First Sunday Lesson - August

On the 1st Sunday in August we talked about a few things that I, as your Relief Society President, felt strongly was what the Lord wants the sisters in our ward to work on. We had a wonderful lesson and we all taught each other and learned through the Spirit. 

Here are the points we covered:

1. As Relief Society sisters, we need to STUDY OUR SCRIPTURES each and every day in order to increase our faith and personal righteousness. 
     - Set aside a time (10-15 min. at least) and say a prayer before hand.
     - Go to the scriptures with a question and search for answers! (How can I handle all the pressures on me right  now? How can I grow in confidence and self-esteem? How   can  I have hope when life seems so bleak? 
     - Keep a journal - write your question, your answers, references, words or phrases you liked, your thoughts and testimony, and more. 

YOU WILL FIND THAT STUDYING THE SCRIPTURES WILL INVITE THE SPIRIT INTO YOUR LIFE AND WILL INVITE PERSONAL REVELATION! 

"The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life." (Sister Julie B. Beck) 

2. I felt very strongly that the Lord wants each sister in our ward to READ THE WHOLE ENSIGN EACH MONTH! I know there are promised blessings awaiting you if you do! Answers will come right when you need them; talks will seem written just for you. Your knowledge of the gospel will increase, your faith and testimony will grow, and new ideas will come to you! Before you read other books or blogs, read for a few minutes from the Ensign. Commit to read the whole Ensign each month! You will begin to look forward to it and it will become a lifelong habit that will bless you and strengthen your marriage and family (September issue is all about marriage!). 

 - IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN ENSIGN SUBSCRIPTION, TALK TO YOUR VISITING TEACHERS AND THEY WILL HELP YOU SUBSCRIBE! (You can also read online.)

3. As newly marrieds it is important to TALK WITH YOUR SPOUSE ABOUT BOUNDARIES. Once married, you should cleave unto your spouse and none else. Beware of your interactions with members of the opposite sex and don't ever say or do anything you wouldn't do with your spouse standing right there. Let the Spirit be your guide. Please be especially careful on social media sites like Facebook, and remember to be 100% loyal to your spouse - emotionally as well as physically. Decide what boundaries you will set (not driving alone with a member of the opposite sex, interactions with male/female friends, etc.)

4. President Runia invited us at our February Ward Conference to do him a favor and "Please protect your homes." Make your homes places where the Spirit can be. What kinds of books and movies are in your home, what pictures are on your walls? What comes in through media sources? Is your home orderly and clean? Try and make your home like the temple - but don't stress if you don't achieve perfection all at once! 

I know that if will do these things, you will notice a significant difference in your life and a greater ability to be self reliant through whatever challenges life may throw at you. As a presidency we pray for you. We want to know what is going on in your lives. We want to help you increase your faith and personal righteousness, strengthen your home and family, and care for the poor and needy. :) I know that our Heavenly Father knows and loves you. You are His daughter. He has a plan for you. These things, if followed, will help you draw closer to Him. 


-April Jacob