Highlight: Your Four Minutes—Gary E. Stevenson

Your Four Minutes

Prepare for this Sundays Relief Society lesson by reading the conference talk by Gary E. Stevenson, Your Four Minutes

Watch this highlight for a preview:

August Visiting Teaching

The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ: Messiah

The August Visiting Teaching message can be found in your August Ensign or at lds.org.

My Kingdom Is Not of this World from BibleVideos.org is a great video to go along with this months message

General Women's Meeting

If you have not had a chance to watch or listen to the General Women's Meeting broadcast, follow THIS LINK to watch at any time.

lds.org has made it very easy to Follow and Share all your favorite uplifting quotes, images, and videos from the general women's meeting, check it out!

Rosemary M. Wixom:

Bonnie L. Oscarson:

Linda K. Burton:

Henry B. Eyring:

Sunday Reflections

The lesson in Relief Society was based on President Monson's October Conference Sunday morning talk, "I Will Not Fail Thee, nor Forsake Thee".

President Monson touched on loosing his dear wife. "To say that I miss her does not begin to convey the depth of my feelings". However, his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ has provided comfort to him during this tender time.

Everyone on this earth goes through suffering and sorrow. No one is free from turmoil and misery. "Sadness and suffering are universal". At times we feel like asking the question, "why me?" when we feel there is no light at the end of the tunnel and we are encompassed by disappointment and despair.  Sometimes "we are inclined to view our own personal misfortunes through the distorted prism of pessimism".  These are the times when a a fundamental question remains to be answered by each of us: Shall I falter, or shall I finish?

The class discussed a few ways which help us individually get through those hard patches in life. Those times when we feel like faltering but want to press on:
- Special scriptures, encouraging us to press on, can be placed in locations we will easily read to remind us of our Saviors desire for us to succeed.
- Our faith in knowing the Savior loves us can be a reminder to us when we feel alone.
- Visual pictures of our Saviors embrace can remind us that he is always near if we seek his help through prayer.
- Looking to the future and not dwelling on the past can help us get out of a rut.

"Our Heavenly Father . . . knows that we learn and grow and become stronger as we face and survive the trials through which we must pass." These trials allow us to change for the better and "rebuild our lives in a way our Heavenly Father teaches us and become" someone better than before. More understanding, empathetic, and with stronger testimonies. Being more spiritually refined! How are you making sure you are growing through your challenges in life? Are you staying the same or becoming more spiritually refines?

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

I pray that our trials and experiences will make us stronger people and that we can rely on the help, comfort, and strength of the Lord to get us through these times. The Savior says, "I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" Joshus 1:5. He is always there if we just turn to him and ask him help.

Sunday Reflections

Our Father in heaven established a plan of salvation for his spirit children...to enable them to advance and progress until they obtain eternal life.

In the premortal spirit world, we rejoiced to learn of Heavenly Father's plan of salvation. This plan is to enable the children of God to become like him and have the power and wisdom and knowledge which he possesses.

The Fall of Adam and Eve was part of Heavenly Father's plan.  Had Adam and Eve not partaken, the great gift of mortality would not have come to them.  Moreover, they would have had no posterity, and the great commandment given to them by the Lord would not be fulfilled.

Jesus Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice to save us from the Fall and from our sins.  Adam's transgression brought these two deaths, spiritual and temporal -- man being banished from the presence of God, and becoming mortal and subject to all the ills of the flesh.  In order that he should be brought back again, there had to be a  reparation of the broken law.  Justice demanded it.

Building on the foundation of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we work out our salvation during mortality.  The plan of salvation consists of the following steps: faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost and finally enduring to the end.

All people will receive the blessing of resurrection through the atonement of Jesus Christ. 

We came into this world to die.  Physical death of the mortal man, is not a permanent separation of the spirit and the tabernacle of flesh, notwithstanding the fact that the body returns again to the elements, but is only a temporary separation which shall cease at the resurrection day when the body shall be called forth from the dust to live again animated by spirit.

The faithful will inherit eternal life with their families in the presence of Heavenly Father. The Scriptures say that eternal life -- which is the life possessed by our Eternal Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, -- is the greatest gift of God (see D&C 14:7).  The glorious blessing of eternal inheritance...does not come except through willingness to keep the commandments and even to suffer with Christ if need be.

