Women and Gospel Learning in the Home, President Eyering

Today's lesson and discussion was given by Sister Tammy Ward.  She began by talking about inviting the Spirit into our class today and how that will make a huge difference in what we take away from the talk given by President Eyering.

She then thanked the sisters in the room that had told her about a "Hi Mom" sticker that she had had on her back.  She remarked on what we see, what we say and what we do around our children really makes a difference in their lives.  She told how this last week she has been making sticky notes and putting them on her son's back letting him know how awesome he is and today was his day to pay her back by putting his note on her back.  Very cute!

This went along with our lesson today.  Our children see what we do and they copy it.  

She then began by asking us to read the part of Elder Eyering's talk that says, "Why, then, does a daughter of God in a united and equal relationship receive the primary responsibility to nourish with the most important nutrient all must receive, a knowledge of truth coming from heaven? As nearly as I can see, that has been the Lord’s way since families were created in this world.

For instance, it was Eve who received the knowledge that Adam needed to partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge for them to keep all of God’s commandments and to form a family. I do not know why it came to Eve first, but Adam and Eve were perfectly united when the knowledge was poured out on Adam.

Another example of the Lord’s using the nurturing gifts of women is the way He strengthened the sons of Helaman. I get a lump in my throat when I read the account and remember my own mother’s quiet words of assurance as I left home for military service."

Sister Ward asked,  What did you learn from these three paragraphs? A sister answered, "Men and women are equal, but they have different responsibilities and duties, but it is all important to our Heavenly Father."  Another said it reaffirms that when a guy asks a girl to marry, they aren't thinking of children or anything down the road.  They are thinking what a great girl she is.  But when a girl is in that same situation, where a young man is asking her to marry, she is thinking of the family they will have and what their future will be.  In essence she sees more of the whole picture than the guy ever does. 

Tammy agreed and talked about how Heavenly Father gave women that nurturing gift.  Then she had us talk with the person next to us and had us go to the scriptures to find an example of a mother that taught through her nurturing gifts.  My partner and I talked about John the Baptist's mother.  

Then she had us talk to our partner about someone in our own lives that has had this affect on us and has really made a difference in our lives and share why this person made a difference in our lives.  

My partner talked about her grandmother.  She was a rock in her life.  Mine was a neighbor lady that was kind and always willing to be an example of Gospel living.

Then Tammy had a few sisters in the room share.  These are some of the things that were shared.  

Shauna Larson shared how her Mother-in-law was someone that made a real difference to her.  She told of how Rex's mom was alway willing to help her even when she had a lot of things to do, she would always help.  Shauna told of how she called her one day and asked for her help.  Shauna had a new baby and had been sick.  Her mother-in-law came and took care of her.  Four days later she died.  Shauna felt so lucky to have her as an example.

Anne Welling talked of her mother and what a wonderful example she was for Anne.  She told of how she was just a righteous example of how we need to live.

Amber Wood talked about her mom and what a strength she was to Amber.  She told of how she was recently able to talk to her mom about Faith and her mom' ability to change and remain strong even when things were difficult in her life.

Celeste Miller talked of her mother and how patient she was.  She said that when she was young she only ever remembered her mother yelling once in her whole life.  Her mother was always really kind.

Bonnie Clark talked of her grandmother.  Her grandmother was unable to talk or walk due to a physical ailment.  But Bonnie had the opportunity to have her live with them.  She said that her grandmother was so patient with others taking care of her and tolerant of their mistakes.  She taught Bonnie unconditional love.

Andrea Stringham talked about her grandmother also.  She told of many of the trials her grandmother has lived through in her life and they were hard and difficult things.  Andrea commented saying that her grandmother entailed everything that we had talked about, loving, kind, forgiving, patient and she endured.  She said this grandmother is the glue that holds their family together.

A sister commented saying, "How many of these people know how much you love and appreciate what they have done?" She said that we should take the opportunity to thank them for what they have done for us in our lives.  That it would make them feel special that they were able to touch someone's life.

Sister Ward challenged each of us to write them a thank you note or letter for what they have done.  Even if someone has passed away, take the time to write them.  They will know how you feel and what their actions meant to you.

