Dear Sisters,
As I was reflecting on our visiting teaching conference messages, I am so grateful to be a visiting teacher. I am also thankful for visiting teachers who take the time to come and visit with me. Even though schedules can sometimes be difficult to arrange, when something is important you make time for it.
I recently came across a quote from Bonnie D. Parkin that I liked. It says, "We are Visiting Teachers because we've made covenants with the Lord, and they are fulfilled as we share our hearts and our souls. Visiting teaching is all about family. As we show charity to those we serve, we become family by affection. We all belong to the Lord's family and when we serve sisters, and through them their families, we strengthen the family as designed in the heavens."
This leads us into February where we are focusing on marriages and families. There are so many forces out there to destroy the family that we need to concentrate on keeping our families whole and safeguarded from the world. Elder Bednar said, “We can become more diligent and concerned at home as we are more faithful in learning, living, and loving the restored gospel of Jesus Christ." I especially like the phrase, "More diligent and concerned at home." Our homes are the one place where we can control what is coming in and where we can make the most difference in our family's lives.
It is my prayer that we all focus on keeping our houses in order (D&C 88:119) and unspotted from the worldly influences that can pervade our daily lives.
Lovingly,
Lacee Lemmon
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Premade Family Home Evening Lessons for 2010
If Mondays seem to fly by faster that you think they should, check out these websites for FHE lessons. Each site offers 52 lessons for 2010. What a great way to have a thought-out lesson when Monday nights come too fast.
Enjoy!
http://downloads.sugardoodle.net/2010FHELessons.pdf
http://ayearoffhe.blogspot.com/
Enjoy!
http://downloads.sugardoodle.net/2010FHELessons.pdf
http://ayearoffhe.blogspot.com/
Friday, January 1, 2010
January's Message
2010 is now upon us! Happy New Year!! Always with a new year comes the opportunity to set new goals and reach new heights. This year our Relief Society will focus be on "Finding Joy in the journey." In 2 Nephi 2:25, Nephi teaches us that, "Adam fell that men might be and men are that they might have joy." This is our quest. Notice that it doesn't say, we will have joy but that we might have joy. It becomes our responsibility to find joy and live in such a way that joy can be ours.
Every month in 2010 we will focus on "finding joy" in different life/gospel aspects. Our focus this month will be finding joy in the watchcare of the Lord. This can be applied in many ways. Our main focus will be on our role as visiting teachers - literally the program in place for watching over the Lord's women. It is a huge responsibility. We are His hands here and now and what we do or do not do will weigh in heavily when we stand before the Lord on judgment day.
Take some time this month to either commit yourself more fully to visiting teaching or to strengthen your testimony in the visiting teaching program - maybe both. I mentioned earlier that the new year brings opportunities for goals and resolution. May I submit that this year in 2010 - we commit ourselves and resolve to be the best visiting teachers we can be. When we realize who we represent as we seek out, visit, help and love the sisters we've been given stewardship over - our resolve to more fully apply ourselves in the Lord's watchcare will be a joy and bring much joy to our lives. "The tragedy in life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach." - Benjamin Mays
Thanks so much for all that you do. You are loved, appreciated, and admired. May this be a wonderful year filled with much JOY.
Love,
Jennifer Hadfield
Every month in 2010 we will focus on "finding joy" in different life/gospel aspects. Our focus this month will be finding joy in the watchcare of the Lord. This can be applied in many ways. Our main focus will be on our role as visiting teachers - literally the program in place for watching over the Lord's women. It is a huge responsibility. We are His hands here and now and what we do or do not do will weigh in heavily when we stand before the Lord on judgment day.
Take some time this month to either commit yourself more fully to visiting teaching or to strengthen your testimony in the visiting teaching program - maybe both. I mentioned earlier that the new year brings opportunities for goals and resolution. May I submit that this year in 2010 - we commit ourselves and resolve to be the best visiting teachers we can be. When we realize who we represent as we seek out, visit, help and love the sisters we've been given stewardship over - our resolve to more fully apply ourselves in the Lord's watchcare will be a joy and bring much joy to our lives. "The tragedy in life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach." - Benjamin Mays
Thanks so much for all that you do. You are loved, appreciated, and admired. May this be a wonderful year filled with much JOY.