(From  the third chapter, "Teachings of Joseph Fielding Smith", The Plan of Salvation.)

This was a very in depth lesson on the plan of salvation, I have but skimmed the surface and invite you all to read it carefully.  

Wishing you much joy this week

Liese

Testimony Tuesday

Each Tuesday a sister from our ward will share a part of her testimony. This may be part of her conversion (perhaps a story or principle that helped start or build her testimony), a specific gospel principle they've learned through the years, or a missionary experience. This is a way for us to connect with members of our relief society on a more spiritual basis.  

Kristen Bateman shares the following:

Recently many of my thoughts have been focused on my gratitude for the gift of the Holy Ghost.  I am so grateful for a constant companion to lead us through this life. It is such a comfort to feel peace and confidence regarding the direction one’s life is heading.  To feel the Lord’s approval, provides strength to meet daily challenges. Aligning our will with the Lord’s will for us, may not always seem logical or be our first choice. Being willing to take the leap of faith required to follow the Lord’s path for our life, takes courage.  In the last two years I have really come to understand that just because a path to follow in our life is right, it does not mean that the path will be easy.  I have come to have a greater testimony of the scripture found in Mosiah 24:15:  And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.  I have found that as I try to be cheerful and patient, the Lord truly does strengthen me.  I have also been more observant of others and their trials.  I have seen how the tender mercies of the Lord, talked about in Nephi, truly are over all those who seek him. I am finding as I put my trust in the Lord and do as much as I can to follow the path that he shows me, I am amazed to see how his hand miraculously alters circumstances to bring about his will for me.  It probably won’t be on the timeline that I would like it to be, but I am learning to trust that there is a purpose for His timeline.  My father has been struggling with some severe health problems recently.  As I sat by him one night last month, he said to me, “I don’t know why the Lord wants me to live.  I do not fear death and there have been days that I would like to move on.  I keep feeling like He wants me to live and that gets me through each day.”  The strength from personal revelation and the peace and hope of the gospel are priceless.  I am truly grateful for them.

Sunday Reflections

From a talk by Elder Ian S. Ardern, February 2014 Ensign, "Shunning Temptation."
"Recognize that Satan is the source of temptation.  All that is good comes of God, and we should give thanks for it.  All that is wicked comes from Satan, and we should recognize it and shun it.

In many sports there is a shroud of secrecy over the tactics of opposing teams, especially just before a game.  In the final practice, cameras are banned, reporters are locked out, and gates are closed in an attempt to keep the team's plans from the opposition.

To know the plans of our opponent is to have an advantage.  We have that advantage because we know that Satan's plan is "that all men might be miserable like unto himself' (2 Nephi 2:27).  We can with the Savior, rebuff the devil and dismiss him with the command, "Get thee hence, Satan" (Matthew 4:10)

Let us stay close to the Lord, and remember who we want to follow in order to have true happiness in this life.
Chris

Resolutions and Goals

Enrichment Night

This year we are going to focus on health and gratitude.  

In our January meeting not only did we enjoy pizza, good conversation and some planning, but we talked about those pesky New Year’s resolutions that we love so much.

I personally enjoy setting goals.  Not only that, but I think it is very important.  It’s like setting the destination on your GPS, if you don’t program something in who knows where you may end up.  Have a destination in mind.  Begin with your core desires.  What do you want this year to look like?  What do you want to do or do better?  When you look back in six months or at the end of the year what do you want to have accomplished?  Once you know what you want then you should ask yourself why.  If you are not very clear about the why chances are you won’t have success in achieving this goal.  So get clear on the why and then break down into smaller steps how you will accomplish it.  Put it on your calendar and make it part of your schedule.  Create habits.  Do the things that scare you.  Do the things you keep putting off.  Remember, if you have to eat a frog do it first thing in the morning.

We gifted everyone small notebooks to get you started on writing down goals and also to keep track of the tender mercies, and the blessings that appear in our lives.  Remember, remember is what we are taught in the scriptures and if you are like me you won’t remember a thing if you don’t write it down.  I challenge you to set some goals this year and to write down the things you are grateful for.  Let’s have a wonderfully healthy year filled with loads of gratitude!

