After dinner I introduced the musical number, “Singing in the Rain” (title song to movie of same name).
After the musical number I introduced the topics that would discussed, they are numbered below. Each topic is followed by scripture references or quotes from General Authorities to help them in their preparation. Each sister was asked to speak for 7-10 minutes. This was a perfect amount of time. Following these 3 topics is a copy of the letter I sent to each of the presenters prior to the activity.
1. "Why are there "showers" throughout this mortal journey?"
D&C 122:7
"I am like a huge,rough stone rolling down from a high mountain;...knocking off a corner here and a corner there. Thus I will become a smooth polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty."(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel.Joseph Fielding Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co.1938, p. 304.)
President Harold B Lee stated in general conference in 1965: "Just as a flood-lighted temple is more beautiful in a severe or in a heavy fog, so the gospel of Jesus Christ is more glorious in times of inward storm and of personal sorrow and tormenting conflict"(in Conference Report, Apr. 1965,p. 16.)
Orson F Whitney said: "No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience,faith,fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure patiently, builds up our characters,purifies our hearts, expands our souls and makes us more tender and charitable,more worthy to be called the children of God... and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven" (cited in Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle, Salt Lake City; Deseret Book Co., 1972, p. 98)
2. "To whom should we look for refuge from the storm?"
Alma 38:5
Finding a Safe Harbor by Joseph B. Wirthlin: Be assured that there is a safe harbor. You can find peace amidst the storms that threaten you. Your Heavenly Father- who knows when even a sparrow falls- knows of your heartache and suffering. He loves you and wants the best for you. Never doubt this. Wile He allows all of us to make choices that may not always be for our own or others' well being, and while He does not always intervene int he course of events, He has promised the faithful peace in their trials and tribulations.
The prophet Alma tells us, "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people." Jesus comforts us when He said, "Peace I leave with you ; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
Draw close to the Lord Jesus Christ. He bears a special love for those who suffer. He is the Son of God, an eternal King. In his mortal ministry He loved them and blessed them.
To the meek and discouraged, His every word was one of compassion and encouragement. To the sick, He brought a healing balm. Those who yearned fro hope, who yearned for a caring touch, received it from the hand of this King of Kings, this Creator of ocean,earth and sky.
Today Jesus the Christ stands at the right hand of our Heavenly Father. Do you suppose that today He is any less inclined to aid those who suffer, who are sick to who appeal to the Father in prayer for Succor?
Be of good cheer. The Man of Galilee, the Creator, The Son of the Living God will nor forget nor forsake those whose heart are drawn to Him. I testify that the Man who suffered fro mankind, who committed his life to healing the sick and comforting the disconsolate, is mindful of your sufferings,doubts and heartache."
3. "What blessings await us after we valiantly weather the storm?"
D&C 58: 2-4
D&C 121: 7-8
D&C 14:7
D&C 75:16
James 5:11
After the last presenter I thanked them and shared a few closing remarks. We then sang “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” and had a closing prayer. Dessert was served.
Sister NAME OF SISTER ,
Thank you for being willing to participate in our ward's quarterly activity on Thursday, May 13th at 6:30pm in the multi-purpose room of the Stake Center. I know that the evening will be rewarding for all those who attend.
The title of the evening is “April Showers Bring May Flowers”.
As we know, life was not meant to be easy and sometimes the storms we are asked to endure can be more than we think we can handle.
I love the scriptures found in D&C 121:7 and 122:7 respectively.
The Lord speaks to Joseph Smith, “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment.” D&C 121:7
“If thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; … know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.” D&C 122:7
We have been taught and know through personal experience that if we weather the storms the blessings that follow are as immeasurable as the flowers in the spring time.
One of the greatest blessings is laid out in 3 Nephi 31:20, “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, …, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.”
There will be 3 topics presented during our Relief Society Meeting. Each has to do with the theme of the night. The first is: Why are there showers throughout this mortal journey? The second is: To whom should we look for refuge from the storm? And the third is: What Blessings await us after we valiantly weather the storm?
Please prepare a 5-10 minute presentation on the theme highlighted below. I've included some scriptures that relate to the topic you've been given. Personal experiences and teachings from the prophets are also appropriate references. Feel free to get the sisters to interact and participate with you.
You were prayerfully selected for this topic and I know that as you seek help from the spirit you will deliver a message that our sisters need to hear.
Your topic is:
LIST TOPIC AND RELATED SCRIPTURES AND QUOTES HERE
Sincerely,
My Name
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