Then Tammy told of the opportunity that she had this week to share thoughts about her Grandma Jeri with her children.  They had been in Idaho and so for two hours she was able to share with them stories of her grandmother as they drove home.  She told of how her grandmother was able to love her despite her faults.  She said that it was like her grandmother had a special pair of glasses that helped her to see others like Christ would see them.  Then she treated them how they would be treated by Him.  She was a very special person in Tammy's life and made such a difference to her.

We then read the next part of the lesson that said, "As daughters of God, you have an innate and great capacity to sense the needs of others and to love. That, in turn, makes you more susceptible to the whisperings of the Spirit. The Spirit can then guide what you think, what you say, and what you do to nurture people so the Lord may pour knowledge, truth, and courage upon them."  She reiterated that we can have the gifts of knowledge, truth and courage as we nurture.

We then read, "Your practical challenge is to know whom to nurture, how, and when. You need the Lord’s help. He knows others’ hearts, and He knows when they are ready to accept your nurturing. Your prayer of faith will be your key to success. He gave this encouragement: “Ask the Father in my name in faith, believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the Holy Ghost, which manifesteth all things which are expedient." She encouraged us to listen to this talk again and then she wanted us to really understand that we need Heavenly Father's help in this and He will help us be successful.  

Then she encouraged each of us to read our patriarchal blessings and note the Spiritual gifts that we are given in them.  She has recorded her's on her phone so she can listen to it when she needs.  She doesn't share it with others, but is able to listen when she is alone and needing it.

She said, "As you read these, I want you to be aware of the unique gifts you have as a woman."  She pointed to the board where she had written about the sisters that had been discussed and said, "you cannot see these attributes in others unless you have them in yourselves."  So be aware of the gifts that you have been given to help you nurture others.  She said that this is a way to honor what we are as women.  She then asked some of the women in the room to share the gifts that they have.  

One sister remarked on how she has the gift of patience.  Her children are now grown and have families, but when they were young she needed a lot of patience.  

Sister Gregory told of how as a presidency they did this at their presidency meeting a couple of weeks ago.  They read their patriarchal blessings and wrote down their spiritual gifts.  Then sister Jensen said that President Nelson said, "Know your Spiritual gifts and you will change the world." Sister Gregory then continued and said that as they were trying to put the ministering assignments together knowing their spiritual gifts enabled them to serve the sisters of our ward better.  

One of the sister shared how her children rely upon her spiritual gift of discernment.  She has been blessed to know when there might be a problem with something that they are going to do.  She has been given warnings and promptings for her children.  Her children refer to it as a "disturbance in the force."  They have helped her to see that she can receive inspiration for her children individually.  She believes that it is a way that Heavenly has blessed her children through her.

Another sister told of a time this last week when her son told her of a promotion that he was going to take.  She was a bit concerned and needfully so.  She got a call from his employer and her son had been injured in an accident.  Luckily he wasn't hurt critically, but it was enough that he needed medical attention.

We need to follow through on the spiritual promptings and use our gifts to nurture others.  Sister Ward then challenged us this week to be contemplative and ponder what you can do for your children.  She suggested praying specifically for each child by name and picture their faces before you as you pray for them.  She said that the Lord will let you know what they need.  She promised that He will give you knowledge, even if it seems like something so trivial as extra hugs.  He will give you the direction and guidance that is needed.  

Let your children know what you see in them.  Cheer them on and let them know the good that they are doing.  Be willing to ask their forgiveness for your shortcomings and let them know you are doing your best.

You sisters are all amazing and are doing such a wonderful job as mothers, sisters, teachers, neighbors and friends.  Thanks for all of your efforts to nurture and succor others.  

We'd like to thank Sister Ward for this lesson.  We were able to feel the Spirit and were encouraged to do better.  

Parents and Children by Dallin H. Oakes, Taught by Sister Jamie Johnson

The lesson today was taught by Sister Jamie Johnson.  She began by telling a story that she read.  It is a story that was told by President Monson.  