Liese

Sunday Reflections

From "No Other Gods", Elder Dallin H. Oaks, October 2013

Are we serving priorities or gods ahead of the God we profess to worship?

Our twelfth article of faith states our belief in being subject to civil authority and " in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law."  But man's law cannot make moral what God has declared immoral.  Commitment to our highest priority -- to love and serve God -- requires that we look to His law for our standard of behavior.  In this determination we may be misunderstood, and we may incur accusations of bigotry, suffer discrimination or have to withstand invasions of our free exercise of religion.  If so, I think we should remember our first priority -- to serve God -- and , like our pioneer predecessors, push our personal handcarts forward with the same fortitude they exhibited. 

Elder Oaks adds, a teaching of President Thomas S. Monson, from 27 years ago, which applies to this circumstance,  "Let us have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God's approval..."

We must never dilute our first priority-- to have no other priorities ahead of God the Father and His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Finally Elder Oaks concludes with a prayer that God will help us to understand this priority and to be understood by others as we seek to pursue it in a wise and loving way.

God be with you all.

Liese

Testimony Tuesday

Each Tuesday a sister from our ward will share a part of her testimony. This may be part of her conversion (perhaps a story or principle that helped start or build her testimony), a specific gospel principle they've learned through the years, or a missionary experience. This is a way for us to connect with members of our relief society on a more spiritual basis. 

This week Sandra Emerick shares her testimony with us.

My dear sisters, first of all forgive me for my written English as I share these things with you. You all know how much I love to talk so I'll try to be brief and not put you all to sleep. As most of you know I'm a member of the Church since I was 14 and joined the Church in Portugal in April 9th of 1986. Never in my wildest dreams I thought I would take so many different turns in my life and end up in Irondequoit, NY, USA. But I'm glad I did. Despite some mistakes and disappointments along the way the Lord has never left me and in my darkest moments I can assure you that He was there for me. Because of the adversity that I experienced, and in some different ways still do experience, I can tell you that my relationship with the Lord has deepened and my awareness that He is there for us is more real to me than ever before. One of the things that I am absolutely grateful for is the great gift of the Holy Ghost. My dear sisters, the Lord knew what he was doing when He left us with it. He knew that we wouldn't be strong enough without it, that sometimes we would feel lonely and in need of company, that we would experience heartache, emotional and physical pain, suffering, and many times anger and frustration, and that His comfort would come as a balm to heal us. Also, He knew that at certain crucial times in our lives we would need His direction to guide us to make the right choices and recognize the truth. He would also be there to protect and warn. What a great gift the Holy Ghost is! And it's all part of a perfect plan that the Lord God prepared for us. This is my testimony, that I know that without the light of Christ that comes to us through the Holy Spirit we are nothing. We would live empty lives. This is why Christ is the life and the light of the world. He is the Savior of our souls. We need Him and we need the manifestations of His Spirit to endure life and ultimately experience the joy of His light and love. Every time I feel the presence of the Spirit I feel so blessed that the Lord didn't leave us on our own. My dear sisters, it's an honor to serve with you all and to feel who you really are. We are daughters of a Great God. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Testimony Tuesday

Each Tuesday a sister from our ward will share a part of her testimony. This may be part of her conversion (perhaps a story or principle that helped start or build her testimony), a specific gospel principle they've learned through the years, or a missionary experience. This is a way for us to connect with members of our relief society on a more spiritual basis. 

Jessy Cook wrote a letter to one of her visiting teachers when she first started coming back to church. She would like to share that same e-mail (with additions) with the other sisters of our Relief Society:

My name is Jessy Cook and I am one of your new visiting teachers!  I'm really excited to be a part of the visiting teaching program because it helps me to get to know the members of the ward... I only recently started coming back to church after being inactive for about 13 years.  It has been an AWESOME experience for me to come back and the more I get involved, the more I notice how much joy I've been missing in my life.  I have a husband and two little boys (so I'm out-numbered!) and love the friendships I've formed in Relief Society since coming back to church.

