Friday, December 7, 2012

December 2012 Newsletter

I have uploaded the December Newsletter for you.  It has links to the various talks and messages if viewed digitally.

December 2012 Newsletter

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Lesson Summary: December 2, 2012

Presidency Message given by Karen Andrus
From Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin's talk The Abundant Life

"Harry, the riding master at a girls’ school in New York, was about to leave when one of these horses—an uncared-for, gray gelding with ugly-looking wounds on its legs—caught his eye. The animal still bore the marks that had been made by a heavy work harness, evidence to the hard life he had led. But something about him captured Harry’s attention, so he offered $80 for him.
"It was snowing when Harry’s children saw the horse for the first time, and because of the coat of snow on the horse’s back, the children named him “Snowman.”
"Harry took good care of the horse, which turned out to be a gentle and reliable friend—a horse the girls liked to ride because he was steady and didn’t startle like some of the others. In fact, Snowman made such rapid improvement that a neighbor purchased him for twice what Harry had originally paid.
"But Snowman kept disappearing from the neighbor’s pasture—sometimes ending up in adjoining potato fields, other times back at Harry’s. It appeared that the horse must have jumped over the fences between the properties, but that seemed impossible—Harry had never seen Snowman jump over anything much higher than a fallen log.
"But eventually, the neighbor’s patience came to an end, and he insisted Harry take back the horse."

Snowman was already old and worn when Harry began training him to be a champion jumper, but he surpassed expectations and won many competitions and was in inducted into the show jumping hall of fame.  Many stories and books have been written about him.

"For many, Snowman was much more than a horse. He became an example of the hidden, untapped potential that lies within each of us."

There are a few characteristics that those living an abundant life share:
1.  They drink deeply of living waters John 4:14
       Faithful scripture reading strengthening faith in Jesus Christ, and gives us hope and joy.

2.  They fill their hearts with Love
When people sense dislike or fear they retract and place barriers between themselves and others.  Best way to develop love for those who test your resolve is to pray for them and for you to have love.
President Gordon B. Hinckley has said that those who reach out to lift and serve others “will come to know a happiness … never known before. … Heaven knows there are so very, very, very many people in this world who need help. Oh, so very … many. Let’s get the cankering, selfish attitude out of our lives, my brothers and sisters, and stand a little taller and reach a little higher in the service of others.” 8

3.  They, with the help of their Heavenly Father, create a masterpiece of their lives.
You are not a piece of work - You are a MASTERPIECE
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 11  
 
 Sometimes we see ourselves at the old grey horse.  A marvelous potential lies within each of us.

"The abundant life isn’t something we arrive at. Rather, it is a magnificent journey that began long, long ages ago and will never, never end."


Lesson Summary: November 25, 2012

Taught by Talia Deccio
From Elder Jeffery R. Holland talk The First Great Comandment.  Oct 2012 General Conference.

We have a life of devoted discipleship to give in demonstrating our Love of the Lord.

Christ asked Peter 3 times, "Lovest tho me?" and three times was instructed to "feed my sheep." John 21:15-17.  We need to love God and remain clean

What can we do to show our devotion, Love, to the Savior
  • Live it
  • Be an example.  
  • Elder Hales gave a talk recently titled Be a More Christian Christian
    As Christians today, we have the opportunity to act straightway, immediately, and decisively, just as Peter and Andrew did: “they forsook their nets, and followed him.”2 We too are called upon to leave our nets, to reject worldly habits, customs, and traditions. We are also called to forsake our sins. “When [Jesus] had called the people unto him … , he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”3 Denying ourselves of ungodly behavior is the beginning of repentance, which brings a mighty change of heart until “we have no more disposition to do evil.”4
  • Serve others.
    Use the atonement
    Mormon Helping Hands
  • Patience
    Gratitude for our own lives and blessings will help us be positive and patient
  • Be compassionate, kind loving
    Don't Judge others, you don't ever have the whole picture.
  • Faith
    obedience and listening to the holy ghost
  • Sacrifice
    Being a Mom
    Fast Offerings
    HT, VT TIME to callings
    Temple service
  • Caring - unconditional
  • Endure to the end
  • Converted
  • Peace and Unity
When the Lord asks "lovest tho me?" Can we show him when we fed his sheep?