Love,
Jennifer Hadfield
Sunday, December 6, 2009
December Message
Dear Sisters,
As the holiday season has quickly settled upon us, I find myself reflecting on the reason and wonder for the season. It is the time when we remember the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and reflect upon all he has done for us. I love to go and look at all the different nativity displays. It reminds me of the true meaning of Christmas. It is not the presents, food, decorations or toys that make Christmas so special.
The First Presidency said that when we remember the birth of our Savior, the Christmas Season becomes truly special. As we strive to remember our Savior, our desire to live like Him will grow. It is no coincidence that Christmas is the time of year when people are most the most loving, most giving, the most kind, and the most grateful.
As we try to follow Christ's example this season and do our best to live as He did, let us find ways to lift up those around us. Let us celebrate our Savior's birth by being followers of Christ in word and deed.
I hope we can all have a wonderful holiday season and remember the true meaning of the season.
With love,
Lacee Lemmon
As the holiday season has quickly settled upon us, I find myself reflecting on the reason and wonder for the season. It is the time when we remember the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and reflect upon all he has done for us. I love to go and look at all the different nativity displays. It reminds me of the true meaning of Christmas. It is not the presents, food, decorations or toys that make Christmas so special.
The First Presidency said that when we remember the birth of our Savior, the Christmas Season becomes truly special. As we strive to remember our Savior, our desire to live like Him will grow. It is no coincidence that Christmas is the time of year when people are most the most loving, most giving, the most kind, and the most grateful.
As we try to follow Christ's example this season and do our best to live as He did, let us find ways to lift up those around us. Let us celebrate our Savior's birth by being followers of Christ in word and deed.
I hope we can all have a wonderful holiday season and remember the true meaning of the season.
With love,
Lacee Lemmon
Sunday, November 1, 2009
November's Message
Dear Sisters,
In our last Relief Society General Broadcast, we were blessed to hear some wonderful talks. I was especially touched by Sister Beck’s talk, “Relief Society, A Sacred Work.” I have always had a strong testimony of the Visiting Teaching program but I realized that I have not been living up to my potential as a Visiting Teacher, and for this I apologize.
Sister Beck said, “Much of the essential Relief Society work we do doesn’t happen in meetings…. Because we follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ we value this sacred assignment to love, know, serve, understand, teach, and minister in His behalf. This is one duty we have in the Church where we are certain to have the help of the Lord if we ask for it. This is one responsibility that is certain to increase our faith and personal righteousness and strengthen our own homes and families, as we become partners with the Lord. A sister in this Church has no other responsibility outside of her family that has the potential to do as much good as does visiting teaching. …. Ideally, every sister should watch over and strengthen at least one other sister in her ward. It is our blessing to pray for another sister and receive inspiration as to how the Lord would have us care for one of His daughters”. Wow! I have been a visiting teacher for more than half of my life and I have heard this many times; but this time it really hit home. I have always tried to fulfill my “responsibility” but now I realize it is not a responsibility alone, it is a blessing.
I have been blessed by great visiting teachers in my life. These women have been there for me physically, spiritually and emotionally. It is not always easy to let someone into our lives, especially when things are difficult, but it is my challenge that we as sisters do as we have been charged and “pray for inspiration as to how the Lord would have us care for one of His daughters”. Sometimes we may feel that we are “just a visiting teacher”. President James E Faust has said, “The Lord has a great work for each of us to do. You may wonder how this can be. You may feel that there is nothing special or superior about your ability… The Lord can do remarkable miracles with a person of ordinary ability who is humble, faithful, and diligent in serving the Lord and seeks to improve himself. This is because God is the ultimate source of power”. If we are humble and seek for the inspiration of the Lord, we will be able to change lives as we serve in our calling as a visiting teacher.
