Dear Sisters,
As the year comes to a close, we are all busier than we can imagine. There are so many things to be done and so few hands to do it all. I hope that as we move through our month, we will take time to spend a few minutes meditating on the past year. What have we accomplished, what did we do a good job on, who we met, who we helped, and, most important, who helped us. I think that when we take time to contemplate and think of the last year, we can have a better idea of where we want to go and how we can accomplish all the things that we must. It can give us time to plan the future, write down our plans, and find ways to make those plans succeed.
There are lots of changes in the new handbooks. The 5-minute music period in Relief Society has been dropped. The guidelines for our meetings are clearer. We can provide what the sisters in our units need because we are more focused on them. Some meetings have been eliminated and others have been given a higher priority. I would encourage you to look to your handbook and learn all you can from it. For those of you in the branches who are counselors and don't actually have a copy of the handbook, it is available online. Go to http://www.new.lds.org/ and sign in just like the old site. Click on the "Menu" tab, then on "Service" and then on "Serving in the Church." Then click on "Handbook 2: Administering the Church." The entire handbook is then there for you to read. Everyone needs to know what is in the handbook. As I have been reading it, there are several items that I have found. Each of us has different ideas and ways that we can come up with to help those we serve. But we need to know what is in the handbook so that we are always on the right track. The sentence that keeps coming to me as I learn more and more is that "There is safety in the Handbook."
I hope that this December will hold many happy memories for you and that it also will be a jumping off point for new ideas and new ways that we can serve those around us. We love you and hope you know we are only a phone call or e-mail away.
Love,
Pat Romney
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
My Dear Sisters and Friends,
October was a glorious month and I was so happy to see you all at the retreat. We had about 150 sisters there and it was exciting to have such a great support from the wards and branches. I truly appreciate the time and energy you gave in order to be there and share in the fun with everyone. I think there were more pumpkins painted and more bedbuddies made in one night by the sisters than ever before. A fabulous meal, a song or two, and lots of time to visit. Who could ask for anything more?
Now we move towards the holidays and our lives get even busier than they have been. I wanted to share parts of President Uchtdorf's General Conference talk with you. The principles it teaches may help you through the busy holiday season:
"If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most.
It’s remarkable how much we can learn about life by studying nature. For example, scientists can look at the rings of trees and make educated guesses about climate and growing conditions hundreds and even thousands of years ago. One of the things we learn from studying the growth of trees is that during seasons when conditions are ideal, trees grow at a normal rate. However, during seasons when growing conditions are not ideal, trees slow down their growth and devote their energy to the basic elements necessary for survival.
At this point some of you may be thinking, “That’s all very fine and good, but what does it have to do with flying an airplane?” Well, let me tell you.
Have you ever been in an airplane and experienced turbulence? The most common cause of turbulence is a sudden change in air movement causing the aircraft to pitch, yaw, and roll. While planes are built to withstand far greater turbulence than anything you would encounter on a regular flight, it still may be disconcerting to passengers. What do you suppose pilots do when they encounter turbulence? A student pilot may think that increasing speed is a good strategy because it will get them through the turbulence faster. But that may be the wrong thing to do. Professional pilots understand that there is an optimum turbulence penetration speed that will minimize the negative effects of turbulence. And most of the time that would mean to reduce your speed.
The same principle applies also to speed bumps on a road. Therefore, it is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions.
This is a simple but critical lesson to learn. It may seem logical when put in terms of trees or turbulence, but it’s surprising how easy it is to ignore this lesson when it comes to applying these principles in our own daily lives. When stress levels rise, when distress appears, when tragedy strikes, too often we attempt to keep up the same frantic pace or even accelerate, thinking somehow that the more rushed our pace, the better off we will be.
One of the characteristics of modern life seems to be that we are moving at an ever-increasing rate, regardless of turbulence or obstacles. Let’s be honest; it’s rather easy to be busy. We all can think up a list of tasks that will overwhelm our schedules. Some might even think that their self-worth depends on the length of their to-do list. They flood the open spaces in their time with lists of meetings and minutia—even during times of stress and fatigue. Because they unnecessarily complicate their lives, they often feel increased frustration, diminished joy, and too little sense of meaning in their lives. It is said that any virtue when taken to an extreme can become a vice. Overscheduling our days would certainly qualify for this. There comes a point where milestones can become millstones and ambitions, albatrosses around our necks.
The wise understand and apply the lessons of tree rings and air turbulence. They resist the temptation to get caught up in the frantic rush of everyday life. They follow the advice “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” In short, they focus on the things that matter most.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks, in a recent general conference, taught, “We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.”
The search for the best things inevitably leads to the foundational principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ—the simple and beautiful truths revealed to us by a caring, eternal, and all-knowing Father in Heaven. These core doctrines and principles, though simple enough for a child to understand, provide the answers to the most complex questions of life.
There is a beauty and clarity that comes from simplicity that we sometimes do not appreciate in our thirst for intricate solutions.
I think most of us intuitively understand how important the fundamentals are. It is just that we sometimes get distracted by so many things that seem more enticing. Printed material, wide-ranging media sources, electronic tools and gadgets—all helpful if used properly—can become hurtful diversions or heartless chambers of isolation. Yet amidst the multitude of voices and choices, the humble Man of Galilee stands with hands outstretched, waiting. His is a simple message: “Come, follow me.” And He does not speak with a powerful megaphone but with a still, small voice. It is so easy for the basic gospel message to get lost amidst the deluge of information that hits us from all sides.
The holy scriptures and the spoken word of the living prophets give emphasis to the fundamental principles and doctrines of the gospel. The reason we return to these foundational principles, to the pure doctrines, is because they are the gateway to truths of profound meaning. They are the door to experiences of sublime importance that would otherwise be beyond our capacity to comprehend. These simple, basic principles are the key to living in harmony with God and man. They are the keys to opening the windows of heaven. They lead us to the peace, joy, and understanding that Heavenly Father has promised to His children who hear and obey Him.
My dear brothers and sisters, we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. Let us be mindful of the foundational precepts our Heavenly Father has given to His children that will establish the basis of a rich and fruitful mortal life with promises of eternal happiness. They will teach us to do “all these things . . . in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that [we] should run faster than [we have] strength. [But] it is expedient that [we] should be diligent, [and] thereby . . . win the prize."
I love you all and hope that your November is wonderful. I hope to see you soon and if you have any problems or questions that I can help you with, please give me a call.
Love,
Pat Romney
October was a glorious month and I was so happy to see you all at the retreat. We had about 150 sisters there and it was exciting to have such a great support from the wards and branches. I truly appreciate the time and energy you gave in order to be there and share in the fun with everyone. I think there were more pumpkins painted and more bedbuddies made in one night by the sisters than ever before. A fabulous meal, a song or two, and lots of time to visit. Who could ask for anything more?
