It's a Wrap.... What will you do with it now?
A group of butterflies is called a kaleidoscope. Isn’t that
a beautiful image? Each butterfly in a kaleidoscope is unique and different,
yet these seemingly fragile creatures have been designed by a loving Creator
with the ability to survive, travel, multiply, and disseminate life as they go
from one flower to the next, spreading pollen. And although each butterfly is
different, they work together to make the world a more beautiful and fruitful place."
Everyone: Do a self check with the way you use technology.
Personalize it: Be prayerful in knowing what you and your family need to do in regards to technology. In addition to the suggestions given in our council this is a great resource: Safeguards for Using Technology
Sunday's Council or Discussion
Pray for guidance for those within our ward you can serve and then act upon those promptings.
With One Accord by Reyna I. Aburto - led by Sharon Howell
Sis Howell started with posting two wordstrips on the
board: Accord and A Chord
Sis Wyler explained that chords on the piano are made up of
three notes, and she played them individually and then all together at
once. We noticed the all together sound
of the chord was prettier and more interesting.
This is analogous to the Monarch butterfly story from Sis
Aburto's conference talk. She asked us
to picture ourselves as one of the butterflies as described in the following
quote, and then ask ourselves, "Could you do this by yourself?"
"One of the most remarkable creatures on earth is the
monarch butterfly. On a trip to Mexico to spend Christmas with my husband’s
family, we visited a butterfly sanctuary, where millions of monarch butterflies
spend the winter. It was fascinating to see such an impressive sight and for us
to reflect on the example of unity and obedience to divine laws that God’s
creations demonstrate.
Monarch butterflies are master navigators. They use the
sun’s position to find the direction they need to go. Every spring, they travel
thousands of miles from Mexico to Canada, and every fall, they return to the
same sacred fir forests in Mexico. They do this year after year, one tiny wing
flap at a time. During their journey, they cluster together at night on trees
to protect themselves from the cold and from predators.
It takes 3 generations of butterflies to make their journey
from Mexico to Canada every year. There is a superior generation that is able
to go back and forth by themselves along with the other revolving generation
butterflies. Perhaps they help guide and
show the way?
This has analogies to our gospel lives. In what ways are we like the Monarchs?
Responses:
1. Cutting open their chrysalis makes them die. We all need to struggle to get the strength
to live in our spiritual lives.
2. Pioneers led to missionaries going to different parts of
the world in the early church, which led to the next generation of missionaries
that went to countries like Brazil, Vivien's home country, of which she is so
grateful. The three generations building
on each other.
3. We need each other
4. We need to reach out, and ask for help
5. Allow others to help you
6. We're built
emotionally like beehive colonies, or monarch groups, not the rugged
individualism that is emphasized in our caustic culture. Individualism and thinking we have to do it
all by ourselves has only been a philosophy for the last hundred years or so.
7. There is strength in numbers. A sister was strengthened on a pioneer trek
when others were with her or encouraged her, instead of going it alone.
8. Organized religion gives us a vehicle to serve each
other. We are meant to congregate every
Sunday and learn from and serve each other.
9. We too are on a
long, hard journey
The Journey
How can being one accord help us on our journey? Just as you support one another, you look out
for one another. A comment was made
referencing the story from a conference talk about the people on the beach who
linked arms and were able to save the swimmers who were caught in a riptide.
The monarch's journey is necessary for them to become
strengthened, for their survival and to proliferate. The Relief Society is a collective wisdom
that can pass on strength to each other.
Ideally each generation builds on what the previous one taught.
A comment was made about Wards are determined by geography
vs. other religions where they just pick their congregation. Wards based on geography lends toward a
support group.
We can build each other up when we are together through
compliments and noticing when someone is not there, and then reaching out.
"We hear so many stories of neighborly love shown among
people when catastrophe strikes. For example, when the city of Houston suffered
a massive flood last year, people forgot about their own needs and went to the
rescue. An elders quorum president sent a call for help to the community, and a
fleet of 77 boats was quickly organized. Rescuers went around the affected
neighborhoods and transported whole families to one of our meetinghouses, where
they received refuge and much needed help. Members and nonmembers worked
together with one purpose."
