Beachy Love

Cathy is hosting a paper mache heart swap over at Paper Traders this month.  Once I got over the initial messy gross-ness of the paper mache process, I found it to be a relaxing task to do while watching movies.  It took me about a week to make these hearts because I had to let it dry in between the many layers.  I learned a few things doing this project which I'll share...

I loosely based my technique on Crafy Cupid's tutorial here: http://www.craftycupid.com/index.php/cc/entry/mache-mixed-media-heart-tutorial/

For working with the messy paste, I employed this Martha Stewart tip using a rubber band to create a scraper which easily removed the excess paste from my paper strips:

http://www.marthastewart.com/272867/paint-can-tip

When they were completely dry, I applied a layer of gesso and then a coat of acrylic paint to each heart.  Both of my hearts were crackled using Ranger's Rock Candy Distress Crackle Paint.  Here's something interesting that I discovered...  The gold heart was painted with a glossy metallic acrylic paint underneath the crackle.  When dry, the crackle still appeared very shiny and crystal clear.  The blue heart, however, was painted with a matte acrylic paint under the crackle.  This one ended up looking much more opaque (sort of like sea glass) as the crackle coat seemed to take on some of the aspects of the underlying paint.  Both results looked terrific but were notably different.  For this project, I topped off the blue heart with an extra coat of glossy glazing medium to bring back that high shine finish I had anticipated.

The "sand" for my beach scene came from a pre-packaged bead mix and I just love the way this looks!  I used Glossy Accents to adhere the beads, shells, and charms.

So here are my finished results... I hope you like them as much as I enjoyed making them:

I also made an extra heart which I covered with distress doilies and pretty printed napkins layered over a bronze crackle finish:

Graven Angels

Over at Paper Traders, I am managing the current round robin journal project but was disappointed that I couldn't commit to actually participating this year.  Working 50-60 hours per week at my two jobs has left precious little time for making actual art.  What time I do have is spent doing more management type work for the group, although I have been trying to host the occasional ATC swap.

Even though I did not participate in this year's round robin, I did make a spread in my mom's journal which has the theme of Graven Angels.  Everyone's work so far has been lovely but they tend to be dark and somber - no surprise, really, given that it's all about cemetery statues!  Yet, death has never felt like a dark spectre to me so I wanted to make a page that was lighter and more introspective...

...in fond memory of George, Grandma Betty, Jennifer, Grandpa Holso, Alyssa, Uncle Ronny, Danny, and Aunt Joyce.  I love and miss you all and I'll see you someday soon!

Round Four: Angels (aka Pretty in Pink)

This month, I was honored to work in Kim Smith's book in our round robin journal project for Paper Traders.  Her theme was Angels and she specifically asked that we use renaissance-style angels in our work.  These pages turned out much pinker than I had envisioned but, I must say, they do look better in person than in the scan.

I used scrapbook paper with an old handwritten music ledger on it and then dabbed pink ink over the top using heart-shaped punchinella (sequin scrap).  The doilies and trims were originally gold but I rubbed pink acrylic paint on them using my finger.  The images were cut out of some lovely Christmas-themed scrapbook paper by Graphic45.  I trimmed the words with my gold leafing pen and added glitter to the angel wings using Distress Stickles.  As a final touch, I added the metal word plaque "Adore" and the key & keyhole charms at the top (another special request from Kim).  The poem on this says:

Away, away! To my love away.

Tel her I send her my love and devotion,

Wide as the world is,

and deep as the Ocean.

Christmas in July

It's time for another art challenge on our Paper Traders blog! This time I made a greeting card for the "Christmas in July" theme using a transparency layered over sheet music and adding a pink flower rub-on:

These challenges are so much fun!  And they're open to all art bloggers so check them out and come play along: http://papertraders-art.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenges

Check out KC Willis...

KC Willis Studio offers on-line workshops where she teaches the basics of her techniques and inspires you to new creative heights: www.collagecamp.ning.com

There's also Mixed Media Mania where you take what you learned at Collage Camp and in these workshops KC teaches Altars and Shrines, Altered Books, and Works on Paper: www.mixedmediamania.ning.com

And for those of you already making art and wanting to know how you take it to the next level and get yourself a regional or national audience, she also has the super exciting Marketing Mindset: www.marketingmindset.ning.com

And if video workshops aren't your thing, how about KC Willis Live! You can take a multi-day class with KC in her very sweet Victorian studio house in Longmont, Colorado. Check it out at www.studioretreats.ning.com. (I'd really love to go there!)