Now we move towards the holidays and our lives get even busier than they have been. I wanted to share parts of President Uchtdorf's General Conference talk with you. The principles it teaches may help you through the busy holiday season:
"If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most.
It’s remarkable how much we can learn about life by studying nature. For example, scientists can look at the rings of trees and make educated guesses about climate and growing conditions hundreds and even thousands of years ago. One of the things we learn from studying the growth of trees is that during seasons when conditions are ideal, trees grow at a normal rate. However, during seasons when growing conditions are not ideal, trees slow down their growth and devote their energy to the basic elements necessary for survival.
At this point some of you may be thinking, “That’s all very fine and good, but what does it have to do with flying an airplane?” Well, let me tell you.
Have you ever been in an airplane and experienced turbulence? The most common cause of turbulence is a sudden change in air movement causing the aircraft to pitch, yaw, and roll. While planes are built to withstand far greater turbulence than anything you would encounter on a regular flight, it still may be disconcerting to passengers. What do you suppose pilots do when they encounter turbulence? A student pilot may think that increasing speed is a good strategy because it will get them through the turbulence faster. But that may be the wrong thing to do. Professional pilots understand that there is an optimum turbulence penetration speed that will minimize the negative effects of turbulence. And most of the time that would mean to reduce your speed.
The same principle applies also to speed bumps on a road. Therefore, it is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions.
This is a simple but critical lesson to learn. It may seem logical when put in terms of trees or turbulence, but it’s surprising how easy it is to ignore this lesson when it comes to applying these principles in our own daily lives. When stress levels rise, when distress appears, when tragedy strikes, too often we attempt to keep up the same frantic pace or even accelerate, thinking somehow that the more rushed our pace, the better off we will be.
One of the characteristics of modern life seems to be that we are moving at an ever-increasing rate, regardless of turbulence or obstacles. Let’s be honest; it’s rather easy to be busy. We all can think up a list of tasks that will overwhelm our schedules. Some might even think that their self-worth depends on the length of their to-do list. They flood the open spaces in their time with lists of meetings and minutia—even during times of stress and fatigue. Because they unnecessarily complicate their lives, they often feel increased frustration, diminished joy, and too little sense of meaning in their lives. It is said that any virtue when taken to an extreme can become a vice. Overscheduling our days would certainly qualify for this. There comes a point where milestones can become millstones and ambitions, albatrosses around our necks.
The wise understand and apply the lessons of tree rings and air turbulence. They resist the temptation to get caught up in the frantic rush of everyday life. They follow the advice “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” In short, they focus on the things that matter most.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks, in a recent general conference, taught, “We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.”
The search for the best things inevitably leads to the foundational principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ—the simple and beautiful truths revealed to us by a caring, eternal, and all-knowing Father in Heaven. These core doctrines and principles, though simple enough for a child to understand, provide the answers to the most complex questions of life.
There is a beauty and clarity that comes from simplicity that we sometimes do not appreciate in our thirst for intricate solutions.
I think most of us intuitively understand how important the fundamentals are. It is just that we sometimes get distracted by so many things that seem more enticing. Printed material, wide-ranging media sources, electronic tools and gadgets—all helpful if used properly—can become hurtful diversions or heartless chambers of isolation. Yet amidst the multitude of voices and choices, the humble Man of Galilee stands with hands outstretched, waiting. His is a simple message: “Come, follow me.” And He does not speak with a powerful megaphone but with a still, small voice. It is so easy for the basic gospel message to get lost amidst the deluge of information that hits us from all sides.
The holy scriptures and the spoken word of the living prophets give emphasis to the fundamental principles and doctrines of the gospel. The reason we return to these foundational principles, to the pure doctrines, is because they are the gateway to truths of profound meaning. They are the door to experiences of sublime importance that would otherwise be beyond our capacity to comprehend. These simple, basic principles are the key to living in harmony with God and man. They are the keys to opening the windows of heaven. They lead us to the peace, joy, and understanding that Heavenly Father has promised to His children who hear and obey Him.
My dear brothers and sisters, we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. Let us be mindful of the foundational precepts our Heavenly Father has given to His children that will establish the basis of a rich and fruitful mortal life with promises of eternal happiness. They will teach us to do “all these things . . . in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that [we] should run faster than [we have] strength. [But] it is expedient that [we] should be diligent, [and] thereby . . . win the prize."
President Uchtdorf, General Conference, October 2010
I love you all and hope that your November is wonderful. I hope to see you soon and if you have any problems or questions that I can help you with, please give me a call.
Love,
Pat Romney
Monday, October 4, 2010
My Dear Sisters,
What a glorious week-end we have just experienced with the inspirational talks from the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I loved hearing what they counseled us to do and feeling the love that came from each of those who spoke. The glorious music always lifts my soul and when everything is over, I feel a little sad. I guess I wanted more.
Think of the great blessing of having five new temples in the world: Lisbon, Portugal; Indianapolis, Indiana; Urdaneta, Philippines; Hartford, Connecticut; and Tijuana, Mexico. I remember as a young girl, there were only a few temples on the earth with most of them in the United States. Now there are over 130! I am over-joyed to thing of the work that will roll forth in the areas where new temples will be available.
"Gratitude is a divine gift that should be cultivated, President Thomas S. Monson admonished Church members Sunday morning at the 180th Semiannual General Conference. "We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude," President Monson said.
On the Saturday before conference we were blessed to hear from the Relief Society General Presidency. Sister Beck opened with this wonder statement: This meeting is a gift to all of Heavenly Father’s daughters who desire to learn His mind and will and understand their responsibilities in His plan. I have visited many of you this past year, and my heart has been touched as I have looked into your eyes, hugged you, laughed with you, cried with you, and listened to your grief, joy, and triumph. Each of you is precious beyond description and known by our Heavenly Father. As daughters of God, you are preparing for eternal designations, and each of you has a female identity, nature, and responsibility. The success of families, communities, this Church, and the precious plan of salvation is dependent on your faithfulness. Oh, dear sisters, how we love and pray for you!
Sister Silvia Allred talked about being steadfast and immovable in the gospel. She gave three questions for us and three answers that I thought were wonderful.
She said: "I am grateful to be part of this gathering of faithful women across the world. I have met thousands of you in different countries. Your faithfulness and devotion have strengthened me. Your examples of goodness and commitment to the gospel have inspired me. Your quiet acts of selfless service and your words of testimony and conviction have humbled me.
I will ask each of you tonight the same questions I have asked many of you in our conversations:
1. What helps you be steadfast and immovable as you face the challenges that try your faith?
2. What sustains you through trials and adversity?
3. What helps you endure and become a true disciple of Christ?
Some of the answers you have given me include:
1. Your knowledge that Heavenly Father loves you and cares for you.
2. Your hope that through Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice, all the blessings promised to the faithful will be fulfilled.
