Saturday, April 25, 2009

We had a blast!

Below are some pictures from Ladies' Night at Sis. Hines' home. Thank you Sis. Hines for inviting us over! We all had a wonderful time creating Mother's Day cards and bonding with our sisters. Be on the lookout for our next get-together, as we'd love to see you there!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Welcome Sis. Justina Fuentes!

On Saturday, April 18th, Sis. Fuentes was baptized as the newest member of our ward. Justina has had a heart transplant after she suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed. She cannot walk and has also lost the the movement of her left arm.

She shared her testimony with us about the Gospel. Justina testified that she prayed to Heavenly Father for the true church, and the next day our humble Elders showed up at her door with the answer to her prayers. She is a great example of humillity to all of us. She is being cared for by her son and mentally-handicapped daughter. If you need more information on Justina, call our Elders...Akagi and Lionnetti.

- Sis. Hines

Sunday, April 19, 2009

LDS General Conference Podcast

For those of you who own an iPod, General Conference sessions are available to download as podcasts. You can subscribe for free at the iTunes store.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION
"LDS General Conference. This podcast is automatically updated after every general conference to feed you the latest general conference addresses. The audio comes directly from lds.org"

WANTED: Pictures!

We are seeking some pictures of recent ward activities.

Please e-mail them (along with a brief description of what the pictures are about) to the Relief Society email address, as we would absolutely love to post them here.

What exactly are we looking for? Ward Campout, Easter Egg Hunt, Pinewood Derby, gardening club, service projects, new member baptisms, etc.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Yo Plus

http://www.yoplus.com/

Service Opportunity - Sis. Medrano

Sis. Medrano is looking for a 3-bedroom apartment or home to rent. She is supposed to leave from her rental next month. Rosa has a family of 7 with no pets. If any of you know of or have a place for her to rent, please let Sis. Hines or the Bishop know. Rosa is also looking for job at night (cleaning offices or homes)

Rosa Medrano (904) 554-5888

Friday, April 17, 2009

Service Opportunity - Portia

Often in our prayers we ask our Father for opportunities to serve others. We offer our time and abilities, but sometimes we just don't know where or when we are needed. Today, we're being presented with just such an opportunity - a way to help one of our own dear sisters in need. Please read her ad below and give her a call if you can help her.

Portia Carmelle Dedman (904) 352-4014

I am 19 years old and trying to save money to buy a car. I often do janitorial work, cleaning houses and/or whatever necessary. I also have a lot of experience with babysitting. I have been a live-in nanny. I am great with kids and have years of experience with kids of all ages. One of my most useful hobbies is organizing things! As soon as I find a car, I will be able to begin school at FCCJ. I want to be a CNA now, and later on move up. If you are interested in my services, you have information about a car and/or any members that would be renting out rooms by July 2009, PLEASE contact me. Thank you!

Monday, April 13, 2009

First Presidency Message

April Visiting Teaching Message

“Search the Scriptures Diligently,” Ensign, Apr 2009, 63

Teach the scriptures and quotations that will help the sisters you visit understand these principles. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.

Why Search the Scriptures?

President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95): “I commend to you the revelations of God as the standard by which we must live our lives and by which we must measure every decision and every deed. Accordingly, when you have worries and challenges, face them by turning to the scriptures and the prophets” (“Fear Not, Little Flock,” in 1988–89 Devotional and Fireside Speeches [1989], 112).

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994): “Success in righteousness, the power to avoid deception and resist temptation, guidance in our daily lives, healing of the soul—these are but a few of the promises the Lord has given to those who will come to His word. … Certain blessings are to be found only in the scriptures, only in coming to the word of the Lord and holding fast to it. …

“… Recommit yourselves to a study of the scriptures. Immerse yourselves in them daily so you will have the power of the Spirit to attend you in your callings. Read them in your families and teach your children to love and treasure them” (“The Power of the Word,” Ensign, May 1986, 82).

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985): “As you become more and more familiar with the truths of the scriptures, you will be more and more effective in keeping the second great commandment, to love your neighbor as yourself. Become scholars of the scriptures—not to put others down, but to lift them up! After all, who has any greater need to ‘treasure up’ the truths of the gospel (on which they may call in their moments of need) than do women and mothers who do so much nurturing and teaching?” (“The Role of Righteous Women,” Ensign, Nov. 1979, 102).

How Can I Treasure the Scriptures?

2 Nephi 4:15: “For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.”

Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: “One good way to start studying the scriptures is to ‘liken’ them to ourselves (see 1 Nephi 19:23). Some people start by choosing a subject in the Topical Guide that they need to know more about. Or they start at the beginning of a book of scripture and look for specific teachings. …

“Whichever way a person starts studying the scriptures, the key to unlocking important knowledge is to keep studying. I never tire of discovering the rich treasures of truth in the scriptures because they teach with ‘plainness, even as plain as word can be’ (2 Nephi 32:7). The scriptures testify of Christ (see John 5:39). They tell us all things we should do (see 2 Nephi 32:3). They ‘make [us] wise unto salvation’ (2 Timothy 3:15).

“Through my scripture reading and the prayers that accompany my study, I have gained knowledge which brings me peace and helps me keep my energies focused on eternal priorities. Because I started reading the scriptures daily, I have learned about my Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and what I need to do to be like Them” (“My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2004, 108–9).

President Thomas S. Monson: “The holy scriptures adorn our bookshelves. Make certain they provide nourishment to our minds and guidance for our lives” (“The Mighty Strength of the Relief Society,” Ensign, Nov. 1997, 95).