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Lesson Summary November 18, 2012

Bringing Up Children in Light and Truth              -taught by Barbara Neuenswander

How can be bring up our children in truth and light:
- Be an Example
     Actions speak louder than words
- Prayer
     Pray with them, for them, and for forgiveness
- Teach the Gospel
     Family Home Evening
     Teach with love and understanding as the Savior did.
- Eat together
     What was the best part of your day?
     Jar of conversation topic, one question to ask each day
     Just positive talk
- Talk
     LISTEN!
- Take time to understand
     Act, don't react, or over-react.  Mistakes make wonderful teaching moments
- Expectations
     Set Possitive expectations
     Mistakes happen try again
     We are defined by what we do not what we have
- Honesty
- Read scriptures
- Take time
- TV, Movies
     be aware of what influences are in your children's lives
- Service
- Family traditions
- Kindness
- Watch what you say
- Family Economics
      Use monopoly money to show how the family budget comes in and goes out.


Lesson Summary November 11, 2012

The Power of Kindness
    taught by Rachelle Christensen

"A soft answer turneth away wrath" - Proverbs 15:1
From the life of George Albert Smith:
“Once on a hot summer day there was some problem happening under the street near Grandfather’s home in Salt Lake City, and some workers from the city had come to fix it. It was hot outdoors, the sun shone fiercely, and the job at hand was a pick-and-shovel kind that made the sweat pour off the men’s faces and backs as they dug into the roadway. The workers were not careful with their language, or maybe their mothers hadn’t taught them any better, but they were swearing and using terrible language. Their words soon became offensive to many of the neighbors whose windows were open to catch any breeze that might help to cool them.

“Someone went out and asked the men to stop their foul talk, and in the process pointed out that Brother Smith lived right there—couldn’t they show some respect and keep quiet, please? With that the men let loose a new string of bad words. Quietly, Grandfather prepared some lemonade and placing some glasses and the pitcher on a tray he carried it out to the struggling men with, ‘My friends, you look so hot and tired. Why don’t you come and sit under my trees here and have a cool drink?’ Their anger gone, the men responded to the kindness with meekness and appreciation. After their pleasant little break they went back to their labor and finished their work carefully and quietly.”2

Some times it seems easier to be critical than kind.  Misfortunes tend to make a better story or get more reaction, higher drama.  Hunger can also make it very difficult to be kind, fasting teenagers are especially challenging.  When we see imperfections in others let us remember the beam in our own eye,  Matthew 7:3-5.  

In the Story of Pollyanna, the hearts of the people were softened, because she offered them kindness in spite of their indifference or unkindness.

"What a bright prospect that is—downing another quart of pickle juice every time anyone around you has a happy moment!"  Elder Holland 
We can celebrate with those who receive blessings and give thanks to a kind and merciful God.

Little things count.  A smile can brighten someones day.  Holding a door open, a thank you note.  Small acts of courtesy may seem to go unnoticed, "and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly." -3 Nephi 13:6

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Monday, November 5, 2012

Lesson Summary: November 4, 2012

Gratitude- taught by Jennifer Daily

Is the world grateful?

-Lindi told us of a study done where those who keep a gratitude Journal are 25% more happy.
-Gratitude opens possibilities and keeps us humble.  It is easier to see our blessing when we have little.
Pres. Faust said "One of the advantages of having lived a long time is that you can often remember when you had it worse. I am grateful to have lived long enough to have known some of the blessings of adversity. My memory goes back to the Great Depression, when we had certain values burned into our souls. One of these values was gratitude for what we had, because we had so little."
Gratitude is noticing our blessings and the Lords hand in our lives