3. Your knowledge of the plan of redemption.
Sister Barbara Thompson spoke of Visiting Teaching. She said something that helped me to resolve to do better:
"Not all experiences related to visiting teaching are warm and wonderful. Sometimes it is hard, such as visiting a home where you really aren’t welcome or when it is difficult to meet with a sister with a very busy schedule. It may take longer to build a good relationship with some sisters. But when we truly seek to love, care for, and pray for the sister, the Holy Ghost will help us find a way to watch over and strengthen her.
President ThomasS. Monson is a master at ministering as the Savior did. He is constantly found visiting and helping others. He has said: “We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness. . . . We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us.”
“And no one can assist in this work except [she] shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to [her] care.”
The women we visit teach have been entrusted to our care. Let us have love and compassion and thus make a difference in the lives of those who have been entrusted to our care."
I hope you have a wonderful month of October. I urge you to read the October Ensign that has beautiful articles about the Temple so that you can more readily feel the Spirit of temple work. I love you and love being able to serve with you.
Pat Romney
What a glorious week-end we have just experienced with the inspirational talks from the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I loved hearing what they counseled us to do and feeling the love that came from each of those who spoke. The glorious music always lifts my soul and when everything is over, I feel a little sad. I guess I wanted more.
Think of the great blessing of having five new temples in the world: Lisbon, Portugal; Indianapolis, Indiana; Urdaneta, Philippines; Hartford, Connecticut; and Tijuana, Mexico. I remember as a young girl, there were only a few temples on the earth with most of them in the United States. Now there are over 130! I am over-joyed to thing of the work that will roll forth in the areas where new temples will be available.
"Gratitude is a divine gift that should be cultivated, President Thomas S. Monson admonished Church members Sunday morning at the 180th Semiannual General Conference. "We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude," President Monson said.
On the Saturday before conference we were blessed to hear from the Relief Society General Presidency. Sister Beck opened with this wonder statement: This meeting is a gift to all of Heavenly Father’s daughters who desire to learn His mind and will and understand their responsibilities in His plan. I have visited many of you this past year, and my heart has been touched as I have looked into your eyes, hugged you, laughed with you, cried with you, and listened to your grief, joy, and triumph. Each of you is precious beyond description and known by our Heavenly Father. As daughters of God, you are preparing for eternal designations, and each of you has a female identity, nature, and responsibility. The success of families, communities, this Church, and the precious plan of salvation is dependent on your faithfulness. Oh, dear sisters, how we love and pray for you!
Sister Silvia Allred talked about being steadfast and immovable in the gospel. She gave three questions for us and three answers that I thought were wonderful.
She said: "I am grateful to be part of this gathering of faithful women across the world. I have met thousands of you in different countries. Your faithfulness and devotion have strengthened me. Your examples of goodness and commitment to the gospel have inspired me. Your quiet acts of selfless service and your words of testimony and conviction have humbled me.
I will ask each of you tonight the same questions I have asked many of you in our conversations:
1. What helps you be steadfast and immovable as you face the challenges that try your faith?
2. What sustains you through trials and adversity?
3. What helps you endure and become a true disciple of Christ?
Some of the answers you have given me include:
1. Your knowledge that Heavenly Father loves you and cares for you.
2. Your hope that through Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice, all the blessings promised to the faithful will be fulfilled.
3. Your knowledge of the plan of redemption.
Sister Barbara Thompson spoke of Visiting Teaching. She said something that helped me to resolve to do better:
"Not all experiences related to visiting teaching are warm and wonderful. Sometimes it is hard, such as visiting a home where you really aren’t welcome or when it is difficult to meet with a sister with a very busy schedule. It may take longer to build a good relationship with some sisters. But when we truly seek to love, care for, and pray for the sister, the Holy Ghost will help us find a way to watch over and strengthen her.
President ThomasS. Monson is a master at ministering as the Savior did. He is constantly found visiting and helping others. He has said: “We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness. . . . We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us.”
“And no one can assist in this work except [she] shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to [her] care.”
The women we visit teach have been entrusted to our care. Let us have love and compassion and thus make a difference in the lives of those who have been entrusted to our care."
I hope you have a wonderful month of October. I urge you to read the October Ensign that has beautiful articles about the Temple so that you can more readily feel the Spirit of temple work. I love you and love being able to serve with you.
Pat Romney
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Dear Sisters,
September is here and it always seems a little like the month to pause. We have finished with the busy summers filled with vacations, baseball, swimming, late nights, hot and humid days, and all the things that make summer. September seems like the time when the streets are empty during the day (I live near a school), the school buses are moving through the neighborhoods, and everything in my life seems to slow down a little. It only lasts a short time, though, because I am already seeing Christmas stuff in the stores!
I have been listening to the last General Conference talks as I walk in the morning and this morning I heard one that touched my heart. I would like to share part of it with you. The talk was given by Gregory A. Schwitzer of the Seventy.
We live in a world in which many situations require us to make judgments that are often difficult. Yet the Savior gave the commandment to “judge not” our fellowman. How can we do this and still exercise good judgment in a world full of deception and corruption? We must judge well when making critical decisions in each phase of our life, such as choosing friends, finding an eternal companion, or choosing an occupation that will allow us to care for our family and serve the Lord. Although the Savior asked us not to judge others, He still expects us to use excellent judgment. We may often find ourselves making quick judgments about people, which can change or redefine our relationships with them. Often incorrect judgments are made because of limited information or because we do not see beyond that which is immediately in front of us.
By way of illustration, the story is often told of the time when Jesus visited the home of Mary and Martha, who lived in Bethany with their brother, Lazarus. It was a welcome place for the Master, where He could rest and enjoy the surroundings of a righteous home. During one of His visits, Martha was busy preparing a meal and Mary elected to sit at the Master’s feet to receive His instruction. “But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? … “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Many Sunday lessons have been taught using this story which have cast Martha in a lesser position in terms of her faith. Yet there is another story of this great woman, Martha, which gives us a deeper view of her understanding and testimony. It happened when the Savior arrived to raise her brother, Lazarus, from the dead. On this occasion it was Martha whom we find going to Jesus “as soon as she heard” He was coming. As she meets Him, she says that she knows that “whatsoever [He would] ask of God, God [would] give [Him].” Christ then shared with Martha the great doctrine of the resurrection, saying: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: “And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” She responded with her powerful testimony: “Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.”
