New Relief Society Workshop Idea

Sisters,

I've been praying about ideas to go along with the changes to the Relief Society activities. I always love to see the new changes made in the church as Heavenly Fathers knows our needs as a church. There is still plenty of room for working with your wards and stakes. I love how God gives us a commandment, but doesn't micro-manage, He allows us to use our inspiration and ideas to do His will.

So, with that said, the new idea will be featured on the main site of both the Homemaking and Enrichment Cottage's. It is for a Relief Society Workshop. It will be an "Along the Trail" theme: "As the pioneers crossed the plains they planted seeds knowing they would never reap the benefits of the food they planted. They did it for the benefit of those who would come later..."

If you are interested as to when it is finished, please join our free ezine:
http://bit.ly/14nqss

Shiloah Baker

“I prefer the word "homemaker" because "housewife" always implies that there may be a wife someplace else” -Bella Abzug

Homemaking Cottage
http://www.homemaking-cottage.com

A Homemaking Journey
http://www.ahomemakingjourney.com

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There's No Greater Joy than a Mother

"The influence of your mother will bless you throughout life. . . .
Long years ago, Elder Frank Croft was serving in the state of Alabama.
While preaching to the people, he was forcefully abducted by a vicious
gang, to be whipped and lashed across his bare back. Elder Croft was
ordered to remove his coat and shirt before he was tied to a tree. As he did so, a letter he had recently received from his mother fell to the
ground. The vile leader of the gang picked up the letter. Elder Croft
closed his eyes and uttered a silent prayer. The attacker read the letter from Elder Croft's mother. From a copy of that letter, I
quote:

" 'My beloved son, . . . remember the words of the Savior when He said, . . . "Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my name's sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for you will have your reward in Heaven for so persecuted they the prophets which were before
you." Also remember the Savior upon the cross suffering from the sins
of the world when He had uttered these immortal words, "Father forgive
them, for they know not what they do." Surely, my boy, they who are
mistreating you . . . know not what they do or they would not do it.
Sometime, somewhere, they will understand and then they will regret their action, and they will honor you for the glorious work you are doing. So be patient, my son; love those who mistreat you and say all manner of evil against you and the Lord will bless you and magnify you. . . . Remember also, my son, that day and night, your mother is praying for you.'

"Elder Croft watched the hateful man as he studied the letter. He would read a line or two, then sit and ponder. He arose to approach his captive. The man said: 'Feller, you must have a wonderful mother. You see, I once had one, too.' Then, addressing the mob, he said: 'Men, after reading this Mormon's mother's letter, I just can't go ahead with the job. Maybe we had better let him go.' Elder Croft was released without harm (see Arthur M. Richardson, The Life and Ministry of John Morgan [1968], 267-68)."

What an vital and important role mothers play.

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The Old Mule: A Story of Adversity

A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying' - or - whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened...and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back...a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back...HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did, blow after blow.

"Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!

You're right! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL! What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him...all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.

THAT'S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity...

The adversities that come along to bury us usually have within them the potential to benefit and bless us!

Remember that FORGIVENESS--FAITH--PRAYER--PRAISE and HOPE...all are excellent ways to "SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP" out of the wells in which we find ourselves!

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