January Message

Welcome, my 3rd Ward Sisters, to the New Year!!

New Year’s Day is my favorite day of the year! To me, it holds the promise of starting over, a brand new chapter with blank pages to fill, a clean slate, an empty calendar to fill! I feel I can lift up my weary head, finding strength to bear my burdens, as if I’ve been given another chance to try again, to make a change, or as the inspiring words of the song, “Ring Out Wild Bells”, tell us: “...Ring out the old, Ring in the new, Ring happy bells across the snow…Ring out the false, Ring in the true…Ring in the valiant men and free, the larger heart, the kindlier hand, Ring out the darkness in the land, Ring in the Christ that is to be…”

I love the words, “Ring out the darkness in the land, Ring in the Christ that is to be…”. In order for us to begin to “Ring out” the darkness in our lives, we need to look to our Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world. He is the one who will lead us to eternal life. He is the one who will show us what we need to be doing to feel His peace in our lives.

Mosiah tells us: “Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ,…may seal you his…” (Mos 5:15)

What does it mean to be steadfast and immovable? Elder Bednar tells us that “…a building or structure that is stable and steadfast and immovable must be built upon a strong foundation. If you and I desire to become disciples of the Master, we must build appropriately and effectively upon Him as our foundation.” “…and when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which you are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.” (Hel 5:12)

What does it mean to be “always abounding in good works”? I propose that it is more than just giving service to each other. It is following in the Savior’s footsteps, recognizing that each one of us is “…His workmanship, created in [Him] unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them”. (Eph 2:10) We look to the Savior’s example in the scriptures to find out what those “good works” are, and then we “walk in them” – prayer, scripture study, obedience, exercising Faith, being converted, hearkening to the prophets, practicing repentance and forgiveness, and patience and endurance. It is being valiant, courageous, and full of gratitude. It is being prepared. Most of all it is “…being willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord…” (3 Ne 6:14), and finally, “laboring exceedingly for the welfare and safety of [our] people” (Alma 48:12)

Sisters, I encourage each of you to “Ring out the darkness in your lives, and Ring in the Christ”, being steadfast and immovable, repairing, strengthening, and building your foundation on the “rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God…” (Hel 5:12)

We, as a presidency, love you and pray for you! We recognize and appreciate your good hearts, your kind words, and all the service that you give! Thank you so much!

With love…Robbyn England