How often has Martha been misjudged as being a person who cared more for the deeds of doing than for the Spirit? However, her testimony in the trial of her brother’s death clearly shows the depth of her understanding and faith. Many a sister has often heard the first story and wondered if she were a Mary or a Martha, yet the truth lies in knowing the whole person and in using good judgment. By knowing more about Martha, we find she was actually a person of deep spiritual character who had a bold and daring testimony of the Savior’s mission and His divine power over life. A misjudgment of Martha may have caused us not to know the true nature of this wonderful woman.
It is my hope that as we move through this month, we will be loving to those around us and be careful not to judge them. As we show forth more love, more will return to us. It is a never ending circle.
Love to you,
Pat Romney
September is here and it always seems a little like the month to pause. We have finished with the busy summers filled with vacations, baseball, swimming, late nights, hot and humid days, and all the things that make summer. September seems like the time when the streets are empty during the day (I live near a school), the school buses are moving through the neighborhoods, and everything in my life seems to slow down a little. It only lasts a short time, though, because I am already seeing Christmas stuff in the stores!
I have been listening to the last General Conference talks as I walk in the morning and this morning I heard one that touched my heart. I would like to share part of it with you. The talk was given by Gregory A. Schwitzer of the Seventy.
We live in a world in which many situations require us to make judgments that are often difficult. Yet the Savior gave the commandment to “judge not” our fellowman. How can we do this and still exercise good judgment in a world full of deception and corruption? We must judge well when making critical decisions in each phase of our life, such as choosing friends, finding an eternal companion, or choosing an occupation that will allow us to care for our family and serve the Lord. Although the Savior asked us not to judge others, He still expects us to use excellent judgment. We may often find ourselves making quick judgments about people, which can change or redefine our relationships with them. Often incorrect judgments are made because of limited information or because we do not see beyond that which is immediately in front of us.
By way of illustration, the story is often told of the time when Jesus visited the home of Mary and Martha, who lived in Bethany with their brother, Lazarus. It was a welcome place for the Master, where He could rest and enjoy the surroundings of a righteous home. During one of His visits, Martha was busy preparing a meal and Mary elected to sit at the Master’s feet to receive His instruction. “But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? … “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Many Sunday lessons have been taught using this story which have cast Martha in a lesser position in terms of her faith. Yet there is another story of this great woman, Martha, which gives us a deeper view of her understanding and testimony. It happened when the Savior arrived to raise her brother, Lazarus, from the dead. On this occasion it was Martha whom we find going to Jesus “as soon as she heard” He was coming. As she meets Him, she says that she knows that “whatsoever [He would] ask of God, God [would] give [Him].” Christ then shared with Martha the great doctrine of the resurrection, saying: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: “And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” She responded with her powerful testimony: “Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.”
How often has Martha been misjudged as being a person who cared more for the deeds of doing than for the Spirit? However, her testimony in the trial of her brother’s death clearly shows the depth of her understanding and faith. Many a sister has often heard the first story and wondered if she were a Mary or a Martha, yet the truth lies in knowing the whole person and in using good judgment. By knowing more about Martha, we find she was actually a person of deep spiritual character who had a bold and daring testimony of the Savior’s mission and His divine power over life. A misjudgment of Martha may have caused us not to know the true nature of this wonderful woman.
It is my hope that as we move through this month, we will be loving to those around us and be careful not to judge them. As we show forth more love, more will return to us. It is a never ending circle.
Love to you,
Pat Romney
Sunday, August 1, 2010
“Those lazy days of summer…” Are you kidding?!
For most of us summer is a busy time. It certainly has been for me. And there’s only one more week left before I head back to teaching school. In fact, summer has been so busy that I just this week was able to get through the June Ensign. It was full of treasures, but I want to share two gems:
1. In John C. Thomas’s article, he recounted a dream Brigham Young had in which Joseph repeated three times the counsel “Don’t be in a hurry.” President Young later advised, “Stop! Wait! When you get up in the morning, before you suffer yourselves to eat one mouthful of food,…bow down before the Lord, ask him to forgive your sins, and protect you through the day, to preserve you from temptation and all evil, to guide your steps aright, that you may do something that day that shall be beneficial to the kingdom of God on the Earth.” Like tithing stretches dollars to go farther, prayer can stretch hours to go farther. Stop. Pray. Find joy. How long does it take to smell a rose?
2. There was a quote from President Hinckley: “We must strengthen ourselves and our people to get our teachers to speak out of their hearts…to communicate their love for the Lord and their precious work, and somehow it will catch fire in the hearts of those they teach.” When we teach from our hearts--share experiences, struggles and victories, testimonies—the Spirit carries the truth of the gospel into the hearts of those who hear, strengthening their faith and helping heal their wounds
Have a great August.
Love,
Maria Standiford
1st Counselor
For most of us summer is a busy time. It certainly has been for me. And there’s only one more week left before I head back to teaching school. In fact, summer has been so busy that I just this week was able to get through the June Ensign. It was full of treasures, but I want to share two gems:
1. In John C. Thomas’s article, he recounted a dream Brigham Young had in which Joseph repeated three times the counsel “Don’t be in a hurry.” President Young later advised, “Stop! Wait! When you get up in the morning, before you suffer yourselves to eat one mouthful of food,…bow down before the Lord, ask him to forgive your sins, and protect you through the day, to preserve you from temptation and all evil, to guide your steps aright, that you may do something that day that shall be beneficial to the kingdom of God on the Earth.” Like tithing stretches dollars to go farther, prayer can stretch hours to go farther. Stop. Pray. Find joy. How long does it take to smell a rose?
2. There was a quote from President Hinckley: “We must strengthen ourselves and our people to get our teachers to speak out of their hearts…to communicate their love for the Lord and their precious work, and somehow it will catch fire in the hearts of those they teach.” When we teach from our hearts--share experiences, struggles and victories, testimonies—the Spirit carries the truth of the gospel into the hearts of those who hear, strengthening their faith and helping heal their wounds
Have a great August.
Love,
Maria Standiford
1st Counselor
Monday, July 5, 2010
Dear Friends,
July has certainly hit with a vengeance. It seems that only a few short weeks ago we were all talking about how long winter lasted and how cool the temperatures were until June. Then we had the hottest June in history. Now all we have is the hot weather and little relief. But, alas, that is July.
July is known for Independence Day and how we are blessed with many freedoms. I was contemplating this very thought over the week-end. I contemplated the gift of freedom and how we, in this nation, enjoy so many things that those of other nations do not have. One of the greatest freedoms we have is the freedom to worship the gospel of Jesus Christ. This thought led me to think of Heavenly Father's plan for the gospel to be restored to the earth and how many things had to be put in place for that to happen. The world had to have men receive revelations hundreds of years ago in order for the world to be ready to receive the gospel. Johann Gutenberg invented the printing press in the 1400's which laid the foundation for the commercial mass production of books. The success of printing meant that books soon became cheaper, and ever wider parts of the population could afford them. Columbus sailed to this hemisphere and found a land that could and would be inhabited. The Pilgrims fled the tyranny of a King in order to worship as they chose and came to this continent. The weather also played its part in the restoration. A volcano on the other side of the world caused a great cloud of ash to float across the Atlantic Ocean and because of it, crops failed in Vermont, leading to the relocation of one Smith family to a small town in New York. A young boy full of faith was led to wonder about which church to join and he went to a grove to pray about it.
