"Our Bishop's Always There"

Hello Sisters!

Hope you had a relaxing Sunday.  

Today, I have been feeling grateful for our good bishop.

What a remarkable man he is.  He’s a pretty humble guy, and kind of a character. :)  He doesn’t claim to be perfect, but he has a true desire to help us along our path to become more like our Savior.  I testify that at his core is a genuine love and concern for every member of his ward.  Every time I speak with him, I feel a confirmation of his sincere desire to strengthen our ward family.  He is a good shepherd over his little flock.  I am grateful he is at the helm.  Bishop Blaylock is a great blessing in my life, and I just want to encourage any sisters who might be struggling with sin, addiction, or pain to go to him.  I testify he holds to keys and the mantle of his calling.  I would also encourage all of us to express appreciation more often for the time and energy he puts into his calling.

Along with those thoughts on our good bishop, I felt it was appropriate to ask him what message he would like to share with the amazing sisters of our ward.  This is what Bishop Blaylock had to say:

“I would like all sisters to realize the power that they have in the church and the priesthood. Families cannot be exalted without a worthy husband and wife working as equals in a family. Women are essential in God's eternal plan.”

He wants us to know that all God’s children have access to priesthood blessings.  He shared a beautiful quote by Elder M. Russell Ballard that supports that thought:

"When men and women go to the temple, they are both endowed with the same power, which by definition is priesthood power. While the authority of the priesthood is directed through priesthood keys, and priesthood keys are held only by worthy men, access to the power and blessings of the priesthood is available to all of God’s children."

“In our Heavenly Father’s great priesthood-endowed plan, men have the unique responsibility to administer the priesthood, but they are not the priesthood. Men and women have different but equally valued roles. Just as a woman cannot conceive a child without a man, so a man cannot fully exercise the power of the priesthood to establish an eternal family without a woman. … In the eternal perspective, both the procreative power and the priesthood power are shared by husband and wife.”

Isn’t that an enlightening idea?!  What power and potential we have.  What a great bishop to remind us of that.

Thank you for all you do!  I encourage you to visit and check up on your Visiting Teaching sisters.  I need to know how they are doing.  I’m counting on you.  We love and appreciate you so much!  (Special thanks to you sweet sisters who took an extra name or two to visit today.  I feel so grateful!) Have a marvelous week, and a very special Memorial Day tomorrow.

Love,

Lydia

Turn to the Savior

Hello Ladies!

Happy {late} Mother's Day!  I was really taking the day off forgetting to send this. :)

In Relief Society yesterday, we shared this little clip that I thought you might enjoy:

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-00-1440-it-was-mom-a-mothers-day-tribute-to-moms?lang=eng

Just hope you know how wonderful you are, and how much we appreciate all you do.  You are a powerful influence for good in a troubled world.

I believe Satan works very hard to discourage mothers-- women in general, really.  I think he know our potential.  I was feeling a little down this last week, and as I knelt and poured out my heart, I felt impressed to listen to one of my favorite "pick-me-up" conference talks from Elder Holland:

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1997/04/because-she-is-a-mother?lang=eng

I would encourage you to read it, no matter what your family circumstance, and remember what a difference you are making.

This was a quote I loved:

"We thank all of you ... and tell you there is nothing more important in this world than participating so directly in the work and glory of God, in bringing to pass the mortality and earthly life of His daughters and sons, so that immortality and eternal life can come in those celestial realms on high.

When you have come to the Lord in meekness and lowliness of heart and, as one mother said, “pounded on the doors of heaven to ask for, to plead for, to demand guidance and wisdom and help for this wondrous task,” that door is thrown open to provide you the influence and the help of all eternity. Claim the promises of the Savior of the world. Ask for the healing balm of the Atonement for whatever may be troubling you or your children. Know that in faith things will be made right in spite of you, or more correctly, because of you."

Remember who to turn to.  Our Savior is the source of truth and light, and I testify that the he loves you, and that he really does stand at the door waiting for us to knock.  If you need help or inspiration, just ask and he will bless you!  Turn to the scriptures.  We have had some wonderful lessons on the power of the Book of Mormon.  Read and study, and cash in on the promised blessings!  I love you sisters and hope that you know it!  Thank you for all you do!  Have a wonderful week filled with things that will bring you closer to the Savior.

Love,

Lydia

Growing!

Dear Sisters—

I just can’t wait to get my hands in the dirt after Sis. Garner’s lesson today, and her analogy between sisters in the Relief Society and a garden.  Truly, we need all types!  We are so thankful you are part of our little garden.  She talked about how we need patience, new growing opportunities, blooming where you are planted, and consistent persevering perennials.  I loved how Sis. Salisbury drew the analogy even further by encouraging us to pull out the weeds, or weaknesses and sins in our lives.

Marilyn shared this quote when she talked about our need for patience:

“Too often we approach the gospel like a farmer who places a seed in the ground in the morning and expects corn on the cob by the afternoon. When Alma compared the word of God to a seed, he explained that the seed grows into a fruit-bearing tree gradually, as a result of our “faith, and [our] diligence, and patience, and long-suffering.”  It’s true that some blessings come right away: soon after we plant the seed in our hearts, it begins to swell and sprout and grow, and by this we know that the seed is good. From the very moment we set foot upon the pathway of discipleship, seen and unseen blessings from God begin to attend us.”

Be patient in your growth.  I testify that as you continue to except new opportunities to stretch and grow spiritually, blessings will come.  Be faithful and diligent!  We love you!

-Lydia