A Happy New Year Begins

Happy New Year to all. We've made it through 2008 & now 2009 greets us. A new year begins & new goals need to be made or even old goals continued. Sisters please think about some goals that as Sisters in Relief Society, we can all work towards achieving. Whether you met your goals for 2008 or didn't set any goals, start fresh now. Pray about what it is that will help you and all of us together. If we can help one another to get started and on track to making new goals now, how awesome would that will be?

Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: "Latter-day Saint women must be strong and immovable in their faith. They can and should excel in living and sharing their testimonies of the Lord Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. We do this as we:
1. Make and keep covenants with Him.
2. Are worthy and worship in His temples.
3. Study His doctrine in the scriptures and the words of prophets.
4. Qualify for, recognize, and follow the Holy Ghost.
5. Share and defend His gospel.
6. Participate in sincere personal and family prayer.
7. Have family home evening.
8. Live principles of self-reliance and provident living.

"These are essential things which must be done before nonessential things. These are simple, indispensable practices that almost seem mundane. . . . No one can do these things for us—these are personal practices and habits that set us apart as strong and immovable for that which is correct" ("What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 109–10).

Sisters, let us use the essential things from Sister Beck to be the cornerstone of the goals that we set for ourselves and our Relief Society. Together we will become closer to each other and with our Savior. We love you and care about you and your families. We share your joys and sorrows. We pray that 2009 will be a rewarding and fulfilling year that brings you closer to Christ.