Wishing you a Christmas filled with Love
  "Love, without Love there would be no Christmas. Every person in the Christmas story acted out of love: Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men and especially our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Because of their love for us, God's own son "descended below all things" (D&C 88:6). First as a baby in Bethlehem and throughout his mortal life, He was the embodiment of love. In Gethsemane and Golgotha, the Lord exemplified pure and perfect love. And because of Him, we can return to our Heavenly Father's presence and feel a fullness of love. Christmas is a time for rekindling love, for expressing love, and certainly for feeling an abundance of love. The beloved Primary song says it so well: "How could the Father tell the world of Love and tenderness? He sent His son, a newborn babe, with peace and holiness."
  Virginia Pearce, daughter of President Gordon B. Hinckley said "One of the remarkable qualities about God's love for us is that not only do we experience it as validating and affirming, but it also produces growth and change in us. It literally moves us forward, toward Him and our own eventual exaltation. It is a sculpting, correcting and purposeful kind of love.
  We don't have to be perfect to love one another. In fact, our love for each other enlarges when we give each other room to grow, to make mistakes, to repent, and to forgive.
Jesus said, "a new commandment I give unto you. That ye love one another as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 13:34
  President Gordon B. Hinckley said "Christmas is more than trees and twinkling lights, more than toys and gifts and baubles of a hundred varieties. It is love. It is the love of the Son of God for all mankind. It reaches beyond our power to comprehend. It is magnificent and beautiful."
  The Prophet Joseph Smith said: Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the Sons of God. A man filled with the love of God is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race."
  The last verse of "Oh Holy Night" sweetly sings of love: "Truly he taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace." (from a Christmas treasury by Lloyd and Karmel Newell)

May the love you feel for, and the love you feel from our Savior fill your heart and abode this Christmas. May we each search this new year for opportunities to share the love that our Savior has offered us. Let it renew and restore our faith in each other, our faith in ourselves to endure and most especially our faith in Him. He is able to carry our burdens. He is able to show us the way to a fullness of joy. It is through Him we can do all that is required of us in this life.                                                 "So blessed that moment of wonder,,,,,,when love was born on earth."
This Christmas may your heart rejoice knowing you've received from Him the greatest gift of all. And  "Let all that you do be done with Love"
Love from,
Addie Simper President Centralia Stake Relief Society
Sally Montgomery 1st Counselor
BJ Barnes 2nd Counselor
Heidi Simper Secretary

2017 Relief Society Course of Study Schedule

Jan 1     (Presidency) The Life and Ministry of Gordon B. Hinkley
Jan 8     G.B. Hinckley #1 page 43 The Restoration- Dawning of a Brighter Day
Jan 15   G.B. Hinckley #2 page 55  An Ensign- A Light to the World
Jan 22   Elder D. Renlund "Repentance: A Joyful Choice" Oct. Gen. Conf. 2016
Jan 29   5th Sunday Instruction determined by Bishop

Feb 5    Presidency Instruction
Feb 12  G.B. Hinckley #3 Pg.69 Cultivating an attitude of Happiness and Optimism
Feb 19  Stake Conference
Feb 26  Elder Q. L. Cook "Valiant in the testimony of Jesus" Oct. Gen. Conf. 2016

Mar 5     Presidency Instruction
Mar 12   G.B. Hinckley #4 Page 81 The Pioneer Heritage of Faith and Sacrifice
Mar 19   G.B. Hinckley #5 Page 95 Daughters of God
Mar 26   Elder L. G. Robbins "The Righteous Judge" October Gen. Conf. 2016

Apr 2      General Conference
Apr 9      G.B. Hinckley #6 Page 107 How Mighty a Thing is Prayer
Apr 16    G.B. Hinckley #7 Page 117 The Whisperings of The Spirit
Apr 23    Elder E. Schmutz "God Shall Wipe Away All Tears" Oct. Gen.Conf. -16
Apr 30    5th Sunday Instruction determined by Bishop

