Book of Mormon Challenge

Wonderful tool for anyone challenging the youth or others to read The Book of Mormon.  The Book of Mormon if read with an open heart will change your life just as President Benson promises that it will.

A copy can be received by emailing me at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/beehivemessages.

Relief Society Meeting - The Journey

In the July 2010 Ensign there is a poem written by Heather Bergevin about the women of the Book of Mormon entitled The Journey.  Behind the poem found on page 9 is a beautiful painting by Walter Rane.  My parents happen to know Walter Rane and asked for special permission to use his painting as a handout for an upcoming Relief Society Meeting that my mom had put together with the Stake Relief Society Presidency prior to the General Relief Society Meeting.  My mom's Stake wanted to encourage all of the Sisters to read the Book of Mormon.  They purchased a Book of Mormon for each Sister in their native tongue, included a LDS scripture marking pencil, and the poem from the Ensign.  I really loved this idea and wanted to share it with all of you. 

Something else that was mentioned in the meeting was to have several copies of the Book of Mormon and use each one to mark specific topics throughout.  I started to do this for the word CHILDREN and was amazed at how many scriptures there are specific to our little one's.  Another fun thing to do is to always carry the mini Book of Mormon with you when you travel.  They are the perfect size and you never know when you may have an opportunity to pass one on to an interested individual you run across on the plane, etc...

I helped my mom put together the overlay for the picture on parchment paper so if any of you would like a copy of the poem/handout...please email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or comment here.  Please be sure to leave me your email address. 

The photos were printed on 4x6 photo paper.  Unfortunately, I do not feel comfortable in sharing the photo but I'm sure if you were to contact Walter Rane in person and let him know what you would be using the photo for he might be willing to share it with you.  The original painting is even bigger then what you see in the Ensign.  My sister, Merrilee, helped to create the tag for the bags.  I will see if I can't get the file for that.  If I do...I'll be sure to share that as well.

Happy Reading & Happy Missionary Work!
Jennifer

Relief Society - Getting to Know You Party

This past week...my sister, Stacy, participated in a Relief Society Activity where they played lots of "Get to Know You" games. At the end the Presidency gave each sister in the Relief Society a notebook and challenged them to "Get to Know" the Savior.

A More Personal Relationship with the Savior…

…that is what we, as the Relief Society presidency, would like for you to receive by following this scripture study program. Pres. Monson said, “I know from personal experience, the spiritual power that can flow into your life if you follow this practice (scripture study). You will feel the love of God and a cleansing, purifying regeneration of your spirit. You will experience moments of revelation, when the Spirit whispers to your spirit to be a better father, a better mother, a better son or daughter, a better disciple of Jesus Christ.”

Our challenge to you…

-For the next 12 weeks, starting on January 17th, read the scripture that is listed for that week as part of your daily scripture study. Read that same scripture every day for one week, and switch to a new scripture each Sunday. (See schedule below.) Ponder what it means to you personally. Take a moment, sometime during each week, to write down your feelings about each scripture in this journal. Answer the questions provided if you feel prompted to. It is our hope, that by studying the same scripture every day for a week, you will more deeply understand the Savior and His relationship with you.

12 Week Scripture Reading Schedule…

January 17-23 Helaman 5:12
January 24-30 St. John 14:23-27
Jan 31-Feb 6 3 Nephi 13:14-21
February 7-13 Alma 5:14-16
Feb 14-20 Proverbs 31:30-31
Feb 21-27 D & C 8:2-3 & 9:7-9
Feb 28-Mar 6 Moroni 10:18-23
March 7-13 Matthew 7:7-8
March 14-20 D & C 6:14-16
March 21-27 D & C 88:118-119
Mar 28-Apr 3 Revelations 7:15-17
April 4-8 Mosiah 4:9-12
April 8th (Thursday) 7-8:30pm -Please join us at the church for a night about the Savior and how you can truly stay close to Him. Bring this journal with you if you feel you may want to share the thoughts you’ve had throughout reading these scriptures.

Questions to help you ponder
your relationship with the Savior…

-How do I show love for the Savior?
-Do I keep ALL of His commandments?
-Have I put any other “Gods” before Christ?
-How can I seek the guidance of Christ more in my life?
-How/Who does the Lord want me to serve?
-Is the Lord first in my life?
-What am I doing to help build the kingdom of God on the Earth?
-Where does true happiness come from? Do I have it now?
-How can the Savior help me improve my thoughts and attitude?
-How can I be a better example to others?
-From whom do I get my strength?
-How does the Lord speak to me? Am I listening?
-Am I too busy with worldly matters and neglect what’s important?
-How can I invite the Savior into my home?
-Do I understand my role as a daughter of God and sister of Christ?
-Am I seeking Christ’s help in all things?
-Do I pray with integrity and sincerity?
-Do I feel spiritually nourished? If not, how can I change that?
-Do I have a testimony of Jesus Christ?

Relief Society Sisters In White

I asked my mom to send me a little paragraph about an event that started in the Orlando South Stake several years ago that has become a great success. The event is called Sisters In White.

For several years now, our stake has enjoyed a Relief Society Saturday at the Temple. The event is called "Sisters in White". Announcements pertaining to this special activity are given six to nine months in advance so as many sisters as possible can attend. Each ward selects a time to meet at the Temple. Some wards enjoy lunch together afterwards or have a testimony meeting. One ward had all "white refreshments" including white chicken chili, white grape juice, vanilla ice cream etc. - you get the picture. Temple attendance is encouraged throughout the year and not just for this event. As we attend the Temple together, unity has improved and lives have been blessed.