It is my prayer this holiday season that we take the time to rededicate ourselves to the sisters we visit teach. As we do, we partner with the Lord and we will “increase our faith and personal righteousness and strengthen our own homes and families.
I love serving in Relief Society. The sisters in this ward have blessed my life greatly and I love each of you. Thank you for all you do for one another.
Love,
Sister Shari Aschieris
In our last Relief Society General Broadcast, we were blessed to hear some wonderful talks. I was especially touched by Sister Beck’s talk, “Relief Society, A Sacred Work.” I have always had a strong testimony of the Visiting Teaching program but I realized that I have not been living up to my potential as a Visiting Teacher, and for this I apologize.
Sister Beck said, “Much of the essential Relief Society work we do doesn’t happen in meetings…. Because we follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ we value this sacred assignment to love, know, serve, understand, teach, and minister in His behalf. This is one duty we have in the Church where we are certain to have the help of the Lord if we ask for it. This is one responsibility that is certain to increase our faith and personal righteousness and strengthen our own homes and families, as we become partners with the Lord. A sister in this Church has no other responsibility outside of her family that has the potential to do as much good as does visiting teaching. …. Ideally, every sister should watch over and strengthen at least one other sister in her ward. It is our blessing to pray for another sister and receive inspiration as to how the Lord would have us care for one of His daughters”. Wow! I have been a visiting teacher for more than half of my life and I have heard this many times; but this time it really hit home. I have always tried to fulfill my “responsibility” but now I realize it is not a responsibility alone, it is a blessing.
I have been blessed by great visiting teachers in my life. These women have been there for me physically, spiritually and emotionally. It is not always easy to let someone into our lives, especially when things are difficult, but it is my challenge that we as sisters do as we have been charged and “pray for inspiration as to how the Lord would have us care for one of His daughters”. Sometimes we may feel that we are “just a visiting teacher”. President James E Faust has said, “The Lord has a great work for each of us to do. You may wonder how this can be. You may feel that there is nothing special or superior about your ability… The Lord can do remarkable miracles with a person of ordinary ability who is humble, faithful, and diligent in serving the Lord and seeks to improve himself. This is because God is the ultimate source of power”. If we are humble and seek for the inspiration of the Lord, we will be able to change lives as we serve in our calling as a visiting teacher.
It is my prayer this holiday season that we take the time to rededicate ourselves to the sisters we visit teach. As we do, we partner with the Lord and we will “increase our faith and personal righteousness and strengthen our own homes and families.
I love serving in Relief Society. The sisters in this ward have blessed my life greatly and I love each of you. Thank you for all you do for one another.
Love,
Sister Shari Aschieris
Monday, October 12, 2009
October Message
Last week I took Kaleb and Kolby to feed the ducks at Klineline. The weather was beautiful - crisp air, blue skies and sunshine. The trees were amazing with the leaves changing colors. The boys had a great time feeding left over pancakes to the ducks. As I watched the ducks swim after the food being thrown to them I couldn't help but notice how any water splashed up on the ducks backs simply rolled right off. It did not penetrate the feathers at all but would just roll off. It reminded me of a phrase my dad has often used, "like water off a ducks back".
The same afternoon we'd fed the ducks I came across an article in the Church News called, 'Let it go'. The article talks about how many of us today allow ourselves to be offended over trivial things. We could and should, like the ducks, let whatever it is thats offended us roll off our backs and let it go. Elder Bednar said: "In some way and at some time, someone in this Church will do or say something that could be considered offensive. Such an event will surely happen to each and every one of us - and it certainly will occur more than once. Though people may not intend to injure or offend us, they nonetheless can be inconsiderate and tactless. You and I cannot control the intentions or behavior of other people. However, we do determine how we will act. Please remember that you and I are endowed with moral agency, and we can choose not to be offended. When we believe or say we have been offended, we usually mean we feel insulted, mistreated, snubbed or disrespected. And certainly clumsy, embarrassing, unprincipled and mean-spirited things do occur in our intentions with other people that would allow us to take offense. However, it ultimately is impossible for another person to offend you or to offend me. Indeed, believing that another person offended us is fundamentally false. To be offended is a choice we make. It is not a condition inflicted or imposed upon us by someone or something else." ("And Nothing Shall Offend Them, Liahona, Nov. 2006, 89-92)
The scriptures teach us to triumph over offense. Psalm 119:165 reads, "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Mosiah 4:13 reads, "And ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due." When we find ourselves in situations where offense could be taken or has been taken- let's remember the ducks at the pond and like water off their backs, "let it go".
