Trust the Lord

AND

Move Forward

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Hello beloved sisters and brothers,

New Members

Last Saturday, February 4, Grace Sterzer of the River View Ward was baptized by her older brother, David. Later that day, Brianna and Juliet Ochoa Escamilla were baptized and became members of the Millrace Ward. Brianna was baptized by her grandfather Jose Escamilla and Juliet was baptized by her Uncle Melchisedec Matute. We are thrilled to welcome these new young members who have just begun their journeys on the covenant path.

Women’s Conference

Also on Saturday, February 4, we were privileged to participate in the Stake Women’s Conference. We heard wonderful testimonies from Selina Diaz, from the Millrace Ward, Britni Larsen, from the River View Ward, and Shirleen Gardner from the Millrace Ward. Following these beautiful testimonies, Sister Becky Wakefield and President Preston Wakefield also shared uplifting insights from their temple service. The entire focus of the conference was on the temple and the wonderful blessings it can bring to us in these “stormy” times. The lunch was delicious with the perfect dessert…temple cookies.

Weekly Message: Trust the Lord and Move Forward

I believe it is accurate to say that the primary aim or function of the church of Jesus Christ is to help people receive and connect with the Savior. Through restored priesthood authority, we offer saving ordinances and the gift of the Holy Ghost which helps us understand and live Christ’s teachings as we support one another through fellowship. The church is built to empower all the children of God to progress from mortal life… to life with our Father in Heaven. (Moses 1:39, 1 Nephi 6:4)

Recognizing that temporal circumstances can be a major factor in our ability to receive and connect with the Savior, church leaders, and members have created systems of instruction and infrastructure to provide clothing, food, education, and other needs as a means of bringing all who are willing, closer to Christ.

Courses that teach basic financial principles or emotional resilience may be viewed by some as a temporal idea, but they actually have their roots in something much more profound and important. Offering winter clothing or household goods to neighbors in the community has a much deeper impact and effect than simply exchanging material goods. Providing affordable education through BYU Pathway Worldwide is not just about helping someone get a good education. All of these are meant to help us increase our abilities and acquire the means to lift others and be lifted by the Savior. (D&C 29:34)

As you know, our stake focus this year is:

Gather…Together, AND Place the Savior at the Center of Our Lives.

I wrote previously that there are multiple meanings of this theme. Today, I invite each of us to ponder what it might mean for us. Here is an additional perspective I have contemplated…

Gathering …Together, AND Placing the Savior at the Center of Our Lives could mean to “gather” the knowledge and/or materials needed to increase our level of “preparedness” or “self-reliance” and support others trying to do the same.

We all know and admire someone who has accumulated an enormous food storage. They know how to preserve the most beautiful peaches. They make delicious bread or grow a spectacular garden.

But, many of us have no idea where to begin to improve our own preparedness. Or we may lack the skills/time/money (...you fill in the blank…) to do it. Others of us, just need the motivation to do it.

Some, like me, may need all of the above;)

The breadth and depth of this challenge can be overwhelming and daunting…even “paralyzing”.

What should we do?

Knowing we can’t do everything at once, I will offer this counsel… you’ve heard from me before.

Choose one thing (no matter how small or simple) and work on it consistently.

You will be amazed at the progress you can make. (Alma 37:6) For some this might mean, buying one can of vegetables each week and setting it aside for storage. For others, it might mean taking a first aid class or learning basic gardening skills. For others, it may be enrolling in an institute class or an English class or enrolling in BYU Pathway Worldwide.

I appreciate the example of my 95-year-old father-in-law. For years, he and my mother-in-law had a large garden behind their home, but since her passing, and with his eyesight failing, he now lives alone on the 2nd floor of an apartment building in Logan. Ever the optimist, on his small balcony, each Spring, he plants a small tomato plant. He loves and cares for that plant and it provides fresh tomatoes for him.

All of us can do something…

The key is allowing the Spirit to work with us and choosing what we will do…then taking consistent action.

If you need help deciding what to work on or how to begin, I invite you to ask the Lord for His suggestions. Your ministering sisters or brothers might also be a great place to turn. And I’ve also listed below some other sources that may help.

As we capture the true vision of the Lord’s plan to incrementally help us become more like Him, we will recognize the practical value of the church’s efforts. But even more importantly, we will see that there is tremendous potential to increase love and fellowship in our community through our small and simple individual efforts. Whatever we choose to do can be shared! We can invite neighbors and loved ones to work with us or hold us accountable to our goals. In this way, we work together and grow closer to each other and to our Savior.

Sister Kristie LeBaron of the River View Ward has been called as a Stake Preparedness Specialist. Brother Isaac Morley is overseeing the BYU Pathway Initiative and also the Utah Education Initiative. Sister Sharon Lee oversees our English classes. Other members and leaders in your ward and in the stake serve as resources for members or neighbors. The gospel library is also full of information to help ministers and members.

But, none of these resources will produce a positive outcome, unless we take a step forward and put them to use…

I invite us all (old and young) to choose to do something…one thing… that will move us closer to the Savior in 2023 and help us become more self-reliant...then take consistent small steps to accomplish it.

We will find that our efforts to improve and our support to others are interwoven with our development as disciples of Christ.

I promise we will feel Him helping us.

Trust the Lord and move forward…

I love you all,

President Gardner

P.S.

Here are some helpful resources…

Church Resources

https://providentliving.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/life-help/preparedness?lang=eng

https://www.byupathway.org/

https://utah.churchofjesuschrist.org/ Recursos en Espanol