President Monson said he recalled an account of a little boy that came up to his father.  His father had just come home from work and was tired.  The little boy said, "Daddy, tell me a story" as he tugged on his fathers pant leg.  But you know and I know that we sometimes tell little Johnny as this father did; Johnny you run along and play and in a little while after I have read the sports page I will tell you a story.  But you don't get rid of little Johnny that way and the little boy persisted saying, "Daddy, tell me a story now."  Dad looked down at Johnny wondering what he could do to shake him off for just a little while.  Looking down he got an idea.  There on the table was a magazine with the picture of the world on the front cover.  He tore the cover up into about 16 pieces.  He handed it to Johnny and said let's play a game.  You take these pieces and go in the other room and get the tape and you put this world together and when you have put it together properly then I will tell you a story.  Johnny accepted the challenge and off he ran and dad felt very pleased with himself and settled in to read the sports page.  But only a moment had passed and there was Johnny tugging at his pant leg again.  Daddy said Johnny I have put it together.  Dad looked down and saw the 16 pieces put in their proper place together.   He felt that he had a genius in the household.  He turned to the little boy and asked, "John my boy how did you do it?"  Well Johnny said, It wasn't too hard dad turn the world over. His dad turned the cover of the magazine over and there on the other side was a picture of a home.  Johnny said, "I just put the home together and the world took care of itself."

When we put our homes together, the world will largely take care of itself.  Fathers we maybe the head of the home.  Mothers you are the heart of the home and the heart of the home is where the pulse of the home is.  I would trust with all of my heart that you recognize your significant position in the home.  

Sister Johnson loved this story and thought it was a good place to begin this lesson so that as we thought of this we would keep this in mind.  That each of us is here for a particular reason at this time.  

She then told of how she thought that putting our homes together is what President Oaks was talking about in this lesson.  You can access President Oak's talk here.  She talked of how President Oaks talk was broken up into three sections.  

She had the sisters break into groups to discuss the first section that President Oaks talked about.  They were to discuss amongst themselves these two questions.  How do the modern trends work against the Father's plan?  and What can we do personally or as a Relief Society to abort these trends?  

So the Sisters took time to discuss this and these are some of the thoughts that were given:

Sister Johnson started by saying that it is sometimes scary to think about the trends of the world right now.  

• One of the first things that one of the sisters noted was that many are now delaying having children.  She then talked about Elder Rasband's talk where he told his children to go ahead and have children now.  He gave good counsel in his talk.  We have to have faith.
• Another sister talked about how it is choices.  How as sisters we can teach our children what is right, but it is their choice to make.  So her thought was that we need to share with our children and grandchildren how important family is and share with them the joy that they bring and then hope that they make the right choice.
• A sister shared how her mother had a hard time having children and so only had two.  But those two daughters had 12 children between them.  Their mother would often ask them "Do you know what your doing to yourselves?"  meaning that they were up for a lot of parenting and work.  This sister talked about how when her mother was older how it was her children that helped her take care of their grandmother and what a blessing they were.  At the beginning of the lesson it says that children are a precious part of our lives and this sister shared how hers truly were and how we need to instill this in our own children.
• One sister said that when the world does creep in and it does, she said what we have to do is just love.  When things don't go as we think they should, we need to keep letting the Lord's love work through us and life will keep going and things will change.  Love is very important.  
• A sister remarked that as church members we need to remember to not be so judgmental.  If someone doesn't have the children that you think they should, you shouldn't remark because you don't know what is going on in their lives.  Perhaps they can't have children or have a hard time getting children.  We as sisters need to be the loving support for others. It isn't our job to judge it is just to love.

We skipped the second section and moved to the third section.  

Sister Johnson talked about how we all have young women in our lives and she asked, "How can we encourage the young women we know to follow the counsel given in Section 3 of this talk?"  

The first section is about parents.  The second section is about Women and the third is about young women.  President Oaks said the young women, "Here I could give you counsel on many different things, but I have chosen to speak of only two."  He then gave them counsel about the use of cell phones and also about being kind.  