(Okay, so if you've checked out KC's site, you'll see that this shameless little promo is my way of getting my hands on one of her FABULOUS hand-crafted creations... but I really am a fan of this gal's work =) Check out her blog, Lipstick Ranch, here: http://www.kcwillis.blogspot.com/

Christmas Inchies

It's hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner! Our Paper Traders group is having an Inchie House swap - with a Christmas ornament theme. I made mine out of clear plastic and sprinkled some FlowerSoft snow inside so they're like mini snow globes - the box portion is only 1-inch square! I found these tiny little nativity ornaments at Michaels and they were just the perfect size. The "thatched" roofs are covered with four different colors of brown glitter.

“He Was a Prophet of God”: Contemporaries of Joseph Smith Testify of His Prophetic Mission

Has it been a month already? Time always seems to go by too fast this time of year. Another teaching Sunday has rolled around and here's my lesson for this week...

CHAPTER 43
“He Was a Prophet of God”: Contemporaries of Joseph Smith Testify of His Prophetic Mission

“I feel like shouting, hallelujah, all the time, when I think that I ever knew Joseph Smith, the Prophet.” (Brigham Young)

Dallin H. Oaks: During my college studies at BYU, I was introduced to the History of the Church, an edited compilation of the writings of Joseph Smith and others. After I graduated from law school, I carefully read all seven volumes. I also pursued personal research in original records in Illinois, where the prophet Joseph lived the last five years of his life. The man I came to know in this way was not the man I had imagined. When I was a boy, growing up in the Church, I imagined the Prophet Joseph to be old and dignified and distant. But the Joseph Smith I met in my reading and personal research was a man of the frontier – young, emotional, dynamic, and so loved and approachable by his people that they often called him “Brother Joseph.” My studies strengthened my testimony of his prophetic calling. What a remarkable man! At the same time, I could see that he was mortal and therefore subject to sin and error, pain and affliction. Overarching the Prophet Joseph’s entire ministry were his comparative youth, his superficial formal education, and his incredibly rapid acquisition of knowledge and maturity. He was 14 at the First Vision and 17 at the first visit from the angel Moroni. He was 21 when he received the golden plates and just 23 when he finished translating the Book of Mormon (in less than 60 working days). Over half of the revelations in our Doctrine and Covenants were given through the Prophet while he was 25 or younger. He was 26 when the First Presidency was organized and 30 when the Kirtland Temple was dedicated. He was just over 33 when he escaped his imprisonment in Missouri and resumed leadership of the Saints gathering in Nauvoo. He was 38-1/2 when he was martyred.

Amasa Potter recalled being present at a powerful sermon the Prophet Joseph Smith preached to a large group of Saints in Nauvoo: “When [the Prophet] had spoken about thirty minutes there came up a heavy wind and storm. The dust was so dense that we could not see each other any distance, and some of the people were leaving when Joseph called out to them to stop and let their prayers ascend to Almighty God that the winds may cease blowing and the rain stop falling, and it should be so. In a very few minutes the winds and rain ceased and the elements became calm as a summer’s morning. The storm divided and went on the north and south of the city, and we could see in the distance the trees and shrubs waving in the wind, while where we were it was quiet for one hour, and during that time one of the greatest sermons that ever fell from the Prophet’s lips was preached on the great subject of the dead.”

The Saints who heard the Prophet Joseph Smith speak bore powerful and vivid testimonies of his prophetic mission. Many of them recorded their memories of discourses they heard him give and experiences they had with him, for they wanted the generations that followed them to know, as they knew, that Joseph Smith was truly a prophet of God.

For a testimony of the restored gospel to be complete, it must include a testimony of Joseph Smith’s divine mission. The truthfulness of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rests on the truthfulness of the First Vision and the other revelations the Lord gave to the Prophet Joseph.

LIKE THE EARLY SAINTS, WE CAN KNOW THAT JOSEPH SMITH IS THE PROPHET THROUGH WHOM THE LORD RESTORED THE FULNESS OF THE GOSPEL.