For me, coming back to church was all about timing.  I was born and raised in the church and even went to BYU, but was never the best example of living the Gospel.  While I was at BYU, through all of my trials and set-backs, I came to the conclusion that I would serve a mission to “make up” for all the bad I had done in my life.  Because that’s how it works, right?  Wrong.  Very wrong.  I got my mission call to Oslo, Norway and spent 2 weeks in the MTC learning Norwegian and the discussions.  I know it’s not like this for everyone, but I LOVED the MTC!  The Spirit was bouncing off the walls around me and I loved that!  There was no denying the truthfulness of the Gospel and the pure and simple message of Jesus Christ: To Come Unto Him.  To make a long part of this story short, I decided that I would do whatever it took to become WORTHY to serve the mission that I had been called on.  It was decided after much back and forth with church authorities that I should spend 4 months outside of the MTC repenting.  Fine.  I would do that.  I would do whatever it took, right?  4 months became 6 months.  6 months became a year.  After that, I’d had enough!  No more jerking me around.  I was done with trying to get back to the MTC.  The magical feeling I got while in the MTC was a distant memory at that point and I was lost to my old habits. My walls went up and I had officially become “offended” by the General Authorities for their judgment.   I never doubted the truthfulness of the Gospel… I simply COULDN’T do it.  I became inactive and eventually returned to NY where I wouldn’t be around Mormons all the time and wouldn’t feel so guilty about the way I was living.

All of my family members (parents, 4 sisters, and 1 brother) are active members of the church.  They had a hard time with me being inactive at first, but always loved me and included me.  I let them know early on in my inactivity that I didn't want any pressure from them about going to church.  I had my reasons why I didn't want to go anymore and I didn't want to feel pressure from them.  Fast-forward 13 years, (having been married, one little boy in the house and another on the way) and the sister missionaries knocked on my door!  They were so sweet.  I know if it would have been any other missionaries, I probably wouldn't have answered the door.  They were blown away when I told them that I was already a member of the church!  I wasn't on the ward records.  They asked if they could set up a time to come visit me with a message which I agreed to and then they also invited me to come to church.   The main feeling I got from them was love... and they told me that they could feel the deep love my Heavenly Father still had for me.  This was a shocker... that Heavenly Father STILL loved me after being so far away from the church for so long.  I've clung to that feeling of love I got when I first opened my doors to the missionaries ever since and have been going strong ever since!  I'm totally hooked on the feeling I get from the good news of the Gospel.

The road back was painful, but the joy and peace of the Atonement was worth 100xs the pain.  It is an indescribable feeling to truly experience the miracle of forgiveness.

So that's my story in a nut shell.  :-)  I might not be the typical Mormon, but I love this Gospel and am so grateful for all that it has done for me over the past 8 and a half months.

With love and gratitude,

Jessy

The sisters of the ward are my anchor.  Your love and strength keeps me grounded in the Gospel and I am so thankful for ALL OF YOU.  Each and every one of you.  Please know that I love you and appreciate YOUR stories.  We are all so different and I LOVE that about this ward!

Testimony Tuesday

Each Tuesday a sister from our ward will share a part of her testimony. This may be part of her conversion (perhaps a story or principle that helped start or build her testimony), a specific gospel principle they've learned through the years, or a missionary experience. This is a way for us to connect with members of our relief society on a more spiritual basis. 

Sarah Belcher shares the following:

As the only member of the church in my extended family, my testimony began when I ran across the church and began to ask questions. I eventually took the missionary discussions and became a member of the church. However, the testimony-building experience that I am most thankful for was the full-time mission I served about 3 years after joining the church. It was the most difficult thing I had done at that point in my life; It was dark, cold and lonely. I had little support from home, I couldn't initially communicate or understand much, I had a companion that did not want to be burdened with me and no other sister missionaries within a day's travel. We had no familiar food, and we weren't allowed to be in members or investigators homes for meals, as there was such a problem with food-related illness. We also did not have hot water, and the water we did have was so radiated that clumps of our hair fell out regularly. The people I served amongst were economically depressed, suffered greatly for basic needs and were generally despondent. It was a huge culture shock and I had seemingly no where to turn for support. Fortunately, a mission has a built-in focus on the essentials, and since I was constantly praying, reading the scriptures, and sharing my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I discovered the real source of strength and support- our Savior, Jesus Christ. I saw miracles occur in the hearts of the people, but especially in my own heart, and I learned where our true happiness comes from. And I came to understand that despite how seemingly different people are, we are all essentially the same- children of a loving Heavenly Father. While I am forever thankful for my initial experiences learning about the church and the gospel when I initially joined the church, it was the experiences of a full-time mission that provided the perfect environment for me to grow and strengthen my testimony amidst adversity, and it ultimately taught me the simple, if not always easy, way to keep enduring through life's challenges.

