Dear Sisters,

I love April.  This month we have several birthdays in our family, which makes the month extra special.  Spring is popping out all around me and the sunshine is starting to peek through the clouds more and more.  Spring is such a time of rebirth and change.  The trees, grass, and flowers all start to grow after spending the months of winter resting and preparing for this glorious time called Spring.  As I walk each day I am amazed at the beauty that surrounds me and the constant change in the world.

Change.  An interesting word.  My sister-in-law put a quote on facebook, a few days ago,that said "Nothing in our lives is so constant as change." As I thought about it and pondered on the changes that take place in our lives, I realized that she is right.  We receive callings that encourage us to stretch and change and become better.  We have trials and problems in our lives that help us to become stronger in the face of evil.  We have situations that help us realize that we need to rely on our Heavenly Father even more than we already do.  Every day in many ways we are called upon to change our actions, our thoughts, and our lives.

Many times we are afraid of change.  We get comfortable in our world and we are fearful of moving from the comfort zone we have created.  Even if we are in a situation that is harmful or problematic, we still choose to stay there because it is familiar and stepping into the dark is anything but familiar.  These changes can cause us to be fearful of the future.  The Lord has spoken on this matter, hoping to help us deal with the fears in our lives. 

In the Doctrine & Covenants 68:6 we read:  "Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come. "

In Isaiah 41:10 the Lord tells us:  "Fear not; for I am with thee:  be not dismayed; for I am they God:  I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; year, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

And so, my dear friends, as we move into the springtime of change, and as we move through the inevitable changes that come to us on a daily basis, my hope for each of us is that we will be of good cheer, be full of hope, and look to our Heavenly Father and our Savior for the love and guidance we will need as we change and grow to become the women we are meant to be.

My love to each of you,

Pat Romney
Stake Relief Society President