President Gordon B. Hinckley: An acquaintance said to me one day: “I admire your church very much. I think I could accept everything about it – except Joseph Smith.” To which I responded: “That statement is a contradiction. If you accept the revelation, you must accept the revelator.” It is a constantly recurring mystery to me how some people speak with admiration for the Church and its work while at the same time disdaining him through whom, as a servant of the Lord, came the framework of all that the Church is, of all that it teaches, and of all that it stands for. They would pluck the fruit from the tree while cutting off the root from which it grows… We do not worship the Prophet. We worship God our Eternal Father and the risen Lord Jesus Christ. But we acknowledge the Prophet; we proclaim him; we respect him; we reverence him as an instrument in the hands of the Almighty in restoring to the earth the ancient truths of the divine gospel, together with the priesthood through which the authority of God is exercised in the affairs of His Church and for the blessing of His people.

Eliza R. Snow, the general president of the Relief Society from 1866 to 1887: “In the cause of truth and righteousness – in all that would benefit his fellow man, his integrity was as firm as the pillars of Heaven. He knew that God had called him to the work, and all the powers of earth and hell combined, failed either to deter or divert him from his purpose. With the help of God and his brethren, he laid the foundation of the greatest work ever established by man – a work extending not only to all the living, and to all the generations to come, but also to the dead. He boldly and bravely confronted the false traditions, superstitions, religions, bigotry and ignorance of the world – proved himself true to every heaven-revealed principle – true to his brethren and true to God, then sealed his testimony with his blood.”

Wilford Woodruff, the fourth President of the Church: “I have felt to rejoice exceedingly in what I saw of Brother Joseph, for in his public and private career he carried with him the Spirit of the Almighty, and he manifested a greatness of soul which I had never seen in any other man.”

Mary Alice Cannon Lambert, an English convert who emigrated to Nauvoo in 1843: “I first saw Joseph Smith in the Spring of 1843. When the boat in which we came up the Mississippi River reached the landing at Nauvoo, several of the leading brethren were there to meet the company of saints that had come on it. Among those brethren was the Prophet Joseph Smith. I knew him the instant my eyes rested upon him, and at that moment I received my testimony that he was a Prophet of God… He was not pointed out to me. I knew him from all the other men, and, child that I was (I was only fourteen) I knew that I saw a Prophet of God.”

What impresses you about these testimonies?

• This was a man who was so filled with the Spirit that those around him could feel and see it
• Despite possible persecution, they were compelled to testify that Joseph Smith was truly called of God

What is the foundation of your own testimony of Joseph Smith?

• I have a personal testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and, therefore, believe that Joseph Smith – as the man who brought this great book forward – must be a true prophet of God.

How did you obtain this testimony?

• [Invite class members to share their personal experiences. I plan to share mine during my lesson but it's very sacred & personal and not really appropriate for posting on the internet.]

You may wish to write your testimony in your journal or share it with your family.

JOSEPH SMITH WAS AN EXAMPLE WE CAN FOLLOW IN DEVELOPING A CHRISTLIKE CHARACTER.

John Needham, an early English convert: “Joseph Smith is a great man, a man of principle, a straight forward man; no saintish long-faced fellow, but quite the reverse. Indeed some stumble because he is such a straight forward, plain spoken, cheerful man, but that makes me love him the more.”

John M. Bernhisel, a medical doctor who boarded in Joseph and Emma’s home in Nauvoo for several months during 1843 and 1844: “Joseph Smith is naturally a man of strong mental powers, and is possessed of much energy and decision of character, great penetration, and a profound knowledge of human nature. He is a man of calm judgment, enlarged views, and is eminently distinguished by his love of justice. He is kind and obliging, generous and benevolent, sociable and cheerful, and is possessed of a mind of a contemplative and reflective character. He is honest, frank, fearless and independent, and as free from dissimulation [false appearances] as any man to be found… As a religious teacher, as well as a man, he is greatly beloved by this people.”

William Clayton, an English convert who served as a clerk to Joseph Smith: “The more I am with him, the more I love him; the more I know of him, the more confidence I have in him.”