All of these events had to happen and Heavenly Father was aware of each of them and helped put the pieces of the puzzle in place so that the Gospel of Jesus Christ could be restored to the earth. Each piece was necessary and important.
Our lives are a little like one of God's puzzles. There are many pieces. If we take one piece on its own, it doesn't show much, but as we work through the puzzle of our lives, we see a little more of the total picture. Sometimes we don't understand the disappointments, the illnesses, the difficult times and we wonder if Heavenly Father is even aware of us and what we are going through. I think we tend to forget that He has the picture, the whole picture, of our lives and He is hoping that we will have enough faith in Him that we will trust Him to put it together so that the end result is glorious and truly worth it. So, I am hoping that each of us can remember during this great month of July that freedom of religion is a great gift, that following the gospel plan can help us to truly be free. If we have faith that we are living the best that we can, our lives will fall into place and the picture will be unbelievable.
Love,
Pat Romney
July has certainly hit with a vengeance. It seems that only a few short weeks ago we were all talking about how long winter lasted and how cool the temperatures were until June. Then we had the hottest June in history. Now all we have is the hot weather and little relief. But, alas, that is July.
July is known for Independence Day and how we are blessed with many freedoms. I was contemplating this very thought over the week-end. I contemplated the gift of freedom and how we, in this nation, enjoy so many things that those of other nations do not have. One of the greatest freedoms we have is the freedom to worship the gospel of Jesus Christ. This thought led me to think of Heavenly Father's plan for the gospel to be restored to the earth and how many things had to be put in place for that to happen. The world had to have men receive revelations hundreds of years ago in order for the world to be ready to receive the gospel. Johann Gutenberg invented the printing press in the 1400's which laid the foundation for the commercial mass production of books. The success of printing meant that books soon became cheaper, and ever wider parts of the population could afford them. Columbus sailed to this hemisphere and found a land that could and would be inhabited. The Pilgrims fled the tyranny of a King in order to worship as they chose and came to this continent. The weather also played its part in the restoration. A volcano on the other side of the world caused a great cloud of ash to float across the Atlantic Ocean and because of it, crops failed in Vermont, leading to the relocation of one Smith family to a small town in New York. A young boy full of faith was led to wonder about which church to join and he went to a grove to pray about it.
All of these events had to happen and Heavenly Father was aware of each of them and helped put the pieces of the puzzle in place so that the Gospel of Jesus Christ could be restored to the earth. Each piece was necessary and important.
Our lives are a little like one of God's puzzles. There are many pieces. If we take one piece on its own, it doesn't show much, but as we work through the puzzle of our lives, we see a little more of the total picture. Sometimes we don't understand the disappointments, the illnesses, the difficult times and we wonder if Heavenly Father is even aware of us and what we are going through. I think we tend to forget that He has the picture, the whole picture, of our lives and He is hoping that we will have enough faith in Him that we will trust Him to put it together so that the end result is glorious and truly worth it. So, I am hoping that each of us can remember during this great month of July that freedom of religion is a great gift, that following the gospel plan can help us to truly be free. If we have faith that we are living the best that we can, our lives will fall into place and the picture will be unbelievable.
Love,
Pat Romney
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Dear Sisters,
June - The month that let's us know spring has ended and summer is well on the way. Some of the days are cool, but most of them are warm. Most gardens have been planted and we are into the growing season.
We had a wonderful Stake Conference. So many talks that seemed to be given just for me. Two that I would like to review are President Gillenwater's and President Porter's. I think that they are so important in our lives right now.
President Gillenwater talked about the rodeo. When he mentioned a rodeo, he had me. I am originally from Utah and every year during the Days of 47 Celebration honoring the pioneers, my grandparents would take us to the rodeo. I love the rodeo!! When President Gillenwater talked about the commitment that the bull riders must have, I realized that each of us needs to show the same level of commitment. The bull riders have to concentrate on what needs to be done. They can't let anything take their minds off what it is that they must do to finish the task at hand. There are all kinds of noises, shouts, yells, bells, clowns, horses, and other riders. Each of these could become a distraction and might be the fatal one. The rider must have a firm commitment and keep his eye on the prize. Each of us has that same responsibility -- keep our eyes on the prize, have the commitment to ignore the outside distractions and move forward with every ounce of our being concentrating on where we are going.
President Porter spoke about the stake theme for this year: "To the Rescue and Saving the Rising Generation." He asked us to do five things in order to better prepare ourselves for this challenge:
1. Read a copy of the Book of Mormon by the next Stake Conference. Mark passages that have meaning for you. When you finish, give the book away. Then don't worry about it.
2. Eat dinner with others - either with your family or someone you invite to join you - with no TV or radio or outside distraction.
3. Don't talk bad about others. Make sure each person's name is safe with you. Don't say anything negative about those with whom you live, serve, or work. Treat them as you would want to be treated.
4. Give four hours (outside of your church callings) away to service, or to friendship of others.
5. Attend the temple more often.
Can you imagine how much growth there will be in our stake if we all do these things? I think we will have such a tremendous spirit about the gospel and about each other that we will not be able to contain all the blessings we will receive. I hope each of us will think about these talks and the others that were given and move our lives in a positive direction.
May heaven's choicest blessings be on you and yours this month.
Love,
Pat Romney
June - The month that let's us know spring has ended and summer is well on the way. Some of the days are cool, but most of them are warm. Most gardens have been planted and we are into the growing season.
We had a wonderful Stake Conference. So many talks that seemed to be given just for me. Two that I would like to review are President Gillenwater's and President Porter's. I think that they are so important in our lives right now.
President Gillenwater talked about the rodeo. When he mentioned a rodeo, he had me. I am originally from Utah and every year during the Days of 47 Celebration honoring the pioneers, my grandparents would take us to the rodeo. I love the rodeo!! When President Gillenwater talked about the commitment that the bull riders must have, I realized that each of us needs to show the same level of commitment. The bull riders have to concentrate on what needs to be done. They can't let anything take their minds off what it is that they must do to finish the task at hand. There are all kinds of noises, shouts, yells, bells, clowns, horses, and other riders. Each of these could become a distraction and might be the fatal one. The rider must have a firm commitment and keep his eye on the prize. Each of us has that same responsibility -- keep our eyes on the prize, have the commitment to ignore the outside distractions and move forward with every ounce of our being concentrating on where we are going.