Sunday Reflections

We had a wonderful lesson yesterday reminding us that our Heavenly Father knows us, is mindful of what is happening in our lives, and hears our prayers.

From the 2005 Spring Conference address " The Tender Mercies of the Lord", Elder Bednar said, "I have reflected repeatedly upon the phrase "the tender mercies of the Lord."  Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ.  Truly, the Lord suits "his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men". (D&C 46:15)"

The trick is to identify and remember these tender mercies.  The hours of each day fly by so quickly and everything is just a blur as we fall into bed at night, but it is important that we take time to reflect on our day and recognize the hand of the Lord.  It may also be beneficial to record these tender mercies for ourselves when we may be feeling alone and need a reminder or for our posterity.

Wishing you a wonderful, joy filled week.
Liese

Of things that Matter Most

This Sunday, our Relief Society lesson was based on a talk given by Dieter F Uchdorf called, "Of Things That Matter Most".

At the beginning of the lesson this Mormon Message was shared. It was a way for us to start off by think about the relationships in our lives. Sometimes small things - that aren't important - get in the way of those relationships (would you rather yell at your child for spilling the bowl of spaghetti or hug them, clean it up together, and laugh).

"If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most."

When looking at the rings of trees, to observe there growth pattern, we can see years where much growth happened and years where the tree didn't grow as much. During those years of little growth, we know that the trees energy was focused on the basic elements of survival.

When we are struggling in our lives, we can focus on the things that matter most to keep us strong. President Uchdorf says, "Therefore, it is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions."

It's easy to be busy in our lives. Sometimes we base our self worth on our "to-do" lists.

"Let’s be honest; it’s rather easy to be busy. We all can think up a list of tasks that will overwhelm our schedules. Some might even think that their self-worth depends on the length of their to-do list. They flood the open spaces in their time with lists of meetings and minutia—even during times of stress and fatigue. Because they unnecessarily complicate their lives, they often feel increased frustration, diminished joy, and too little sense of meaning in their lives."

A poem called, "Girl in a Whirl" was shared. The tasks this sister was accomplishing were all good and goals many of us have. But trying to do them all at once is nearly impossible. If we slow down and really take the time to evaluate "what matters most" in the moment, we will be more happy and can find peace.

President Uchdorf shared in this Priesthood address, "We know what matters most in life—the Light of Christ teaches this to everyone. We as faithful Latter-day Saints have the Holy Ghost as a “constant companion” to teach us the things of eternal value."  The Holy Ghost can be that constant guide we need in a world of busy schedules and tasks to keep us focused on what is more important in that moment or at certain times in our lives.

He closes the talk by saying, "As we turn to our Heavenly Father and seek His wisdom regarding the things that matter most, we learn over and over again the importance of four key relationships: with our God, with our families, with our fellowman, and with ourselves."

#1 - Our relationships with God: "First, our relationship with God is most sacred and vital."

To strengthen our relationship with him we need to spend time alone studying our scriptures, praying, and attending the temple.

"As we seek Him, as we learn of His Son, Jesus Christ, as we open our hearts to the influence of the Holy Spirit, our lives become more stable and secure. We experience greater peace, joy, and fulfillment as we give our best to live according to God’s eternal plan and keep His commandments."

"We improve our relationship with our Heavenly Father by learning of Him, by communing with Him, by repenting of our sins, and by actively following Jesus Christ."

 #2 - Our relationships with our Families: "In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e, time. Taking time for each other is the key for harmony at home."

How can we spend more meaningful time with our families?

