WELCOME!

News in our Relief Society this week is bringing a warm welcome to our new neighbor, Sister Sarah Jones.  She and her husband have just moved into the Spevak Home and are planning on being around a long time.  We are excited to have them become the newest members of our ward.   In other news, Sister Elaine was back in our midst and we are so glad to see her.  She reported that Tony is doing better everyday and that he will be going back in May to have an MRI done to check his progress.  Sister Pam once again had her daughter, Chelsea, attending with her.  She is announcing a new granddaughter-to-be.  Congratulations, Chelsea!

Sister Marilyn has asked that, in view of so much sickness going around, we take a few minutes to check on our neighbors and make sure that all is well.  We really need to be watching out for each other.

Thanks to everyone who helped to make our Birthday Celebration a success.  Many hands went into making it such a worthwhile endeavor.  Thanks to Cindy Flanders and TiAnna Carson for their parts on the program.  Thanks to those who served some wonderful food and to all of those who helped to furnish.  We appreciate those ladies who helped with the special musical selection . . . it was great!

LESSON:

"The Lord's Law of Health" was our lesson on Sunday and Sister Bea Gubler did a wonderful job in her presentation.  Thank you!

Our bodies are temples of God and are Holy.  We should appreciate them and treat them with great respect.  Our Heavenly Father knows we can be happier, better people if we are healthy.  The Holy Ghost can be with us if our bodies and minds are clean.

We are taught that many things are good for our bodies and instructed on those things that are not.  Work, rest, and exercise are an important part of a healthy body.  Promised blessings come to us as we live the Lord's Law of Health. 

President Heber J. Grant has told us, "If you and I desire the blessings of life, of health, of vigor of body and mind; if we desire the destroying angel to pass us by, as he did in the days of the children of Israel, we must obey the Word of Wisdom; then God is bound, and the blessing shall come to us."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

It's BIRTHDAY WEEK!  On March 17, one-hundred and sixty-nine years ago, the Prophet Joseph organized the women of the church "under the priesthood after the pattern of the priesthood."  We have been richly blessed for having the opportunity to be a part of such a divinely organized "Relief Society".  Our lives are fuller because of it, our lives are happier because of it, and we are blessed by the revelation that comes into our lives because of it!

All Relief Society sisters and the Laurels are invited to attend our annual Birthday Event scheduled for Tuesday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m.  Please put this front and center on your calendar.  It will be an extraordinary evening!

On Sunday, we welcomed all our visitors this week who were here for the Gardner/Eggan Wedding.  It was a great event.  We wish our newlyweds much happiness in their new life together.

LESSON:

Our lesson this week was given by Sister Christy Gardner.  It was a wonderful re-visit to the subject of SERVICE.  "Christlike service grows out of genuine love for the Savior and of love and concern for those whom He gives us opportunities and direction to help.  Love is more than a feeling; when we love others, we want to help them."

President Kimball reminds us that "God does notice us, and he watches over us.  But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs."  None of us are exempt from relying on the help of others in our lives.   What a blessing it is to be the recipient of someone elses service.  What a blessing it is to be the giver of service to others.  "When we serve others we gain important blessings."  (See Chapter 28, page 164) 

Christ is the perfect example to us to follow as we give service.  May we follow Him and take advantage of the opportunities that come our way to give service to others.

Sister Marilyn Tullis conducted our meeting this week.  We had a great turn-out and welcomed the Young Women who joined us.  Marilyn especially welcomed her daughter, Nicole, and granddaughter, Alise.  Congrats to Alise, and her soon-to-be, (Weston Gardner) on their session at the temple on Saturday where they received their endowments in preparation for their upcoming wedding this coming week.  We enjoyed having the Laurels girls remain with us for our entire meeting.

ANNOUCEMENTS:

Cindy is wanting everyone to fill out her questionnaire.  Please had it in immediately.

This is for our Birthday Party.

The Humanitarian Center is still looking for twin-sized quilts.  Please check with Marilyn for current guidelines to follow when making your donation.

Bro. Steele wants any of the sisters, who are scheduled to clean the building by themselves, to know that he has some young men who will help them. 

Those who would like to sing the special song for our birthday party, please remain after Sacrament Meeting for a practice.

Good news . . . Bro. Tony Schriver is home.  It is necessary for him to wait for a little while before any treatments begin. 

LESSON:

"Encouraging Famiy Unity" was the topic for our lesson.  Sister Jill Schill, our newly released Personal Progress/Transition Leader, led a wonderful discussion on strengthening our families. 

She used a rope as a way to show us that the many strands added together gives it it's strength.  Individual strands separated from the rope will not be any good.  Families are like ropes.  Together we are strong and useful.

Several sisters offered ideas on things we can do in our homes to add strength:  Think before we speak . . . don't be quick to lash out; do what is necessary to have the spirit of the Lord in our home; don't worry about things that don't matter . . . be positive about family members; work hard to maintain a spirit of calm.

We need to assess our attitude in how we approach life.  Give more of ourselves . . . try harder -- to smile, to uplift . . . hold our right coarse.

Many beautiful tesimonies were offered by:  Sister Marilyn Tullis, Sister Wendy Warrick, Sister Polly Dorrity, Sister Shirley Richardson, and Sister Bea Gubler.  Thank you sisters for sharing your testimonies with us.  We are strengthened as we hear what you say.