Sister Johnson then had the sisters get into their groups again and discuss how we can encourage the young women.  Here are some of the thoughts that were given:

• Be an example.  Whatever we are doing, they want to do it also.  So be a good example.
• One sister commented that often we use cell phones as a way to entertain our children with them to keep them quiet and how perhaps we need to use books instead.  
• A sister commented that she recently saw an artists rendition of what cellphones are doing to us.  It showed adults with their cell phones out and not paying attention to the children that were around them and the children were trying to get their attention.  It showed also couples sitting on a couch and both were on their cell phones and not talking.  We need to make others know that they are more important in our relationships.
• One sister talked about how they have a policy of open electronics in their home and how as parents we can and should be checking what our children are looking at.  This sister looked at what one of her daughters had been following on Instagram.  There she was following one of the prominent Hollywood starlets and this woman was showing and saying things that went against the Proclamation to the World and the things that the Prophet has said.  This sister pointed this out to her daughter and her daughter stopped following this person.  It is good to help our children see what is right and what isn't when using social media. 
• One sister commented how they have done research that shows that children shouldn't even have screen time until they are two or older because of the damage it does to their brains.  Then she told of how she struggles with depression. She got rid of Facebook and the comparison mentality and now she is doing so much better.  But she commented on how when our children are using social media and phones so young, how much damage it can be doing to them mentally.  She said, we hear so much of depression and suicide in our youth, perhaps this is part of the problem.
• A sister commented about the second part of the counsel President Oaks gave about being kind.  She said that it goes hand-in-hand with the cell phones.  Her nieces have had problems with cyber bullying.  Because it is really easy for someone to say mean things when they aren't having face-to-face interactions with others.  

Sister Johnson then commented on how there is no right or wrong, but that as parents we need to decide what is best for our families.  We need to pray about it and do what we are prompted to do.  We need to take care of our own stewardship.  What works for one family might not work for another.  

A sister commented on how we need to search out the positive and teach our children how to maneuver  and navigate through the social media in their lives and search out those things that are good.  It is a part of most of our lives now and we need to know how to filter what is good and what is not. 

Sister Johnson then asked, How do we help our young women to be kind?  Because we aren't always around them.  

• One sister commented on how we need to watch what we say when we are around them.  Whether it is when we are around others or just with them by ourselves.  We need to be positive about ourselves as well as others.  Do not gossip.
• A sister said that we also need to correct them if we see them do something that isn't nice.  Whether it is due to immaturity or because they didn't know better, or just to call them on poor behavior.  It is our charge to help them to learn to be nice.  
• President Uchdortf talked about ~ being selfless and how those little acts make a huge difference sometimes.  Just a smile or a hug can really be a huge deal to others sometimes.  They might be having a horrible day, but just by showing that small act of kindness might make their day.  

Sister Johnson then handed out a paper to each sister.  On it was the following:

We Need Women Who:

• Understand that being a mother is their highest priority, their ultimate joy.
• Make sacred covenants and keep them.
• Can speak with the power and authority of God.
• Know how to make important things happen by their faith.
• Are courageous defenders of morality and families in a sin-sick world.
• Are devoted to shepherding God's children along the covenant path toward exaltation.
• Know how to receive personal revelation.
• Understand the power and peace of the temple endowment.
• Know how to call upon the powers of heaven to protect and strengthen children and families.
• Teach fearlessly.

Then she asked that as we read through these things that President Nelson said that we write names of women we know that these remind us of.  

Secondly she asked us to put a heart next to each one that we think that we are.

Thirdly put a star next to the ones that we want to become.

She said that it is important that we be this kind of woman.  That we improve in the little ways that we can.  See our strengths and capitalize on these strengths, because we are doing these things.  Then go and teach the youth and the families around us how to do these things also.  As we embrace this Heavenly Father will help us be the women that we need to be so that we can make a difference in this world.

This was a beautiful lesson and we appreciate Sister Johnson and the time she put into this lesson.     

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Becoming a Shepherd - Sister Bonnie H. Cordon

The lesson today was given by Sister Tina Gregory and was based on the talk given by Sister Bonnie H. Cordon in last General Conference.  Here is a link to her talk if you would like to read it.

Sister Gregory began her lesson by saying how hard this lesson was for her to pull together.  She had read it and listened to it several times.  She told of how she gave this lesson last November when they were talking about ministering in our Relief Society Councils,  and she felt that she hit most of the points back then.  When she was given the list of the lessons for the next little while and saw that today's lesson was again based on Sister Cordon's talk she realized that this is very important and that we need to focus on this again.  But as she struggled to put this lesson together the thought came to her that "The adversary does not want this to happen.  He doesn't want us to have strong families and he doesn't want us to have strong relationships with each other. He wants us to feel along and he wants us to feel discouraged.  He wants us to feel like nobody cares and no one understands.  