May 7      Presidency Instruction
May 14    G.B. Hinckley #8 Page 127 We Look to Christ
May 21    G.B. Hinckley #9 Page 141 The Precious Gift of Testimony
May 28   2017 General Conference message to be announced

Jun 4      Presidency Instruction
Jun 11    G.B. Hinckley #10 Pg.153 Nurture Eternal Partnership of Marriage
Jun 18    G.B. Hinckley #11 Page 165 Home-The Basis of  Righteous Life
Jun 25    2017 General Conference message to be announced

Jul 2      Presidency Instruction
Jul 9      G.B. Hinckley #12 Page 177 Obedience: Simply live the Gospel
Jul 16    G.B. Hinckley #13 Pg.189 Peace and Contentment Through Self-Reliance
Jul 23    2017 General Conference message to be announced
Jul 30    5th Sunday Instruction determined by Bishop

Aug 6      Presidency Instruction
Aug 13   G.B. Hinckley #14 Page 201 Losing Ourselves in the Service of Others
Aug 20   G.B. Hinckley #15 Page 213 The Holy Priesthood
Aug 27   Stake Conference

Sept 3    Presidency Instruction
Sept 10  G.B. Hinckley #16 Page 225 The Power of the Book of Mormon
Sept 17  G.B. Hinckley #17 Pg.235 Continue in the Great Process of Learning
Sept 24  2017 General Conference message to be announced

Oct 1     General Conference
Oct 8     G.B. Hinckley #18 Page 249 Virtue-A Cornerstone on Which to Build
Oct 15   G.B. Hinckley #19 Page 259 Priesthood Leadership in the Church
Oct 22   2017 General Conference message to be announced
Oct 29   5th Sunday Instruction determined by Bishop

Nov 5    Presidency Instruction
Nov 12  G.B.Hinckley #20 Pg. 273 Fellowship With Those Not of Our Faith
Nov 19  G.B.Hinckley #21 Pg. 283 The Latter day Miracle of Missionary work
Nov 26  2017 General Conference message to be announced

Dec 3    Presidency Instruction
Dec 10  G.B.Hinckley #22 Pg. 295 Reaching Out with Love to New Converts
Dec 17  G.B.Hinckley #23 Pg. 309 The Blessings of The Holy Temple
Dec 24  2017 General Conference message to be announced
Dec 31  5th Sunday Instruction determined by Bishop

Additional Lessons from the manual not presently scheduled may be used at the
discretion of the ward Relief Society Presidency during Presidency Instruction
weeks.

                                   Emulating Christ at Christmas

  President Ezra Taft Benson said "Without Christ there would be no Christmas, and without Christ there would be no fullness of Joy. It is my testimony that the babe of Bethlehem, Jesus the Christ, is
the one perfect Guide, the one perfect Example. Only by emulating Him and adhering to His eternal truth can we realize peace on earth and good will toward all."

  If we look to the world this season we will find a commercialized holiday. A holiday which can induce raw emotion, stress, anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, depression etc. It is unfortunate that so many lose sight of Christ during the Christmas season.
  As we enter this Christmas season let us all focus on Christ and in turn focus our efforts on emulating his perfect life.
  To emulate Christ we must follow the virtues of the Savior's character as outlined by Peter:
"Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue: and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness; charity."
  Emulating Christ takes commitment and action on our part. That is action we can control! Rather than focusing on outside influences which can cause negative feelings or behaviors, let us look to the Savior's pure example and commit to living  life modeled after His. In doing so we will be more patient, kind and charitable this Christmas.