When we get inspiration we need to follow it, the service it
can be as small as a loaf of bread or even a smile.
"The Lord is now giving us the opportunity to counsel
together each month in our priesthood quorums and Relief Societies, so we can
all be more active participants in our ward or branch kaleidoscope—a place
where we all fit in and where we are all needed."
We are each part of several kaleidoscopes: a ward kaleidoscope, a Relief Society kaleidoscope, perhaps a Primary kaleidoscope.
Within Each one we are to serve, learn and be served. How have the monthly councils benefited
you? A sister responded that she has
been blessed by pondering and implementing the challenges to act from the
monthly counsel meetings. Also, learning
from the contributions each of the sisters share during the councils.
"Every one of our paths is different, yet we walk them
together. Our path is not about what we have done or where we have been; it is
about where we are going and what we are becoming, in unity. When we counsel
together guided by the Holy Ghost, we can see where we are and where we need to
be. The Holy Ghost gives us a vision that our natural eyes cannot see, because
“revelation is scattered among us,”18 and when we put that revelation together,
we can see more."
Let us work in unity and remember the Lord's admonition of
D&C 38:27 "...I say unto you, be aone; and if ye are not one ye are
not mine."
Council Action for June Everyone: Do a self check with the way you use technology.
Personalize it: Be prayerful in knowing what you and your family need to do in regards to technology. In addition to the suggestions given in our council this is a great resource: Safeguards for Using Technology
Sunday's Council or Discussion
July 8th - Council - Ministering...the good, the bad and the ugly - What is the ultimate goal? led by Valerie - In preparation for the council, please read July's Ministering Principles and We Are Family: Ministering to our Sisters and Brothers
July 15th - Doing Better Doesn't Mean Doing More - led by Julie Peterson
July 22nd - Ministering is motivated by Christlike Love
July 29th - 5th Sunday
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
July 1st - Alora Smith
July 1st - Chelsea Smith
July 6th - Joanne Lyon
July 7th - Carole Fuchs
July 7th - Carole Fuchs
Upcoming Events - Mark your calendars
July 4th - 9:00am Annual neighborhood Independence Day breakfast and children's bike parade at the pavilion.
*Children gather for bike decorating on July 3rd at Missy Ballantynes 7:00pm some supplies are going to provided please bring some supplies to share if you are able.
*Children gather for bike decorating on July 3rd at Missy Ballantynes 7:00pm some supplies are going to provided please bring some supplies to share if you are able.
No RS Activity in July - enjoy your time with family!
Ministering to the Sisters
A member of the Relief Society Presidency will be contacting you at some point this month to discuss with you the sisters you minister to. The changes are effective now and you can look on LDS tools to see who you minister to as well as who your companion is. However, we are not able to add the young women until August so if it doesn't show you have a companion you may have a young woman as a companion (probably your daughter). If ever you have concerns about those you minister to, please contact a member of the RS presidency.
The stake is asking all sisters to read Teaching in the Savior's Way. You can read it in the Gospel Library app or if you would like a hard copy, contact a member of the Sunday School Presidency.
"A new name, new flexibility, and fewer reports will not make one ounce of difference in our service unless we see this as an invitation to care for one another in a bold new holier way."
Service Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities at the Development Center: There has been a shortage of volunteers for the Wednesday dance for a few weeks now. If you are looking for additional service opportunities this summer, you are invited to help out on one or more of the following Wednesdays:
· Jul 11
· Jul 18
· Jul 25
· Aug 1
If you want to help, contact Rod Mann 801-318-7141. Volunteers (age 14 and up) will need to arrive at the development center by 6:00 PM for orientation. The dance starts at 6:30 and ends promptly at 7:30. This is a fun and meaningful service project.
Pray for guidance for those within our ward you can serve and then act upon those promptings.
Prayers for....
Do you know of anyone in need of our prayers? Please contact a presidency member.
Do you know of anyone in need of our prayers? Please contact a presidency member.
Good News
Please share with us any good news you have - we can all use a bright spot in our week!
LDS Tools Info
Please update your contact info. Also, posting a picture to your LDS account is so easy! If you have not yet done this follow these instructions. If you need help doing this ask your ministering sister.
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