President Porter spoke about the stake theme for this year: "To the Rescue and Saving the Rising Generation." He asked us to do five things in order to better prepare ourselves for this challenge:
1. Read a copy of the Book of Mormon by the next Stake Conference. Mark passages that have meaning for you. When you finish, give the book away. Then don't worry about it.
2. Eat dinner with others - either with your family or someone you invite to join you - with no TV or radio or outside distraction.
3. Don't talk bad about others. Make sure each person's name is safe with you. Don't say anything negative about those with whom you live, serve, or work. Treat them as you would want to be treated.
4. Give four hours (outside of your church callings) away to service, or to friendship of others.
5. Attend the temple more often.
Can you imagine how much growth there will be in our stake if we all do these things? I think we will have such a tremendous spirit about the gospel and about each other that we will not be able to contain all the blessings we will receive. I hope each of us will think about these talks and the others that were given and move our lives in a positive direction.
May heaven's choicest blessings be on you and yours this month.
Love,
Pat Romney
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Dear Friends,
April is gone. I like April. Everything seems fresh. The sunshine seems different than it does in January, February, or March. The flowers are in full blossom and the leaves are on the trees again. April is also General Conference month. Was it not wonderful to listen to the words of the prophets and know that they are talking to us? Sometimes, it feels like we are sitting on the edge of our seats, waiting for the next words of wisdom. I especially loved this April because we are the proud grandparents of a new baby boy, Adrian Spencer Perez, who was born on his Grandpa Romney's birthday. What a cool present, don't you agree? But, like I said, April is now past. We are in the month of May.
May is such a wonderful month. The flowers have bloomed and the weather is usually nice. We celebrate Mother's Day. Children are looking forward to summer break and many families are planning their vacation. Some families are looking forward to planting their gardens and dreaming of wonderful fresh produce. Some families are preparing for the many camps that occur in the summer: Girls' Camp, Boy Scout Camp, and Cub Scout Day Camp. Some families are preparing for prom, for Seminary Graduation, High School Graduation, or College Graduation. Some leaders of the Stake are looking forward to Stake Conference and are preparing for that day. May just seems to be a month for preparation. Some families are even preparing for weddings!
In all of our preparations, I hope that each of us will take time to visit with those we love and love those we visit. If we want to succeed as wards and branches in this great church, we must love those who we serve, love those who serve us, and love those who are not with us each Sunday for whatever reason. We must look for opportunities to show our love to those around us, not just on Sundays.
President Howard W. Hunter spoke words that are for all of us. He said, "In short, we need to love one another with the pure love of Christ, with genuine charity and compassion and, if necessary, shared suffering, for that is the way God loves us. The Savior has commanded us to love one another as he has loved us; to clothe ourselves “with the bond of charity” (D&C 88:125), as he so clothed himself."
Let us use the beautiful month of May to prepare ourselves to love more fully.
Love,
Pat Romney
April is gone. I like April. Everything seems fresh. The sunshine seems different than it does in January, February, or March. The flowers are in full blossom and the leaves are on the trees again. April is also General Conference month. Was it not wonderful to listen to the words of the prophets and know that they are talking to us? Sometimes, it feels like we are sitting on the edge of our seats, waiting for the next words of wisdom. I especially loved this April because we are the proud grandparents of a new baby boy, Adrian Spencer Perez, who was born on his Grandpa Romney's birthday. What a cool present, don't you agree? But, like I said, April is now past. We are in the month of May.
May is such a wonderful month. The flowers have bloomed and the weather is usually nice. We celebrate Mother's Day. Children are looking forward to summer break and many families are planning their vacation. Some families are looking forward to planting their gardens and dreaming of wonderful fresh produce. Some families are preparing for the many camps that occur in the summer: Girls' Camp, Boy Scout Camp, and Cub Scout Day Camp. Some families are preparing for prom, for Seminary Graduation, High School Graduation, or College Graduation. Some leaders of the Stake are looking forward to Stake Conference and are preparing for that day. May just seems to be a month for preparation. Some families are even preparing for weddings!
In all of our preparations, I hope that each of us will take time to visit with those we love and love those we visit. If we want to succeed as wards and branches in this great church, we must love those who we serve, love those who serve us, and love those who are not with us each Sunday for whatever reason. We must look for opportunities to show our love to those around us, not just on Sundays.
President Howard W. Hunter spoke words that are for all of us. He said, "In short, we need to love one another with the pure love of Christ, with genuine charity and compassion and, if necessary, shared suffering, for that is the way God loves us. The Savior has commanded us to love one another as he has loved us; to clothe ourselves “with the bond of charity” (D&C 88:125), as he so clothed himself."
Let us use the beautiful month of May to prepare ourselves to love more fully.
Love,
Pat Romney
Saturday, April 3, 2010
My Dear Sisters,
March - What a busy month.
We had an Auxiliary Training Meeting and were so happy to have so many sisters attend. I hope you truly found something that you could take back and use in your wards and branches.
The Birthday Party was really fun and we loved having so many (over 90) of you there to share in the fun. Weren't the hats beautiful? I heard comments on how wonderful the classes were and how much you enjoyed them. The breakfast items, the salads and rolls you brought were so tasty. I absolutely loved being with you and sharing the day together.
Then on the 21st of March, I attended the Stake Conference in Louisville where the Louisville Stake was divided. The new Crestwood Kentucky Stake was formed. In the forming of that stake and the dividing of Louisville, we lost three of our units: the Carrollton Branch, the Shawnee Branch, and the Shepherdsville Branch. I feel a true loss that the sisters from these branches will be meeting with another stake, but I have such great memories of being with them all. I hope that they truly enjoy their new stake homes. I will miss them. Of course, they will be invited to the activities so we can visit with them from time to time. Also, in the dividing and forming of stakes, we were blessed with a new unit: the Brandenburg Ward. I have met with them and they are going to be a great asset to our Relief Society. They are wonderful women and I am sure you will love them when we all get together in October for the retreat.
Now, we move on to new things. General Conference is this week-end and offers us a great opportunity to listen to the Prophet, the Apostles, and other General Authorities. I hope you will make time to fit this into your schedule. It will be a great experience.
When I think of all of you, I am filled with joy and love for being able to work with and serve you. Have a wonderful April.
Love,
Pat Romney
March - What a busy month.
We had an Auxiliary Training Meeting and were so happy to have so many sisters attend. I hope you truly found something that you could take back and use in your wards and branches.
The Birthday Party was really fun and we loved having so many (over 90) of you there to share in the fun. Weren't the hats beautiful? I heard comments on how wonderful the classes were and how much you enjoyed them. The breakfast items, the salads and rolls you brought were so tasty. I absolutely loved being with you and sharing the day together.