But it has been reaffirmed to her and to others in the Relief Society Presidency over the last few months as they have tried to figure out how to go forward with ministering in our ward, that this is critical.  We need to know our sisters and we need to have relationships with them!

She talked about how our Savior several times asked Peter if he loved Him and Peter answered saying, "thou knowest that I love thee.  Then our Savior said, "Feed my sheep."  

Our Savior knew that he wasn't going to be by Peter's side all the time.  He knew that he wasn't going to be by him and teach him how to minister, where to minister and who needed helped and how that needed to be done.  Peter had to seek his own revelation to know which direction to go, and receive the inspiration he needed to feed Jesus' sheep and then to have the courage to go and do it.  President Nelson offered us the same invitation last April in conference when home teaching and visiting teaching programs were changed to ministering.  It puts more responsibility on us.  There isn't a set message, there isn't a how you do it check list.  We need to know what our sisters need and we need to follow through with it.  

During that conference when ministering was introduced, President Nelson said basically there is going to be a change.  Then Elder Holland got up and introduced the changes.  Here is a part of what he said.  "As He (Jesus Christ) prepared to leave His still-innocent and somewhat-confused little band of followers, He did not list a dozen administrative steps they had to take or hand them a fistful of reports to be filled out in triplicate. No, He summarized their task in one fundamental commandment: “Love one another; as I have loved you. … By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." 

In Sister Cordon's talk she focused on three ways we can have the heart of a shepherd and be that person that can minister to Christ's sheep.  

The first way to have a shepher's heart is to be known and numbered.  She explained this to mean that numbering isn't only about just statistics or checking it off your list.  To be known and numbered is to make sure that every sister knows the Saviors love by our service to them.  This was the key to her talk to Sister Gregory.  She then read a portion of Sister Cordon's talk.  

I hope those to whom you minister will see you as a friend and realize that, in you, they have a champion and a confidant—someone who is aware of their circumstances and supports them in their hopes and aspirations. Then Sister Gregory said she would also add the trials and disappointments that we all face.

Sister Gregory then went on to say that as a presidency they have been focusing on this for the last several weeks.  They have been trying to put this together and they really see this as a way to build lasting relationships with each other.  So that every one in the ward has someone that they feel that they can call on at anytime for help.  Someone to talk to, someone to do things with.  Someone that they can call and say, "hey, something happened that is really cool." That they feel like they have this connection with someone.  She then said, "If she herself doesn't have that kind of relationship with someone, she herself isn't going to call them.  She isn't going to look up on LDS tools who her ministering sisters are so that she can ask them for help.  If she has to do that, they don't have the relationship that is necessary in time of need."

She talked about several years ago before the ministering program was in place, her husband was gone on a scout camp with the young men, her parents were gone and there was really no one that she would normally turn to around.  She was home with four children.  She was going through their finances after she has put the children to bed because she has received a letter from the bank saying that their mortgage check had bounced.  She knew she had deposited the funds for this and couldn't understand what had happened.  So she spent several hours going over check registers and deposits trying to figure it out.  Had she spent something and not noted it.  At that time she said that 600 dollars could have been 60,000, they didn't have extra and she didn't know where she could get it.  It was before online banking and so this was a long process.  She was panicked and actually had a panic attack from this.  She thought she was going crazy.  She didn't know who to call or what to do because everyone was gone that she would normally call.  Then she thought of Sister Ballard who was her visiting teacher and because they had the kind of relationship that was the kind where if you are in need you can call. Brother and Sister Ballard went to her home at 1 am and Brother Ballard gave her a blessing to help her.  She was able to calm down and her mind cleared and she knew that the bank had deposited this money into her savings account instead of the checking account.  She knew everything was going to be okay.    

Because they had that relationship, she knew she could call Sister Ballard at anytime.  She didn't know if Sister Ballard knew that it was a huge thing to her, but it was a very big deal.  