Heidi Simper Centralia Stake Relief Society Secretary

  Dear Sisters of the Centralia Stake,

  "Every woman is special, a somebody of intrinsic worth who has been a somebody for a very long time, indeed, forever. Every daughter of God born of divine heritage in the spirit before this world was formed, enters mortality already a special, eternal person. Each has proved herself in demanding periods of trial and has chosen the right course, pursued it with faith and courage and comes here with credentials earned in action elsewhere. Every girl, every woman is a somebody apart and aside from anyone else, husband or family or otherwise."  Elder Marion D. Hanks "Equality of Esteem"
  As we know a big part of our Centralia Stake is made up of many single sisters. We may not know their circumstances or how they meet the challenges of life but they are admired for their resiliency, faith, and motivation to endure to the end. Many sisters have strong and enduring marriages, while some are unmarried, divorced or widowed. Some sisters live on a fixed income struggling from one paycheck to another. Some sisters work outside of the home while others through choice or circumstance stay at home. Some are in wonderful health while others have serious health issues. Many sisters have difficulty sitting for three hours of church meetings, some cannot drive at night. Some struggle with the needs of their children while others enjoy what seems to be an ideal home life. Some of our sisters are challenged with feelings of loneliness each day. Sometimes I sit in sacrament meeting and recognize sisters that never seem to use their smile muscles and wonder if they are one step away from despair.
 Paul taught in Galatians 6:2 "Bear ye one another's burden and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Elder Holland stated during a recent conference, "Don't you quit, you keep walking, you keep trying, there is help and happiness ahead. Some blessings come sooner, some come later, some don't come until heaven, but those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come."
  It is my prayer that we might fill our hearts with compassion and charity and be sensitive to each other. Let's encourage each other, lets love each other and let's smile at each other. Let's bear each others burdens. You are a daughter of our Heavenly Father, you are special, you are somebody with divine potential and infinite worth.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sally Montgomery Centralia Stake Relief Society 1st Counselor

CENTRALIA STAKE RELIEF SOCIETY ANNOUNCES "EVENING OF EXCELLENCE"
  We are excited and delighted to announce a cultural Evening of Excellence sponsored by the
Centralia Stake Relief Society. All Adults 18 years old and above are invited to attend this very
special evening Thursday July 20, 2017 at 7:00 pm.
  Our keynote speaker for this exceptional evening will be the well known author of numerous
books and audio CD's Brad Wilcox. Brad is a Professor of Education at Brigham Young University
and author of several books as well as a popular speaker for the Church. Brother Wilcox grew up
in Provo Utah but lived several years with his family in Ethiopia. He and his wife served as Mission President in Chili and later served as a member of the Sunday School General Board. He and his wife Debi have four children and are Grandparents. Brad loves reading, writing, teaching, peanut M&M's, pepperoni pizza and is trying to learn to love salad.

  Other activities will include presentations of original award winning poetry and musical talent
from the Centralia Stake, including a cultural hall display of various talents contributed by
SISTERS throughout the Centralia Stake. Refreshments will be served.

Announcing: EVENING OF EXCELLENCE TALENT SEARCH
  We invite all Relief Society Sisters age 18 and above to participate by submitting original works
of creativity and art. Items submitted will be judged prior to the event and will later be displayed
in the cultural hall during the "Evening of Excellence."
                            The Theme for entries will be centered on JESUS CHRIST
                        "THE HEALING GIFT AND POWER OF THE ATONEMENT"
  Please submit authentic original works only. The following categories will be judged by an
impartial committee of judges who reside outside of our Centralia Stake.
  We acknowledge that talent exists and is expressed in far more numerous ways than can be
highlighted in one evening. The categories for original works that we encourage for submission
to be showcased for this event are as follows.
POETRY
WRITINGS
ART all types IN ANY MEDIUM
LYRICS WITH MUSIC
MUSIC for Piano, Violin, Cello, Harp, Flute
SEWING
PHOTOGRAPHY
CALLIGRAPHY