Joseph F. Smith, the sixth President of the Church: “He was brimming over with the noblest and purest of human nature, which often gave vent in innocent amusements – in playing ball, in wrestling with his brothers and scuffling with them, and enjoying himself; he was not like a man with a stake run down his back, and with his face cast in a brazen mold that he could not smile, that he had no joy in his heart. Oh, he was full of joy; he was full of gladness; he was full of love, and of every other noble attribute that makes men great and good, and at the same time simple and innocent, so that he could descend to the lowest condition; and he had power, by the grace of God, to comprehend the purposes of the Almighty too. That was the character of the Prophet Joseph Smith.”

How do these statements describing Joseph Smith’s appearance, personality, and character influence your feelings about Joseph Smith?

• Preparing this lesson has really helped me to see how great and marvelous his accomplishments were

Think about ways you might develop some of these same character traits.

• Post a favorite quote/testimony on my bathroom mirror
• Pray for strength to develop our own spiritual character
• Read scriptures and other good works for inspiration and greater understanding

Joseph Smith: I shall speak with authority of the Priesthood in the name of the Lord God, which shall prove a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death… If you wish to go where God is, you must be like God, or possess the principles which God possesses, for if we are not drawing towards God in principle, we are going from Him and drawing towards the devil… Search your hearts, and see if you are like God. I have searched mine, and feel to repent of all my sins.

Thomas S. Monson: I love the words of President Brigham Young, who said, “I feel like shouting Hallelujah, all the time, when I think that I ever knew Joseph Smith, the Prophet whom the Lord raised up and ordained, and to whom He gave keys and power to build up the kingdom of God on earth.” To this fitting tribute to our beloved Joseph, I add my own testimony that I know he was God’s prophet, chosen to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ in these latter days. I pray that… we may learn from his life. May we incorporate into our own lives the divine principles which he so beautifully taught – by example [courage, faith, honesty, patience, diligence, missionary work, love]– that we, ourselves, might live more completely the gospel of Jesus Christ. May our lives reflect the knowledge we have that God lives, that Jesus Christ is His Son, that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that we are led today by [a] prophet of God.

AS THE PROPHET THROUGH WHOM THE GOSPEL WAS RESTORED, JOSEPH SMITH TAUGHT GOD’S PLAN OF SALVATION WITH CLARITY AND POWER.

Brigham Young: “The excellency of the glory of the character of Brother Joseph Smith was that he could reduce heavenly things to the understanding of the finite. When he preached to the people – revealed the things of God, the will of God, the plan of salvation, the purposes of Jehovah, the relation in which we stand to him and all the heavenly beings – he reduced his teachings to the capacity of every man, woman and child, making them as plain as a well defined pathway. This should have convinced every person, that ever heard him, of his divine authority and power, for no other man was able to teach as he could, and no person can reveal the things of God, but by the revelations of Jesus Christ.”

Joseph L. Robinson, a counselor in a bishopric in Nauvoo: “We have long since believed and verily known that Joseph Smith was a true and humble Prophet of God, but now our eyes do see him, and our ears hear his voice, which is like the voice of the mighty thunders of Heaven, yet his language is meek and instructive, edifying much. But there is a power and majesty that attends his words and preaching that we never beheld in any man before, for he is a mighty Prophet, a holy man of God. He truly had been educated in the things pertaining to the kingdom of God and was highly charged with the Holy Ghost, which was a constant companion.”

How can these testimonies about the way the Prophet Joseph taught the gospel and explained the scriptures help us as we study and teach the gospel?

• Sometimes we may think the Gospel is too complex but its principles are simple and beautiful
• Let the Spirit guide us in our study and in the things we say to others when sharing our beliefs

LIKE THE EARLY SAINTS, WE CAN TREASURE UP THE WORDS OF JOSEPH SMITH AND LIVE THE PRINCIPLES HE TAUGHT.

Wilford Woodruff, reporting an April 6, 1837, sermon: “President Joseph Smith Jr. arose and addressed the congregation for the term of three hours, clothed with the power, spirit, and image of God. He unbosomed his mind and feelings in the house of his friends. He presented many things of vast importance to the minds of the elders of Israel. Oh, that they might be written upon our hearts as with an iron pen to remain forever that we might practice them in our lives. That fountain of light, principle, and virtue that came forth out of the heart and mouth of the Prophet Joseph, whose soul like Enoch’s swelled wide as eternity – I say, such evidences presented in such a forcible manner ought to drive into oblivion every particle of unbelief and dubiety from the mind of the hearers, for such language, sentiment, principle, and spirit cannot flow from darkness. Joseph Smith Jr. is a prophet of God raised up for the deliverance of Israel as true as my heart now burns within me.”