#3 - Our relationships with our Fellowman: "We build this relationship one person at a time—by being sensitive to the needs of others, serving them, and giving of our time and talents."

Serving others is a great way to forget ourselves.

#4 - Our relationships with Ourselves: "May I suggest that you reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better. Walk in nature, watch a sunrise, enjoy God’s creations, ponder the truths of the restored gospel, and find out what they mean for you personally. Learn to see yourself as Heavenly Father sees you—as His precious daughter or son with divine potential."

"Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from placing our attention and efforts on the basics of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter most."

Obedience

We had a great lesson in Relief Society today based on the talk by President Thomas S. Monson,  Obedience Brings Blessings. He said: " Throughout the ages, men and women have sought for knowledge and understanding concerning this mortal existence and their place and purpose in it, as well as for the way to peace and happiness."

Declared President Joseph F. Smith in October 1873, “Obedience is the first law of heaven.”

Said President Gordon B. Hinckley, “The happiness of the Latter-day Saints, the peace of the Latter-day Saints, the progress of the Latter-day Saints, the prosperity of the Latter-day Saints, and the eternal salvation and exaltation of this people lie in walking in obedience to the counsels of … God.”

When it comes to provident living, what have we don't to show obedience?What do we do when the prophet speaks? Obedience may not always be easy, but it is what gives us what we need physically (food, water, tools) and spiritually (strength, faith, peace, testimony).

We know that when we follow the prophet, we are happy. When we follow the counsel to have a food storage, and a major or minor emergency strikes, we are happy because we can sustain ourselves--if not by the actual food we set aside (because some disasters destroy this) we are at least able to sustain our spiritual strength to move forward. Obedience isn't a one time occasion that automatically propels us into heaven, but rather an enduring attribute and desire associated with faith and action that leads us to do even the hard things day in and day out, during our times of ease as well as times of trial, it means being obedient in all things not just those that seem convenient.

I really like what President Henry B. Eyring had to say about spiritual preparation in the October 2005. Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady

"So, the greatest test of life is to see whether we will hearken to and obey God's commands in the midst of the storms of life. It is not to endure storms, but to choose the right while they rage.

"It will take unshakable faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to choose the way to eternal life. It is by using that faith we can know the will of God. It is by acting on that faith we build the strength to do the will of God. And it is by exercising that faith in Jesus Christ that we can resist temptation and gain forgiveness through the Atonement.

"However much faith to obey God we now have, we will need to strengthen it continually and keep it refreshed constantly. We can do that by deciding now to be more quick to obey and more determined to endure. Learning to start early and to be steady are the keys to spiritual preparation. Procrastination and inconsistency are its mortal enemies.

"Decisions now to exercise faith and be steady in obedience will in time produce great faith and assurance. That is the spiritual preparedness we all will need. And it will qualify us in the moments of crisis to receive the Lord's promise that "if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.'"

Growing a garden is a great way to become more self reliant and to show our obedience to our Prophets counsel .The Church gives us some helpful reminders for planning a garden.   If you already have a garden and are wondering what to do with all of those squash, tomatoes, zucchini and cucumbers, keep checking the blog for recipes and tips soon to come!

Personal Goals

"We won’t achieve our desires, either in development of talents or in life itself, by accident. While life will ultimately take us to our final destination, it is planning that helps determine whether that destination is the one we wanted. The right kinds of goals might make the difference." "Get up and Goal" Ensign 1983, Victoria Romney

Our ward Relief Society presidency has challenged each of us to personally set two goals. 

A Spiritual goal and a Temporal goal.

A lesson for youth talks about some principles for setting goals :

  -  Setting worthwhile goals gives direction to our lives

- We should set goals in a number of different areas

- Managing our time gives us control over our lives so we can serve more effectively

 

A talk, given my President Monson provides great guidance for spiritual goals. He speaks of three goals to guide us through our lives.

1 - Study Diligently 2 - Pray Earnestly and 3 - Serve willingly. 

 photo credit

A temporal goal can be anything from your job, your house, savings, getting our of dept, building up good storage, or planning a vacation. There are many area in our lives to think about when setting a temporal goal. It's not always about planting a garden or getting food storage ;)