Sister Gregory talked about another time that their family was ministered to was when her children were in a very bad car accident. She talks about this quite a bit, but this was such a life-changing thing for their family that the ministering that was given to them meant so much to them.  A lot of the sisters in the ward know what happened, but her second and third children were in an accident where they were hospitalized for weeks and they had months of doctor visits, surgeries and therapy.  The ministering that happened at this time of their lives will never be forgotten.  One day they came home and there were hearts all over their house.  On the hearts were different messages like "Your ward family loves you."  To her that is what ministering is.  We are a family and you look out for each other.  Food was brought in. People helped move her children that took two to lift and move to get them ready for the day.  A ramp was built in their garage.  People came in and help her other children with homework and with her housework.  It helped them with a burden that they could not do on their own.  

The second way to have a heart of a shepherd is by watching over his sheep.  

In Matthew 25:34-40 it says, 

"34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Sister Cordon in her talk explained that the key word in these scriptures was saw.  The righteous saw the need.  Because they were watching and noticing they were able to help and fulfill that need because they saw it.  They were aware of it and were looking for it.  We have that same opportunity to see and look for those things that our sisters need.  Whether it is comfort or to celebrate something with our sisters, or to just have someone to visit with.  Sister Gregory went on to say that when she was younger and wasn't working and her children were little she loved having someone adult to talk to.   She needed that.  

Sister Cordon said, "Our sheep may be hurting, lost, or even willfully astray; as their shepherd, we can be among the first to see their need. We can listen and love without judgment and offer hope and help with the discerning guidance of the Holy Ghost." 

Without the foundational relationships of true friendship we won't see, we won't know and we can't help.  

We all have things that we struggle with in this life.  Like Sister Gregory's  children's car accident, it was easy to see the need there.  It was easy to find ways to serve because there were so many obvious things that needed to be done.  But, she goes on to say, more often than not there are things that we struggle with privately.  Things that nobody else knows because they do not see them.  But we have all been there.  We all have things that are hard for us.  The last couple of years have been a major trial for Sister Gregory.  But with her family and the close friends that she has that she has been able to talk to, it has helped her bear the burdens that have come to her.  Without that she doesn't know how she could have come this far.

She then had Sister Jensen read the quote, "Sisters and brothers, the world is more hope-filled and joyful because of the inspired acts of kindness you perform. As you seek the Lord’s direction on how to convey His love and see the needs of those to whom you minister, your eyes will be opened. Your sacred ministering assignment gives you the divine right to inspiration. You can seek that inspiration with confidence." (Sister Cordon)

Sister Gregory said she loves this part, the inspired acts of kindness.  That we will get and we will know if we are looking and watching for these things.  

The third thing to develop a shepherds heart~ is to gather them into the fold.  

Regardless of where our ministering sisters are on the covenant path, we need to be willing to walk with them.  

This comment reminded Sister Gregory of our Stake Conference when Elder Monk came.  He drew out on a board in the leadership meeting 10 stick figures.  He said that at one end you have the sisters or people that not matter what will never leave the fold.  They have strong testimonies and they are dedicated.  They are solid.  Then you have people at the other end that are just starting out.  We have people that we minister to that are all along this path and it is our job, wherever they are; at the beginning or at the end to help them to the next step without judging.  Being their friend.  They don't need someone preaching to them.  They need someone to talk to someone who can help them get to that next step.  

As Sister Gregory thought about this she said, "we are all at different stages of life.  Some have little kids, Some have all of their children gone.  Some are half and half, Some are taking on new challenges with parents or other family members.  It might be that someone just needs someone to talk to.  They might need a night out.  They might need just someone to walk with them in the morning.  They might just need a text during the day to know that someone is thinking of them.  It can mean a lot and can go a long way just to know someone cares.  In order to know what to do we need to have that relationship.  To know what we can do to provide for their needs.  

As she said, the presidency has been thinking about this a lot. She told of how in December they began to try and get interviews set up but everything kept falling through.  They kept hitting road block after road block, brick wall after brick wall.  Individually they knew it wasn't working or progressing how it was supposed to be.  And things just happened that they had individual conversations with people and ideas came up and they started talking and things started falling into place about the direction they felt things needed to go.  That there is a better way to build relationships.  This is just a step in setting a foundation in building those relationships.  

Sister Gregory told of how she talked to a sister that has been in this ward a long time and how that sister said she felt like a visitor when she comes because there are so many changes and new people and it doesn't feel like home to her.  Sister Gregory gets that.  Things here are changing.  There are a lot of good people that are moving in and we need to build those relationships and build those friendships and a feeling of  community so that no one feels like a visitor here.  