What do you think it means to allow the truth to be “written upon our hearts as with an iron pen”?

• To have a testimony that will stick with us, no matter what comes
• Job described using an “iron pen” to carve his testimony on a rock to stand as a witness for all time – our testimonies should be shared with others as well [see Job 19:23–24].

Brigham Young: “From the first time I saw the Prophet Joseph I never lost a word that came from him concerning the kingdom. And this is the key of knowledge that I have to-day, that I did hearken to the words of Joseph, and treasured them up in my heart, laid them away, asking my Father in the name of his Son Jesus to bring them to my mind when needed. I treasured up the things of God, and this is the key that I hold to-day. I was anxious to learn from Joseph and the Spirit of God.”

How can you follow the examples of Wilford Woodruff and Brigham Young in your study of this book and as you study the teachings of the living prophets?

• Hunger after the words of our prophets & leaders to gain a greater understanding of God’s plan for us
• Cherish the words of God’s servants
• Study diligently so that we can recall these things in times of need

RELIEF SOCIETY: DIVINE ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN

This month, I have to teach a week early. I'm sharing my lesson outline below for those who have said they appreciate these posts. The entire lesson can be found here: http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=7ca8b00367c45110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=198bf4b13819d110VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD)

RELIEF SOCIETY: DIVINE ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN
“If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates.”

FROM THE LIFE OF JOSEPH SMITH

In the spring of 1842, members of the Church in Nauvoo were busily occupied with the work of building the Nauvoo Temple. Two such members were Sarah Granger Kimball and her seamstress, Margaret A. Cook, who, while talking together one day, decided to combine their efforts in order to help the temple workmen. Sister Kimball said that she would provide fabric so that Sister Cook could make shirts for the men. The two women decided to invite other sisters to join them in forming a ladies’ society to further their benevolent efforts. Sarah Granger Kimball recalled: “The neighboring sisters met in my parlor and decided to organize. I was delegated to call on Sister Eliza R. Snow and ask her to write for us a Constitution and By-laws, and submit them to President Joseph Smith prior to our next Thursday’s meeting.”

After looking over the proposed constitution and bylaws, the Prophet pronounced them the best he had ever seen but then said: “ ‘This is not what you want. Tell the sisters their offering is accepted of the Lord, and he has something better for them than a written Constitution. I invite them all to meet with me and a few of the brethren… next Thursday afternoon.’ ”

Accordingly, on March 17, the Prophet, accompanied by Elders John Taylor and Willard Richards, met with 20 women of all ages in the upstairs room of the Red Brick Store. The Prophet officially organized the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo and taught those present about the purposes of the new organization. The sisters elected Emma Smith as president of the Relief Society, and Emma selected her two counselors. The Prophet then read a revelation received 12 years earlier in which the Lord assigned Emma to collect hymns for publication and designated her as an “elect lady” (D&C 25:3). Emma Smith rose to speak, emphasizing the society’s vast potential: “We are going to do something extraordinary… We expect extraordinary occasions and pressing calls.”

Since those early days of the Relief Society, the women of the Church have remained a tremendous force for good. At a meeting held a week after the Relief Society was organized, Lucy Mack Smith, the Prophet’s mother, gave the sisters counsel that extends to millions of women in the Church today: “We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together.”

Read the statement by Emma Smith at the top of page 450:

Emma Smith rose to speak, emphasizing the society’s vast potential: “We are going to do something extraordinary… We expect extraordinary occasions and pressing calls.”

Why do you think Relief Society sisters are able to accomplish extraordinary things?

1. called of the Lord
2. led by men of God
3. divine duties – the “errand of angels”

In what ways have you and your family been blessed through the efforts of Relief Society sisters?

1. friendship
2. food
3. funerals
4. Visiting Teaching program

Read the counsel from Lucy Mack Smith at the bottom of page 450:

At a meeting held a week after the Relief Society was organized, Lucy Mack Smith, the Prophet’s mother, gave the sisters counsel that extends to millions of women in the Church today: “We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together.”

In what ways do Relief Society sisters follow this counsel today?