Then on the 21st of March, I attended the Stake Conference in Louisville where the Louisville Stake was divided. The new Crestwood Kentucky Stake was formed. In the forming of that stake and the dividing of Louisville, we lost three of our units: the Carrollton Branch, the Shawnee Branch, and the Shepherdsville Branch. I feel a true loss that the sisters from these branches will be meeting with another stake, but I have such great memories of being with them all. I hope that they truly enjoy their new stake homes. I will miss them. Of course, they will be invited to the activities so we can visit with them from time to time. Also, in the dividing and forming of stakes, we were blessed with a new unit: the Brandenburg Ward. I have met with them and they are going to be a great asset to our Relief Society. They are wonderful women and I am sure you will love them when we all get together in October for the retreat.
Now, we move on to new things. General Conference is this week-end and offers us a great opportunity to listen to the Prophet, the Apostles, and other General Authorities. I hope you will make time to fit this into your schedule. It will be a great experience.
When I think of all of you, I am filled with joy and love for being able to work with and serve you. Have a wonderful April.
Love,
Pat Romney
Sunday, February 28, 2010
My Dear Friends,
As February fades into the past March marches in from the future. Corny, huh. But, nevertheless, that is exactly what is happening. I used to think when I was a child, that time took lots of time. Now, I know it speeds through our lives at lightening speed. I hope that you can take a few minutes and look at the blog. I have added some additional items and hope you will enjoy them. There is a "Training Tip" that comes from the Relief Society site on http://www.lds.org/ I have also added a list of up-coming events and the zone conference lunch assignments. (I know some will have to be changed soon. I will take care of that.) Let me know if you would like something else on the site. I might be able to figure out how to put it in the blog. :)
March is the celebration of the beginning of Relief Society. I wonder if Joseph Smith and his dear Emma knew what would happen to that small group of sisters who joined together to serve those around them. Could they envision the millions of sisters around the globe who continue on the work of service, love, and charity? Could they know the good that you do on a daily basis in your unit? Could they even imagine that groups around the world would be celebrating the beginning of this women's organization in individual ways? I don't know if they knew, but I'm sure they do now and I feel confident that they are so happy with all that is being done in the name of Relief Society. The thousands upon thousands of women who serve in Relief Society, teaching, planning, administering, and giving to those they serve. The tens of thousands of women who benefit by the service of the leaders. The service of women just like you.
I am so blessed to be able to be counted with you as a Relief Society sister. I am thankful for the time that I have been able to serve and for the future service I hope to give. I know I have faults and weaknesses and fall short at times in my calling, but there is not a time that I don't love being with you and feeling of the Spirit when we are together. I look forward to being with you this month at the auxiliary training on March 18th and then at the Relief Society Birthday Party. I am hopeful that you will each be excited about coming and sharing this day with me and with the beautiful sisters in our stake.
I know you are doing your best to serve and pray that you can continue to do so. Keep up the great work and know that I am blessed to know you.
Love,
Pat Romney
As February fades into the past March marches in from the future. Corny, huh. But, nevertheless, that is exactly what is happening. I used to think when I was a child, that time took lots of time. Now, I know it speeds through our lives at lightening speed. I hope that you can take a few minutes and look at the blog. I have added some additional items and hope you will enjoy them. There is a "Training Tip" that comes from the Relief Society site on http://www.lds.org/ I have also added a list of up-coming events and the zone conference lunch assignments. (I know some will have to be changed soon. I will take care of that.) Let me know if you would like something else on the site. I might be able to figure out how to put it in the blog. :)
March is the celebration of the beginning of Relief Society. I wonder if Joseph Smith and his dear Emma knew what would happen to that small group of sisters who joined together to serve those around them. Could they envision the millions of sisters around the globe who continue on the work of service, love, and charity? Could they know the good that you do on a daily basis in your unit? Could they even imagine that groups around the world would be celebrating the beginning of this women's organization in individual ways? I don't know if they knew, but I'm sure they do now and I feel confident that they are so happy with all that is being done in the name of Relief Society. The thousands upon thousands of women who serve in Relief Society, teaching, planning, administering, and giving to those they serve. The tens of thousands of women who benefit by the service of the leaders. The service of women just like you.
I am so blessed to be able to be counted with you as a Relief Society sister. I am thankful for the time that I have been able to serve and for the future service I hope to give. I know I have faults and weaknesses and fall short at times in my calling, but there is not a time that I don't love being with you and feeling of the Spirit when we are together. I look forward to being with you this month at the auxiliary training on March 18th and then at the Relief Society Birthday Party. I am hopeful that you will each be excited about coming and sharing this day with me and with the beautiful sisters in our stake.
I know you are doing your best to serve and pray that you can continue to do so. Keep up the great work and know that I am blessed to know you.
Love,
Pat Romney
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Hello, everyone.
The month of February is coming in cold. Brr-r-r-! I usually don't mind the cold, too much. But the bitter-cold weather is not my favorite anymore. I have even stopped walking outside and joined a gym to get my exercise and keep healthy.
February. The month of Valentines Day. The month of love. This is the month we think about hearts, chocolate, and maybe a gift here and there. Mothers think about helping their school-age children get valentines ready for school. When I was young, we all made valentine boxes with red construction paper, paper doilies, and hearts that you cut out by folding a piece of paper in half and then cutting just half of the heart. (I still do that today.) The girls loved valentines day and read meaning into the cards that were never intended. The boys pretended to hate it or maybe they really did hate it. It was always a time of drama. Did I have to give one to that boy or girl I didn't really like? What about the teacher? The answer was always the same. Yes, you need to give a valentine to everyone in the class.
So why do I bring this up? I think it has some meaning in my life today. I have sisters in my ward that I am very close to and others not so much. I make a sincere effort to get to know all the sisters in the ward and try to learn about them and to become closer to them. With some sisters it is easy and with others it is more difficult, for whatever reason. Maybe some of you have the same thing happen to you. Maybe you have a sister on your visiting teaching route that you can't seem to get close to. Maybe you have trouble reaching out to her or maybe she won't let you into her life. It could be that you are working with someone in your calling that just doesn't seem to "jive" with you.
President Uchrdorf, in the October 2009 General Conference, talked about love. He talked about God's love for each of us and about our love of God and others:
"Heavenly Father’s love for His children is the core message of the plan of happiness....Love is the guiding light that illuminates the disciple’s path and fills our daily walk with life, meaning, and wonder. Love is the measure of our faith, the inspiration for our obedience, and the true altitude of our discipleship. Love is the way of the disciple....Let us be known as a people who love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and who love our neighbor as ourselves. When we understand and practice these two great commandments in our families, in our wards and branches, in our nations, and in our daily lives, we will begin to understand what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus the Christ."