She then pointed out the link that was sent out to the sisters to do the survey that they asked to be done for information about ministering.  The presidency is trying to get this organized.  So here is the link.  This is where they need the information that they need so that they know who you need to minister to.  They want to know where you feel called.  It may be someone you are already ministering to.  It may be someone that you feel like you need to know.  It may be someone that you feel needs a friend.  Whatever your reason is they would like to know who you feel called to minister to.  Their hope is that by doing this those relationships will be there and that they will be solid.  So that if anyone feels that they need anything, they have got 3 or 4 people that they wouldn't hesitate to call on and the same in return for those others, if they have a need.  

Sister Gregory told of a couple of times in the past few months how she has gone out with some women that she felt just needed to get out and needed to talk and what a blessing it has been to both of them.  

She said if you did not get the link or the survey, if it went to your Spam folder, be sure to go on and do the survey.  Let them know how you want to be ministered to.  They want this to work for everyone.

Elder Holland, when he introduced this program said, "The primary purpose in this ministering idea will be, as was said of the people in Alma’s day, to “watch over their people, and … nourish them with things pertaining to righteousness.”  As the First Presidency counseled years ago, do the best you can. In addition to whatever schedule you establish for actual visits, that calendar can be supplemented with telephone calls, written notes, texts, emails, video chats, conversations at Church meetings, shared service projects, social activities, and a host of possibilities in the world of social media. However, I should stress that this expansive new view does not include the sorry statement I recently saw on an automobile bumper sticker. It read, “If I honk, you’ve been home taught.” Please, please, brethren (the sisters would never be guilty of that—I speak to the brethren of the Church), with these adjustments we want more care and concern, not less."

Sister Gregory went on to say that the interviews are still a part of the ministering because that is how the bishop gets the information that he needs to assist with members in the ward with needs or concerns.  

Elder Holland said later in his talk, "we at Church headquarters don’t need to know how or where or when you make contact with your people; we just need to know and care that you do make it and that you bless them in every way you can." 

He continued, "Brothers and sisters, we have a heaven-sent opportunity as an entire Church to demonstrate “pure religion … undefiled before God”—“to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light” and to “comfort those that stand in need of comfort,” to minister to the widows and the fatherless, the married and the single, the strong and the distraught, the downtrodden and the robust, the happy and the sad—in short, all of us, every one of us, because we all need to feel the warm hand of friendship and hear the firm declaration of faith. However, I warn you, a new name, new flexibility, and fewer reports won’t make an ounce of difference in our service unless we see this as an invitation to care for one another in a bold, new, holier way, as President Nelson has just said. As we lift our spiritual eyes toward living the law of love more universally, we pay tribute to the generations who have served that way for years."

Because there was still time left, Sister Gregory said, that just because something has been done a certain way in the past, there is nothing that says it still has to be done that way.  If we need a new and better way in our ward to build those relationships then this is a first step.  

Sister Jensen then told of how her journey began in October regarding this.  She said that she had some very firm promptings and very firm direction that instructed her to listen for the coming months and to implement what she was prompted to do.  She was distraught in her heart because when the prophet asked us to change to a higher and holier way, she felt like she was not sure how to do this or why it needed to happen, But she has a testimony that it does need to happen this way.  

She thinks that the people that were ministering before are still ministering, but that the people that were struggling are still struggling.  She didn't see a huge change.  So she said they began to pray and they started having the discussions in the presidency meetings and instructions or promptings began to come to them as a presidency.  One of the principals that they felt was part of this was agency.  The principal that if people are going to rise in their stewardships that it needs to be our stewardships, we need to take responsibility for those stewardships.  We need to choose in and choose it.  Another thing that they felt was that those relationships need to be firm and built.  However she (Sister Jensen) still felt trepidation as these new things came because change is difficult.  She had a discussion with Sister Welling and it helped.  This discussion lead to prayer and after those prayers it gave her insight and instead of trepidation it lead her to joy and excitement for what the Lord has in store for us as we take this little step in faith.  She had the impression that as they build these groups of sisters, it will spread out into the ward in ways we can't understand to those who are struggling and help build them and help them to be strong.  She went on to say that it has been an act of faith and a journey of faith for this presidency. She is really excited to see how it impacts our ward.

