling good in the future should not be our prime motivation for doing good. Sincerely helping each other brings the real satisfaction. It has been observed that the way to be comfortable is to make others comfortable; the way to make others comfortable is to appear to love them; the way to appear to lovethem--is to love them in reality. Along with practice, we can also "pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love..." (Moro. 7:48)
President Hinckley has counseled us to pray alone and with our families to soften our hearts and help us recognize the needs of others. Hugh Nibley has said that "For charity there is no bookkeeping, no deals, interests, bargaining or ulterior motives; charity gives to those who do not deserve, and expects nothing in return; it is the love God has for us, and the love we have for little children, of whom we expect nothing, but for whom we would give everything." We are grateful to share in this wonderful sisterhood of Relief Society and for all the giving,helping, and loving that goes on among our ward sisters everyday. We wish you all the best in 2008!
Love,
The Relief Society Presidency
Worldwide Training Meeting conducted by the First Presidency Saturday, Feb. 9, 11:00am
The Mormon Center chapelAll Adults InvitedDry Pack CanneryWednesday, Feb. 20, 9:00am-NoonAvailable Items: milk, sugar, macaroni, potato flakes, hot cocoa mix Must submit order with a check to the ward. Order forms will be available in the RS binders and must be turned in by Feb. 10th. Any questions call Bonnie Butler 530-677-2849
Stake Relief Society Enrichment Meeting Saturday, Feb. 23, 9:00am-Noon The Mormon Center YW Laurels also invited
We will be making baby quilts, tying them – easy and fun. The Church is low on baby quilts. Be sure and read the short story in the January Ensign “Not Just a Blanket”. I’m sure it will touch your heart and help you understand the need for these little blankets. Hundreds and thousands are sent around the world to help during times of disaster. What a blessing to be part of such a worthwhile project. More information will be coming soon, but please mark this on your calendars now so that nothing else gets in the way. Little children around the world need our love and service.
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