With this in mind, I am asking each of you to give each sister you can a "valentine". Not the red construction paper kind or ones covered with paper doilies, but a valentine of your love. Be kind to each sister you meet at church. Seek out those who are a little harder to love. Remember that the Savior loves every sister. He never gives up on her or puts her aside. He always extends a loving hand. The Savior would never pass up the opportunity to share His love. And neither can we.
I love you all and hope you enjoy spreading the love.
Pat Romney
The month of February is coming in cold. Brr-r-r-! I usually don't mind the cold, too much. But the bitter-cold weather is not my favorite anymore. I have even stopped walking outside and joined a gym to get my exercise and keep healthy.
February. The month of Valentines Day. The month of love. This is the month we think about hearts, chocolate, and maybe a gift here and there. Mothers think about helping their school-age children get valentines ready for school. When I was young, we all made valentine boxes with red construction paper, paper doilies, and hearts that you cut out by folding a piece of paper in half and then cutting just half of the heart. (I still do that today.) The girls loved valentines day and read meaning into the cards that were never intended. The boys pretended to hate it or maybe they really did hate it. It was always a time of drama. Did I have to give one to that boy or girl I didn't really like? What about the teacher? The answer was always the same. Yes, you need to give a valentine to everyone in the class.
So why do I bring this up? I think it has some meaning in my life today. I have sisters in my ward that I am very close to and others not so much. I make a sincere effort to get to know all the sisters in the ward and try to learn about them and to become closer to them. With some sisters it is easy and with others it is more difficult, for whatever reason. Maybe some of you have the same thing happen to you. Maybe you have a sister on your visiting teaching route that you can't seem to get close to. Maybe you have trouble reaching out to her or maybe she won't let you into her life. It could be that you are working with someone in your calling that just doesn't seem to "jive" with you.
President Uchrdorf, in the October 2009 General Conference, talked about love. He talked about God's love for each of us and about our love of God and others:
"Heavenly Father’s love for His children is the core message of the plan of happiness....Love is the guiding light that illuminates the disciple’s path and fills our daily walk with life, meaning, and wonder. Love is the measure of our faith, the inspiration for our obedience, and the true altitude of our discipleship. Love is the way of the disciple....Let us be known as a people who love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and who love our neighbor as ourselves. When we understand and practice these two great commandments in our families, in our wards and branches, in our nations, and in our daily lives, we will begin to understand what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus the Christ."
With this in mind, I am asking each of you to give each sister you can a "valentine". Not the red construction paper kind or ones covered with paper doilies, but a valentine of your love. Be kind to each sister you meet at church. Seek out those who are a little harder to love. Remember that the Savior loves every sister. He never gives up on her or puts her aside. He always extends a loving hand. The Savior would never pass up the opportunity to share His love. And neither can we.
I love you all and hope you enjoy spreading the love.
Pat Romney
Saturday, January 2, 2010
My Dear Sisters,
Well, we said hello and good-bye to 2009 and it doesn't seem like there was any time at all in between. Now 2010 is here and it seems strange to say "ten" instead of "oh nine" but I assume we will get used to it as the year progresses. I have now been in this calling for a year and have enjoyed meeting and visiting with a great number of you over the year. I have met so many new sisters and gotten re-acquainted with others. It has been such a joy to serve you, worship with you, and, hopefully, be your friend.
As we look to the new year, I am hopeful that we can all focus on those things that are truly important in our lives. Over the last year, several of my friends have moved on to the next part of their journey and I miss them. This loss has caused me to think more about what are really the most important parts of what I do. I realize that some of the things I worry about are things I can't control. I know that some of my time is spent in doing things that could probably be let go, so that I can spend more time on the things that matter most. But, most of all, I have tried to learn to enjoy the present, especially when I am with members of my family. Our time together is short and I am learning to relax and just enjoy being with them. I don't have to do anything for them, just enjoy them. Laundry, dishes, dusting, or cleaning can usually wait. Time with others is so much more important because it is those relationships that will last into the eternities. None of our earthly possessions will go with us. As I like to say, "There are no U-Hauls behind the hearse."
It is my hope that each of us can live in the present, enjoy being with others, and sharing of our spirit with those around us, whether at home, at school, at church, at work, or even at the grocery store.
My love to you all,
Pat Romney
From Maria Standiford, 1st Counselor
This month’s Ensign has some wonderful information about the lesson curriculum for the new year. The new manual is discussed on page 28 and some guidelines for First Sunday lessons on page 32. The focus is really on letting the Spirit guide you to know what will be of the most help to the sisters in your Relief Society. Sister Beck says, “On the first Sunday, a member of the Relief Society presidency can personalize the work of Relief Society. She can focus on charitable works as solutions to specific ward or branch needs. She can train the sisters to be visiting teachers who address the needs of others as they find them. And when appropriate, she can make assignments to help specific people in need” ( 37).
Well, we said hello and good-bye to 2009 and it doesn't seem like there was any time at all in between. Now 2010 is here and it seems strange to say "ten" instead of "oh nine" but I assume we will get used to it as the year progresses. I have now been in this calling for a year and have enjoyed meeting and visiting with a great number of you over the year. I have met so many new sisters and gotten re-acquainted with others. It has been such a joy to serve you, worship with you, and, hopefully, be your friend.
As we look to the new year, I am hopeful that we can all focus on those things that are truly important in our lives. Over the last year, several of my friends have moved on to the next part of their journey and I miss them. This loss has caused me to think more about what are really the most important parts of what I do. I realize that some of the things I worry about are things I can't control. I know that some of my time is spent in doing things that could probably be let go, so that I can spend more time on the things that matter most. But, most of all, I have tried to learn to enjoy the present, especially when I am with members of my family. Our time together is short and I am learning to relax and just enjoy being with them. I don't have to do anything for them, just enjoy them. Laundry, dishes, dusting, or cleaning can usually wait. Time with others is so much more important because it is those relationships that will last into the eternities. None of our earthly possessions will go with us. As I like to say, "There are no U-Hauls behind the hearse."
It is my hope that each of us can live in the present, enjoy being with others, and sharing of our spirit with those around us, whether at home, at school, at church, at work, or even at the grocery store.
My love to you all,
Pat Romney
From Maria Standiford, 1st Counselor
This month’s Ensign has some wonderful information about the lesson curriculum for the new year. The new manual is discussed on page 28 and some guidelines for First Sunday lessons on page 32. The focus is really on letting the Spirit guide you to know what will be of the most help to the sisters in your Relief Society. Sister Beck says, “On the first Sunday, a member of the Relief Society presidency can personalize the work of Relief Society. She can focus on charitable works as solutions to specific ward or branch needs. She can train the sisters to be visiting teachers who address the needs of others as they find them. And when appropriate, she can make assignments to help specific people in need” ( 37).
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