"All of us carry baggage around from time to time, but the wisest one among us don't carry it for very long", said President Boyd K. Packer, president of the Quorum of the Twelve. "Some things that ought to be put in order are not put in order because you can't control them. Often, however, the things we carry are petty, even stupid. If you are still upset after all these years because Aunt Clara didn't come to your wedding reception, why don't you grow up? Forget it. If you brood constantly over some past mistake, settle it - look ahead. If the bishop didn't call you right - or release you right - forget it. If you resent someone for something he has done - or failed to do - forget it. We call that forgiveness. It is powerful, spiritual medicine." ("The Balm of Gilead", New Era, Aug. 1979, 36)
Life is too precious to get caught up in harboring offenses and we have too much good to do. Let's put our energies to use building each other and the Lord's kingdom and let the trivial, offensive things 'roll off our backs'. We can do it, we must do it. Enjoy this wonderful time of year - I love the changing of the seasons. You are amazing women! I love and admire you.
Jennifer Hadfield
The same afternoon we'd fed the ducks I came across an article in the Church News called, 'Let it go'. The article talks about how many of us today allow ourselves to be offended over trivial things. We could and should, like the ducks, let whatever it is thats offended us roll off our backs and let it go. Elder Bednar said: "In some way and at some time, someone in this Church will do or say something that could be considered offensive. Such an event will surely happen to each and every one of us - and it certainly will occur more than once. Though people may not intend to injure or offend us, they nonetheless can be inconsiderate and tactless. You and I cannot control the intentions or behavior of other people. However, we do determine how we will act. Please remember that you and I are endowed with moral agency, and we can choose not to be offended. When we believe or say we have been offended, we usually mean we feel insulted, mistreated, snubbed or disrespected. And certainly clumsy, embarrassing, unprincipled and mean-spirited things do occur in our intentions with other people that would allow us to take offense. However, it ultimately is impossible for another person to offend you or to offend me. Indeed, believing that another person offended us is fundamentally false. To be offended is a choice we make. It is not a condition inflicted or imposed upon us by someone or something else." ("And Nothing Shall Offend Them, Liahona, Nov. 2006, 89-92)
The scriptures teach us to triumph over offense. Psalm 119:165 reads, "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Mosiah 4:13 reads, "And ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due." When we find ourselves in situations where offense could be taken or has been taken- let's remember the ducks at the pond and like water off their backs, "let it go".
"All of us carry baggage around from time to time, but the wisest one among us don't carry it for very long", said President Boyd K. Packer, president of the Quorum of the Twelve. "Some things that ought to be put in order are not put in order because you can't control them. Often, however, the things we carry are petty, even stupid. If you are still upset after all these years because Aunt Clara didn't come to your wedding reception, why don't you grow up? Forget it. If you brood constantly over some past mistake, settle it - look ahead. If the bishop didn't call you right - or release you right - forget it. If you resent someone for something he has done - or failed to do - forget it. We call that forgiveness. It is powerful, spiritual medicine." ("The Balm of Gilead", New Era, Aug. 1979, 36)
Life is too precious to get caught up in harboring offenses and we have too much good to do. Let's put our energies to use building each other and the Lord's kingdom and let the trivial, offensive things 'roll off our backs'. We can do it, we must do it. Enjoy this wonderful time of year - I love the changing of the seasons. You are amazing women! I love and admire you.
Jennifer Hadfield
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