What are we grateful for?
-God has already opened the windows and blessed us with more than we can take.
-Health, warm showers, start thinking of the little things and you'll be better able to notice the big things.
-Grateful for too much good food to eat so that I need to go on a diet.
-Change your perspective or attitude.
-Aspirations are great "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Matt 5:8, Just don't forget others on the way up.
-Invisible blessing, be grateful for the blessings you can't see, you'll never be able to see them all
-"Gratitude expressed to our Heavenly Father in prayer for what we have brings a calming peace—a peace which allows us to not canker our souls for what we don’t have. Gratitude brings a peace that helps us overcome the pain of adversity and failure." Robert D. Hales "Gratitude for the Goodness of God" Ensign May 1992-  “Those who keep a book of remembrance are more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives. Journals are a way of counting our blessings and of leaving an inventory of these blessings for our posterity.” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982, p. 349)

How can we show Gratitude?
-Pay if forward
-Take care of the blessings we have, stewardship
-Enjoy what we have
-Gratitude only prayers
-Somethings don't need to be said
-"no misfortune is so bad that whining about it won’t make it worse" -Elder Holland
-Fasting in, or for, gratitude

Repentance, what better way of showing our gratitude in the savior and his atonement, than utilizing that gift he has given to make it possible for us to repent and be forgiven of our sins.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Emergency Preparedness Moment, October 14, 2012

Florence Madsen

In last weeks Gospel Doctrine lesson we discussed the Nephites preparations for an attack by the Gadianton Robbers.  They prepared both spiritually and temporally (3 Nephi 4:4, 18)
We will prepare ourselves and the Lord will take care of the rest (3 Nephi 4:21).

PREPAREDNESS --> OBEDIENCE --> PROTECTION

Local Resources
1. LPFD Family Disaster Plan:
    read intro, scope and assumptions to get motivation.  LOTS of info
    http://www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/pdf/livfamdis00.pdf
2. 211:
    24/7 multilingual, non-emergency number that provides info to the residents of Alameda County
3. Reverse 911:
    Public announcements by phone of dangers such as a mountian lion prowling the streets.
    Targeted to neighborhoods.  Land lines only.
4.  Nextdoor Social Network for the City of Livermore 
    Nextdoor, Livermore (https://nextdoor.com/)
    Social Network by neighborhood.  You can request for emails for crime/safety and other topics.

PREPAREDNESS --> OBEDIENCE --> PROTECTION

Lesson Summary September 30, 2012

Topic: "Special Lessons" by Elder Ranald A. Rasband of the presidency of the Seventy, April Conference, 2012

Trusting in God's will is central to mortality.  "With faith in Him, we draw upon the power of Christ's Atonement at those times when questions abound and answers are few."  Elder Rasband shared a personal story about his grandson Paxton, who was born with a rare genetic disorder.  He knew that Heavenly Father would bless and teach the family special lessons and stated "We are learning patience, faith, and gratitude through the balm of service, endless hours of intense emotions, tears of empathy, and the prayers and expressions of love for dear ones in need, especially Paxton and his parents."

The teacher asked the question how do trials and challenges in our lives strengthen and build our faith and trust in Heavenly Father and can it give us the opportunity to become more like our Savior who suffered the greatest suffering of all mankind?  The Savior suffered all of our sorrows and trials so that He could know how to succor us.  Though many people face trials, adversities, disabilities, heartaches, and all manner of afflictions, a loving Savior will always be there.  Several sisters shared personal experiences of how their challenges had helped them turn to Heavenly Father in prayer and they had gained greater faith and peace.  We learn to love others who help and serve is just as we learn to love others who we help and serve.  Going through our own trials helps is to have compassion in helping others.  Several scriptures were quoted and discussed (3 Nephi 17:7-8, John 14:18, and D&C 18:6).  All personal trials that people experience are not equal in severity, but everyone has trials and challenges in life and that is why the Savior taught us to always LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Free Earthquake Preparation Class


On October 30, 2012 at 7 pm, Fremont REI is bringing in Chuck Guaraglia, veteran disaster education trainer with the Fremont Fire Department, for a PowerPoint presentation on the essentials for preparing for disasters, such as earthquakes and fire.