  ALL APPROPRIATE ART AND CREATIVE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE DISPLAYED. In addition
one submission from each category will be highlighted and showcased on the "Award of Excellence"
table. Chosen submissions WHICH QUALIFY FOR "THE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE" may be used in the creation of that evening's printed program and may be asked to be performed during that
evenings event. Original Authors and Lyricists may, but need not be the performer, singer or reader.
  We reserve the privilege of holding an audition to assist in acquiring an excellent presenter for your
original musical or vocal number.
  We encourage all Relief Society Sisters and non member Sisters within the Centralia Stake
boundaries to participate. We may accept entries from outside the Centralia Stake boundaries
for display purposes only. Entries from without the Centrlia Stake boundaries will not qualify
for the "Award of Excellence" table. College Students away at college whose primary address
during holidays and breaks resides within the Centralia Stake boundaries will qualify as being
members of the Centralia Stake for this event. All sisters that reach the age of 18 years of age
 by July 20, 2017 may qualify to enter.
  Every effort will be made to return original submissions with the understanding that the
Centralia Washington Stake and/or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints members and
participants are not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged entries.
  Instructions for Submissions are as follows:
  To submit original works please use a legal size manila envelope. DO NOT include your name.
On a blank cover sheet please put the name of your WARD, the FIRST LETTER ONLY of your
MAIDEN name and the FIRST FOUR DIGITS of your BIRTH DATE.
For example (Cowlitz Falls R0515) THE LAST DAY FOR ENTRIES WILL BE THURSDAY
JUNE 1, 2017 at 9:00 pm
Please submit your original works to a member of The Centralia Stake Relief Society Presidency.
  We encourage ALL Sisters to participate.
We very much anticipate a wonderful evening of creativity, cultural art and spiritual enrichment.

  Creatively Yours,
Addie Simper Centralia Stake Relief Society President
Sally Montgomery 1st Counselor
BJ Barnes 2nd Counselor
Heidi Simper Secretary

A Message of Thanks from Sallye Johnston

Dear Sisters of the Centralia Stake,
Words cannot alone express my grateful heart for all of
the beautiful notes and the gorgeous silver serving trays.
You are all above and beyond generous with your words,
thoughts and thoughtful gift. I will use them often and
each time I do I will be thinking of each of you!
It has been a pure joy and learning experience to serve
the sisters of the Centralia Stake. I have learned much
through this wonderful opportunity. It has been a pleasure
to get to know so many in the Stake, so many gifted and
talented daughters of God all in our midst.
The Lord gives us many opportunities for growth if we
will trust and say "Yes".
May each of you continue to be blessed as you serve.
My love to each of you dear sisters. I am thankful for each
and every one of you. I love you!
Love, Sallye Johnston

Stand as a Light - Kizoa Video Editor - Movie Maker

Dear Sisters of the Centralia Stake,
We encourage you to view the
Worldwide Leadership Auxiliary Training
Broadcast which was originally aired on
November 5th. 2016 but is available as a
resource and can be viewed at lds.org.
Elder Holland presided over the meeting
and it was very informational. It may be
used for personal instruction, training of
current teachers or the orientation of new
teachers. We hope you will enjoy the use of
 this excellent teaching and training resource.

Addie Simper Stake Relief Society President
Sally Montgomery 1st Counselor
BJ Barnes 2nd Counselor
Heidi Simper Secretary

Thank You

Dear Sisters of the Centralia Stake,

     I want to thank each of you sisters for the love and support that you have  shown to me and those sisters that have served along with me as the Centralia Stake Relief Society Presidency for the past six years. It has been enjoyable! I have enjoyed the opportunity to visit your wards, meet you sisters and be strengthened by you. What a blessing it is to have the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives and to have an organization that provides what the sisters in the church need to help us be better women, wives, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, friends etc.
     It has been a pleasure to have had the opportunity to get to know so many of you. I so admire your gifts, talents, your willingness to accept assignments and serve in so many capacities as needs have arisen. Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ provide so many opportunities to learn, grown and be strengthened through callings and service to others.  As we put forth effort to do good, look for the good and help one another we grow and are strengthened.
     I was thrilled this morning to raise my right hand to sustain our newly called  Stake Relief Society president, Sister Addie Simper, first counselor, Sister Sally Montgomery, and secretary, Sister Heidi Simper. What wonderful women with testimonies of Relief Society, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and who understand the value and importance of women in the kingdom .
      I have a testimony of the gospel, I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, Joseph Smith is the prophet of the restoration, the priesthood has been restored to the earth at this time for the benefit and blessing to each of us. We have a living prophet today in Thomas S. Monson along with the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers and revelators. Our Stake Presidency and our bishops have been called by proper authority. My heart is full to know that we live in the last days, much has been given to us and much is expected of each of us as we prepare for the second coming of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ.
     May each of our testimonies grow and  be strengthened as we learn more of our Father's kingdom  here on earth as we strengthen home and family and assist those in need.