1. develop loving relationships with each other & our visiting teaching sisters
2. be cognizant of needs/challenges of others
3. be available/approachable to help
4. LISTEN, sympathize, empathize
5. teach – share our experiences, offer guidance, bring a message/lesson when we visit teach
6. When it’s hard to do these things, keep an eternal perspective; Christ loved ALL men.

THE RELIEF SOCIETY, ORGANIZED UNDER THE PRIESTHOOD AND AFTER ITS PATTERN, IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE CHURCH

The Prophet Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society “under the priesthood after the pattern of the priesthood” (page 451).

Sarah Granger Kimball recalled that shortly before the Prophet Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society, he said: “I will organize the women under the priesthood after the pattern of the priesthood… The Church was never perfectly organized until the women were thus organized.”

How does this set them apart from other service organizations in the world?

1. divinely organized according to God’s plan
2. power in the priesthood / sustained by the hand of God
3. led by divine guidance & inspiration

Why do you think the Church was “never perfectly organized” until Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society?

1. God’s plan includes ALL of his children
2. We have innate qualities and divine duties as women of God.

THE RELIEF SOCIETY ENABLES WOMEN TO ACT ACCORDING TO THEIR BENEVOLENT NATURES, GIVING CARE TO THOSE IN NEED

The Family: A Proclamation to the WorldAll human beings – male and female – are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

1. gender specific roles – men & women have divinely different qualities, talents, and abilities to develop and use for the benefit of the gospel

Doctrine & Covenants 88:125 And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.

How do the responsibilities of Relief Society sisters today compare to the assignments the sisters received from Joseph Smith?

1. have faith in leaders & pray for them
2. listen to God’s counsel
3. be sympathetic
4. give relief to poor, destitute, widows, & orphans
5. provide relief for strangers
6. tend to the wounded heart of the distressed
7. be benevolent & kind
8. open doors to the weary traveler
9. share with the hungry & unclothed
10. practice holiness
11. remain pure & innocent
12. feed the Lord’s sheep
13. have no strife among us
14. repent
15. do not be self-righteousness
16. be honorable
17. don’t gossip
18. speak kindly of others

Read the first full paragraph on page 452:

“Said Jesus, ‘Ye shall do the work, which ye see me do.’ [See 2 Nephi 31:12.] These are the grand key-words for the society to act upon.”

In what ways do opportunities to give service help us become more like the Savior?

1. As we emulate Him, we become more like Him.

• “As I have loved you, love one another.”
• Shepherd
• Healer
• Teacher
• He sacrificed for others

THE RELIEF SOCIETY ENCOURAGES WOMEN TO PRACTICE HOLINESS AND TO INSTRUCT ONE ANOTHER

Read the first paragraph on page 453:

“The Ladies’ Relief Society is not only to relieve the poor, but to save souls.”

What do you think it means to save a soul?

1. lead others to the path of salvation
2. sustain them along that path

In what ways do members of the Relief Society fulfill this responsibility, both temporally and spiritually?

TEMPORAL
Feed families
Teach homemaking skills
Play dates
Book club

SPIRITUAL
invite sisters to attend meetings & activities
offer to carpool/babysit so they can attend church/temple/etc.
make them feel welcome
comfort & mourn with them (suffering loss can be a huge test of faith)

Review the second full paragraph on page 452 and the fourth paragraph on page 453:

Willard Richards reported: “The [Female Relief Society] meeting was addressed by President Joseph Smith, to illustrate the object of the Society – that the Society of Sisters might provoke the brethren to good works in looking to the wants of the poor – searching after objects of charity, and in administering to their wants – to assist by correcting the morals and strengthening the virtues of the community.”

“You must put down iniquity, and by your good examples, stimulate the Elders to good works.”

What can Relief Society sisters do to stimulate good works among priesthood holders?

1. set a good example
2. be supportive & encouraging
3. create opportunities for them to serve

What can priesthood holders do to support Relief Society sisters in their work?

1. set a good example
2. be supportive & encouraging
3. create opportunities

Read the paragraph that begins at the bottom of page 453:

Willard Richards reported: “President Joseph Smith read the revelation to Emma Smith, from the book of Doctrine and Covenants [D&C 25]; and stated that she was … to expound the scriptures to all; and to teach the female part of the community; and that not she alone, but others, may attain to the same blessings.”