Sister Gregory said that one other thing that they have talked about also is that it doesn't mean that you don't continue to help those that you have been helping.  Some of the people in our ward, this is just what they do.  They minister all of the time.  They are always helping people out.  It isn't because it is a calling, it is just who they are.  They see it and they just do it.  We don't want this to stop.  There will always be this kind of a need. 

Then Sister Joan Richards raised her hand and told the room that the sister sitting next to her was a new sister in the ward.  Her name is Amber Woods.  She and her husband just bought Brother and Sister Miller's home.  They have been remodeling and are happy to be in our ward and we are happy they are here.  Sister Woods said they have already had people bring them food and that they are happy to be here.

Sister Bywater then talked about how Sister Gregory ministered to her mother when Sister Gregory was only about 14 years old.  Sister Bywater's mother loved this relationship.

Sister White said that one of the things that kept sticking out to her is how Jamie Garn brought this up to the presidency.  One of the things that they really wanted to emphasize is that they have been instructed to do this in a simple way - the Savior would have ministered in a simple way.  So it will be one companionship ministering to another companionship.  It will only be four sisters that will minister to each other.  This will keep it simple.  This is only a small step, but it is a step that will help lay the foundation to help create these relationships.  It will help us do this ministering in a higher and holier way.  If you need, please feel free to contact anyone in the presidency and discuss your concerns with them.  This was not supposed to be just a name change, it is more than that.  In our ward we felt that this is what it was and this is how we feel we can make a change in the way we minister.

Sister Clark said that it is hard to get out of our comfort zone.  The missionaries challenged her to take this ministering to prayer to know who it is that she needs to serve. It doesn't need to be a whole week, but each day you can serve a certain person and the Lord will lead you to who you need to serve that day.  

Sister Gregory agreed and then told of how Sister Cordon told in her talk a story of a man whose wife tried to commit suicide.  It was a hard thing for him.  Finally someone came to him and asked him how he was doing and asked those hard questions instead of just avoiding what had happened and they built a great relationship because this man was willing to ask those questions and really care about this other man.  

That is what we need to do. Sometimes we need to get out of ourselves and minister in a way that it needs to be done and in the way the Lord prompts us to do.

Sister Miller also commented that sometimes when we go and minister we feel like we need to fix peoples problems.  But sometimes all they need is for someone to listen.  They can figure things out on their own, but when they can talk and have a sounding board it makes it a whole lot easier. They don't need someone to be judgmental, you don't have to give them advise, just being there for them is what they need.

Sister Phipps commented on how she liked at the first of the lesson how it was stated that we need to be a champion and a confidant and to encourage.  She told of a visit that she had this week and she told her husband that she couldn't do that because she doesn't do drama and there was some going on.  She then said, we aren't a solution society, we are just here to give RELIEF.  A lot of times that means just being there for them.  We don't have to solve, we champion, support,  encourage and listen.  

Sister Garn commented that sometimes we need to realize that we aren't the person that the other person needs.  Maybe we are the person that actually needs to introduce them to the person that can help them.  We are just a tool in Heavenly Father's hands to get them the help that they do need.  We aren't supposed to be their fixer, but we can introduce them to who they need.  

Sister Gregory agreed and said that we are answers to others prayers and maybe we might be the one with the connection to help them get what they need or want.  

In ending Sister Gregory played part of Elder Holland's talk this past conference.  It said, "We remember last April, when President Russell M. Nelson introduced the concept of ministering, he stressed that it was a way to keep the great commandments to love God and love each other.1 We, as officers of the Church, openly applaud and congratulate you on the tremendous response you have begun in that regard. We thank you for following our beloved prophet in this wonderful endeavor and suggest that you not wait for many more instructions. Just jump into the pool and swim. Head toward those in need. Don’t be immobilized wondering whether you should do the backstroke or the dog paddle. If we follow the basic principles that have been taught, stay aligned with priesthood keys, and seek the Holy Spirit to guide us, we cannot fail." he then thanked Sister Cordon for her inspired words.  

What a wonderful reminder of what we as LDS women need to be doing and how we need to be serving.  Please take a moment if you haven't already and do the survey to help our presidency know how they can better serve you in helping you in your ministering goals.