Love,
Sister Sallye Johnston

Fourth Sunday Lesson Schedule

               

May Presidency Message

The Gift of Nurturing

The gift to nurture is given to women. To some it is bestowed divinely at birth. To others it is a gift to be sought, exercised through service and developed over the years. Nurturing to me denotes nourishing of body and soul. A support to the spirit and growth of another...Nurture can be a word or a touch. A connection of understanding between friends. Many have shown me what it feels like to be nurtured. I think of Primary, Young Women's leaders and Bishops from my youth. A young sister in our Stake that reached out to me and became a mentor during my high school years or an exceptional elementary school teacher in my fifth grade, a first Relief Society President that became a friend to me while raising my young children and others like my own dear sisters and visiting teachers that through the years have been there to support and sustain me through the ups and downs of life.

As Mother's Day approaches my mind is filled with reflections of those from whom I received the sweet gift of nurture. One was my own Mother, the Mother of nine children and eight and a half months pregnant with number Ten. Mom was both gentle and fierce. One day while my Father was at work she was alerted to the fact that a neighbor woman was at that moment being severely beaten by her husband. Mom saved the day by pushing in the kitchen door to the neighbors house armed with a broom which she squarely applied  and commanded the man to leave...and he did !!!

Mom befriended the forgotten. I remember how she helped to activate a young blind Mother to the Church by picking her up for each activity. Many afternoons were spent in service cleaning and organizing this blind sisters home which enabled her to adopt two additional children. This sister eventually was called to be a teacher in Relief Society and served  faithfully while sharing her extraordinary talents.

I believe my Mom's greatest example of Christianity was how she lived outside of church. She was one of those embarrassing Mothers that would ask Young Mothers at church if they needed any help with several of their squirrely children during Sacrament meeting. She was one to always slow the car down if she saw a young Mother or aged Grandmother struggling with groceries and children to ask if they needed a ride while our cheeks flushed and we shyly sunk to the floor of the car.

Mom would take one or two of us along as she visited shut-ins, the aged, the lonely, the ill or infirm. She invited to our home a man with the Palsy, took me to visit a man who had no nose, only a seeping hole marred by cancer. We sat with the dying and the mentally ill. Making her rounds, checking in to see what was needed. She had teenagers to lend for an afternoon to clean or weed or babysit.

We grew to love others as she loved them, through service. We became adept at recognizing the needs of others as she loved them through service. Empathy for the less fortunate was taught by example. sinners were forgiven, help extended to the poor, food for the hungry, balm to the broken hearted. Mom had a gift for recognizing the unspoken need of another. She was determined to do whatever she could to relieve them even when she had few resources herself. Growing up in Montana my brother describes transients coming to the door of where we lived begging for food. Mother would feed them and then give them the opportunity to earn their meal. On more than one occasion she would be fixing a meal and get a phone call of some family in need. She would pack up the meal and take it to them then return home to fix a different and perhaps less appetizing meal for the family. Many lives were touched by her spirit of inclusion and compassion. Mom fostered a spirit of gratitude. She was quick to send a thank you note even if what she was thanking you for was a card, or something nice she had heard you say. She kept the corner florist in business as she was always the first to send flowers.

After my Mother's funeral and the year that followed, Relief Society sisters would approach us to tell us reverently how my Mother had saved them or served them during times of great need or distress. What they hadn't known during all of those years was the very private struggle my Mother had had with clinical depression, anxiety, migraine headaches, Parkinson's, cancer and various other debilitating maladies. In spite of her own afflictions she was able to reach out and nurture those around her. Her favorite scripture "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