Doctrine & Covenants 25:1 Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, while I speak unto you, Emma Smith, my daughter; for verily I say unto you, all those who receive my gospel are sons and daughters in my kingdom. 2 A revelation I give unto you concerning my will; and if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt receive an inheritance in Zion. 3 Behold, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou art an elect lady, whom I have called. 4 Murmur not because of the things which thou hast not seen, for they are withheld from thee and from the world, which is wisdom in me in a time to come. 5 And the office of thy calling shall be for a comfort unto my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., thy husband, in his afflictions, with consoling words, in the spirit of meekness. 6 And thou shalt go with him at the time of his going, and be unto him for a scribe, while there is no one to be a scribe for him, that I may send my servant, Oliver Cowdery, whithersoever I will. 7 And thou shalt be ordained under his hand to expound scriptures, and to exhort the church, according as it shall be given thee by my Spirit. 8 For he shall lay his hands upon thee, and thou shalt receive the Holy Ghost, and thy time shall be given to writing, and to learning much. 9 And thou needest not fear, for thy husband shall support thee in the church; for unto them is his calling, that all things might be revealed unto them, whatsoever I will, according to their faith. 10 And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better. 11 And it shall be given thee, also, to make a selection of sacred hymns, as it shall be given thee, which is pleasing unto me, to be had in my church. 12 For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads. 13 Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made. 14 Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride. Let thy soul delight in thy husband, and the glory which shall come upon him. 15 Keep my commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive. And except thou do this, where I am you cannot come. 16 And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my voice unto all. Amen.

What can we learn from this about each sister’s responsibilities and opportunities?

1. we are called of God to be teachers (in our classes, in our homes, among our friends/associates)
2. we are expected to be knowledgeable in the scriptures
3. we have a responsibility for the spiritual growth of our fellow sisters

THE RELIEF SOCIETY ENCOURAGES WOMEN TO FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF THE SAVIOR IN SHOWING MERCY AND AVOIDING STRIFE

The Prophet warned against “feeding on the faults of others” (page 454):

“If you would have God have mercy on you, have mercy on one another… We are full of selfishness; the devil flatters us that we are very righteous, when we are feeding on the faults of others.”

What do you think this means?

1. We may form an elevated opinion of ourselves by looking down on others.
2. This may be a way of subconsciously defending our own shortcomings.

How might this attitude hinder the efforts of the Relief Society – or any quorum or group in the Church?

1. prevent us from loving those who we deem unworthy
2. cause us to think they don’t “deserve” our service
3. make others feel unloved or unwanted

What can we do to feed the Lord’s sheep rather than feed ourselves on their faults?

1. pray for patience and understanding
2. pray for guidance to know what they need from us

CLOSING OBSERVATIONS & TESTIMONY

Consider following verses from Proverbs 31:
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15 She ariseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Bear testimony of the holiness of the Relief Society

Birthday Box

I waited a little while to write about this because I made it as a birthday gift for a friend and I wanted her to receive it before I showed it to everyone. This is just a simple little cardboard box that I decorated and filled with lots of goodies. This puzzle angel is another piece from that larger puzzle I broke up earlier this year (you can see what else I've done with that on my previous post). On this box, the ribbon looks so dark but it's really a soft green, like the paper quote... but it has a sheen to it that turned black in the camera flash.

I really haven't had much time for art lately - long, busy days at the office have sent me home feeling drained for the past several weeks. I did manage to get my studio MOSTLY cleaned up and the remnants of many previous projects sorted, if not all put away. Sometimes it's easier to find inspiration when all your goodies are spread out around you, however my art space is tiny so there isn't a lot of room for clutter - it takes over my work table until I just have a small spot to work in and it piles up on the floor around me so that it's a maze to get in and out of the room. For the most part, I manage to keep it confined to that one room... otherwise it might take over the whole house!

Altered Box completed

Finally, here is the photo I promised of the box I altered. The above photo is the outside lid and the photo below is the inside lid. This puzzle section was a great find at Goodwill - I have several different angels from this puzzle, which I shared with my mom. One of my favorite little things is the birdie attached with a wire so he's literally flying above the box. Also, if you look closely, you'll see some text showing through the background tissue - I had something entirely different planned when I started, but this project just evolved into something else and I actually really like how the text peeks out here and there. I love it when art takes a creative turn on its own =)