For more information see:https://www.rei.com/event/44378/session/57208

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

The Great California Shake Out

Remember to Drop, Cover and Hold On for the Great California Shake Out, a state wide Earthquake drill.
  October 18th at 10:18 am.

For more information and to register visit:
http://www.shakeout.org/california/

Thursday, October 11, 2012

The October 2012 Newsletter is out and ready.  Print it in color if you'd like or view it so that you can use the embedded info links such as this one:

Thanks ladies.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITY-
Crafts to Benefit Tri-Valley Haven

Maybe you've heard - Tri-Valley Haven has a $125,000 matching grant challenge. You can help them meet this challenge by donating a hand crafted item to sell at the holiday craft fair the Haven is having on November 1, in Livermore at the Barn from 11 - 7. Women from the Unitarian church will staff a community table, all proceeds to go to the Haven. Crafts are due to Caryl Shill by Sunday, October 28.

Unsold items will be either returned to the donor, given to the Haven, or saved for next year's sale, as the donor requests.
If you can donated just one item, that would be great---a quilt, a bag, doll clothes, burp clothe, pillowcases etc.... More, would be lovely

"Now entering our fourth decade, Tri-Valley Haven continues to be a vital community resource serving adults and children who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or homelessness." - http://www.trivalleyhaven.org/

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

FABULOUS FRIDAY!

Ladies our Fabulous Friday is coming up.  We have some awesome activities and crafts offered as well as a service project.  That is why it will be so very Fabulous.

Details-
  November 9, 2012
  Starts at 6pm, come early if you have a lot of projects to do
  Light dinner will be served
  ALL money for classes and crafts are due OCT 14th to Terri King


Toffee Instruction, with Tracy Lewis:
FREE
7:30 pm
Limited space please sign up

Sugar Cookie Demonstration
FREE
8:10 pm
Limited space please sign up




Christmas Wreath
Service:
Donate Christmas decor new or Used, wreaths, ribbon.
All the bits and pieces will be used to bring new life to the decorations at the VA hospital in town.
Come and help recycle and serve.


CRAFTS:

Christmas Wreath Renewal-
FREE
Bring your own wreath to fix up and take home, or donate one to the VA hospital.




Painted Bowls



Painted Bowls-
Cost $4

Use for jewelry, keys or loose change
Assorted colors will be provided, if you have a special color in mind please indicate so.








Christmas Advent



Christmas Advent-
Cost $25
An Advent that can be filled with an endless array of possibilities.

25 adorable numbered bags to fill with your own special advent traditions: chocolate, scriptures, books, etc.






Drop Cloth Blanket.


Drop Cloth Picnic Blanket-
Cost $17
Use as an outdoor tablecloth or picnic blanket.
Personalize with your own design.

Assorted colors will be provided, if you have a special color in mind please indicate so.








Mini Coloring Box


Mini Coloring Box-
Cost $3
Perfect for your purse or traveling.












Burlap Wreath

Burlap Wreath-
Cost $10

Customize for any season














Decorative Magnets

Decorative Magnets-
Cost $3

Fun to give as gifts or Thank yous.















Monogram Mug

Monogram Mug-
Cost $2

Put an initial on the mug or a cute design












Sheet Music Tree


Sheet Music Tree-
Cost $6

Cute Christmas Decor














Play Dough Mats


Playdough Mats-
Cost $3

Great for reusable play-dough fun.












Twine and Yarn Wrapped Vase


Twine and Yarn Wrapped Vase-
Cost $2

Use yard, twine or both to make a cute vase.











Scripture Match Cards



Scripture Match Cards-
FREE

Color a cute set of cards for a matching game








Sunday, October 7, 2012

Welcome

Welcome to the Livermore 1st Relief Society blog!

We are giving this a go.  We hope this connects us a little better to each other.

* Information for the sisters
* Items to give away or for sale
* Service opportunities
* Spiritual thoughts
* Great recipes

Please remember that this is a public blog, personal information should be limited.

Bare with us, this is all new territory.

Sincerley,
  Your Relief Society Presidency