Perhaps it was her own battles that caused her to be so sensitive to the plight of others and caused her to see their need for nurture. As our Mother's health declined in later years she lived life with grace and dignity. She accepted the limitations that advancing years brought her without complaint. The experiences we shared with our Mother during her last years remain sweet memories. I hope to live a life that brings honor to my Mother. The most important gift she gave me was the gospel of Jesus Christ. She also gave me life. She nurtured me and taught me about the Son of God that promises Eternal Life in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sister Addie Simper

Stake Relief Society President

Presidency Message April 2016

Dear Sisters,

     Are you so busy checking your electronic devices and crossing chores and errands off your to do list that you have forgotten to enjoy life? If you are zipping through life-its daily tasks and troubles-to get to the next thing, ask yourself what that next thing is. Tomorrow's daily tasks and troubles? Next week's?
     There is no tomorrow to remember if we don't do something today. BUT, that "something" needs to be meaningful in Our Heavenly Father's plan for us. President Ezra Taft Benson stated: "When we put God first,all other things fall into their proper place-or drop out of our lives..." (The Great Commandment, Ensign May 1988).
     Sometimes all we can hear is the loud drumbeat of dissatisfaction, even if the rest of our life offers a constant and beautiful melody. If we are always wanting what we don't have, always wishing for more or different, or being anywhere but here, it's time to take stock.
     C.S. Lewis wrote:"The moment you have a self at all, there is a possibility of putting yourself first-wanting to be the center-wanting to be God, in fact. That was the sin of Satan: and that was the sin he taught the human race... what Satan put into the heads of our remote ancestors [about the fall of man]was the idea that they could 'be like gods',could set up on their own as if they had created themselves, be their own masters, invent some happiness for themselves outside of God, apart from God. And out of that happiness attempt has come the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy." 
     Happiness is a direction; not a place! Every life has peaks and shadows. The Lord in his wisdom, does not shield anyone from grief or sadness. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, happier as a result.
     Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on the job training. Those experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin commented: "Sometimes the very moments that seem to overcome us with suffering are those that will ultimately suffer us to overcome." ("Come What May, and Love It," Ensign Nov 2008)
     What is most important in life goes hand-in-hand with gratitude for our blessings. Be reminded of what you DO have, and that is likely all you need. We may already have what we are seeking. Just as the characters in the "Wizard of Oz" had all for which they were searching. The tin man had a heart of love. The scarecrow had a brain in good working order. The lion had all the courage he needed. Each had to endure some difficult times, but ultimately recognized they already had these things within them. the same applies to us. Heavenly Father gave within each of us all that we will need in this mortal existence.
     In our mortal existence, difficulties and challenges will be tossed in our path. Like those characters in the "Wizard of Oz", we will probably encounter a "witch" or two along the way. Life may not always be a yellow brick road, but nevertheless, a definite path has been laid on which we can travel to return to "never ending happiness" (Mosiah 2:41) in the presence of our Heavenly Father, where we will fully understand "there is no place like home".

Love,
Sister Val Walsh
Stake Relief Society Secretary

March 2016 Presidency Message

Dear Sisters,

Happy March to you!  And a very wonderful Easter!

The teachings of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, guide us as we endeavor to "Stand as a Light" to the world.

 John 14:15 ...."If ye love me, keep my commandments.

 John 13:35..."ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another."   Galatians 5:13...." By love, serve one another."

1 John 2:10..."He that loveth his brother {sister} abideth in the light."

1 John 5:3..."This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments."

We hope that you  enjoyed  the Women's Conference on February 26th and 27th and felt the spirit of love and hope and sisterhood that was so evident. A special thanks to those who participated in any way from prayers and music to demonstrations and classes. set up, clean up, and let's not forget the wonderful food!  Our stake is truly blessed. And in case you didn't  know, because of the generosity of you dear sisters, and others in the community, 250   purses were filled with basic necessities and donated to local organizations to assist women in need in both Lewis and Thurston counties. Bless you!!

Sister Elaine S. Dalton, former Young Women General President, has said, "Each one of us has a part to play, and no matter how small or how insignificant you think your part is, it matters to the whole. We have something very important to do. We were born to lead and change the world."  Your donations to the "Shepherd's Purse" project have definitely changed someone's world and given them hope and dignity.

