PRESIDENCY MESSAGE
CENTRALIA STAKE RELIEF SOCIETY
JANUARY 2014
Just as a fresh blanket of snow changes the landscape into "unmarked territory", calling out to little explorers with their sleds and snow boots, blank pages of a new calendar can give us a sense of opportunity, possibility, and even resolve. Something about starting a new year generates energy and commitment.
Many people declare "New Year Resolutions" for themselves. If you are making "resolutions" as this new year begins, may I suggest that you resolve to have more faith: faith in yourself, faith in mankind, and most of all, faith in our Heavenly Father.
Life is tricky. It can bring us challenges, difficult decisions, disappointments, or even moments of terror. We need to know not only that God is aware of us, but that He will help us- if we believe in and seek after Him. It is our faith in God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ that will fill us with peace and hope (even in the midst of uncertainty). Faith precedes hope. It is God who helps us do what we have come here to do. When we believe that, we can become more productive and hopeful.
Whether having lived two, five, seven or more decades, we can begin again to "walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4). New beginnings are all around us. Life gives us abundant opportunities for a fresh start-to improve our lives, complete schooling, master a career, or pursue a dream. The help we need to accomplish those pursuits is available from Our Heavenly Father.
Make a "resolution" to proceed with desire and trust to increase in Our Heavenly Father, and with His assistance, make this a wonderful new year.
Sister Val Walsh
Secretary, Centralia Stake Relief Society