At this Easter time, we reflect on the great love that Heavenly Father and Jesus have for each of us; so much so that they made it possible for us to live with them and our families for eternity.

John 15:13..."Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

John 3:16..... For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

We so love and appreciate each of you good sister, and wish you each a very happy Easter.

Centralia Stake Relief Society Presidency

Sallye Johnston ~ President

Cathy Bentley ~ 1st Counselor

Addie Simper ~ 2nd Counselor

Val Walsh ~ Secretary

January 2016 Relief Society Presidency Message

"Lord Cleanse me of anything that Breaks your Heart"

This humble supplication pierces my heart each time I read it much like the first time I pondered it.
It is similar to the theme of a favorite Book of Mormon account in Alma 22 when Aaron and his brethren were led to the land of Nephi and met the Chief Lamanite king, the father of Lamoni. The King's question to Aaron was this, "What is this that Aaron said "if ye will repent ye shall be saved, and if ye will not repent, ye shall be cast off at the day?" Aaron then teaches the king the surety that there is a God that created all things. He expounded the scriptures teaching him about the time from creation of Adam and the plan of redemption which was prepared from the foundation of the world, through Christ.14) "And since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth, and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory." 15) "After Aaron had expounded these things unto him, the king said: "What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy."

In this declaration the king states his desire. What is our desire? Have we longed for a closer relationship with our Savior that would cause us to consider giving up our favorite sin? In later verses the king humbly pleads "Oh God, Aaron hath told me there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all of my sins to know thee, that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day."

As we approach the beginning of a new year we are often inclined to take a self inventory. Do we really want to take old baggage with us into the new year? Can we consider leaving behind negative attitudes, grudges, judgements, recrimination, past mistakes, old addictions, misunderstandings or any other folly that causes us to lag behind a more joyful potential? Said Tyler Knott Gregeon:
"Oh what we could be if we stopped carrying the remains of who we were". Sometimes we have to let things go to make room for better things, to make room for a more divine self, a more glorious, more appreciative, more faithful, more devoted daughter of God, centered in Christ.

How do we recognize what we need to do in order to become the person God desires us to be? President Monson in October 2015 conference said "I reiterate what we have been told repeatedly, that in order to gain and keep the faith we need, it is essential that we read and study and ponder the scriptures. Communication with our Heavenly Father through prayer is vital. We cannot afford to neglect these things, for the adversary and his hosts are relentlessly seeking for a chink in our armor, a lapse in our faithfulness. Said the Lord, "Search diligently, pray always and be believing and all things shall work together for your good."

Paraphrasing Dieter F. Uchtdorf as he spoke in April 2015 General Conference "The Gift of Grace", "The grace of God is our great and everlasting hope. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the plan of mercy appeases the demands of justice and brings about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance. Many people feel discouraged because they constantly fall short. They know firsthand that "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Our sins, though they may be as scarlet, can become white as snow. Because our beloved Savior gave himself a ransom for all. An entrance into His everlasting kingdom is provided unto us. The gate is unlocked! It leads to heights we can scarely comprehend! "The spirit of the Lord (Our God) brings about such a mighty change in us...that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually." Therefore, our obedience to God's commandments comes as a natural outgrowth of our endless love and gratitude for the goodness of God. This form of genuine love and gratitude will miraculously merge our works with God's grace. Virtue will garnish our thoughts unceasingly, and our confidence will wax strong in the presence of God." Enlightenment and understanding come to us when we do the will of the Father." "Today and forevermore God's grace is available to all whose hearts are broken and whose spirits are contrite. Jesus Christ has cleared the way for us to ascend to heights incomprehensible to mortal minds. I pray we will show our love for God and our gratitude for the gift of God's infinite grace by keeping his commandments and joyfully walking in a newness of life."

May we feel to say "Lord cleanse me of anything that breaks your heart." May we look to Him our Savior with clean hands, pure heart, peace of conscience and with loving gladness as we welcome the New Year before us. In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Sister Addie Rushton Simper
Centralia Stake Relief Society President