January Lesson Notes

Relief Society January Lesson

Love the Lord

My Notes

One way I really feel loved is when people have time for me.  While I was growing up, my mother stayed home, and I could talk with her while she cleaned or made dinner or did other things.  My first few years at college I could call her during the day and she would be home.  Then my dad got sick and couldn’t work, and my mom went back to work as a school teacher.  

I've been moved

At our church, I've been working in the library helping keep things running and organized for over two years.  Last month, that changed.  I've been asked to help teach the women (Relief Society) on Sundays.  I'm excited for a chance to spend more time thinking about truth and reading the scriptures.  Somehow I always learn so much more than there is time to share.

My first lesson was the Sunday before Christmas.  We talked about the many prophecies of Christ that had been made and just who this amazing baby was, sharing some of our favorite scriptures about Him.  Then we read the Christmas story.  Isn't it amazing that Christ was willing to come as we all do, as a helpless baby?

My favorite part of the whole experience was reading and looking for scriptures about Jesus Christ during December to prepare.  I've learned that one powerful way to experience Christmas in my heart is to spend a lot of time in the scriptures.

I'll be teaching most months (but only once a month.  Whew!).  When I have reasonable notes, I will share my lessons' notes here.

edit:  I will be teaching lessons taken from the scriptures and the teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, the president and prophet of our church when I was a child.  (Our manual this year is here.)  Just in case you wonder why I'm quoting him so much...

Hello!

The Prize Winner of Defiance Ohio

Recently I read a fascinating book titled The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio.  It is a true story of Evelyn Ryan's life written by her daughter.

Evelyn Ryan is a housewife in the  1950's and 1960's.  Her husband struggles to provide for their family of 10 kids due to his alcoholism.  She keeps their family afloat by entering poetry and jingle contests.

Terry Ryan beautifully captures the love, work, and sacrifice of a mother and the redeeming power they can have on those around her.  She doesn't hide the struggles of a poor family but there is always hope in her writing.

London Highlight - Jeeves and Wooster

This past summer, the Professor and I had a chance to visit London without our entourage.  It was wonderful.  One night we attended a three man show called Jeeves and Wooster.  I loved it.

The show is based on the books by P G Wodehouse written almost one hundred years ago.  The stories are about a rich, stupid, entertaining young man (Bertie Wooster) and his smart, proper butler (Jeeves) who gets him out of the most convoluted scrapes.

In the show, three actors play Wooster, Jeeves, and one other butler.  The butlers also act out all of the other parts as part of their butler duties.  And, of course, Jeeves provides all of the scenery.

The actors did a fabulous job with the characters.  They captured each personality well.  Considering that at times that meant acting like a proper butler acting like a headstrong girl or an imposing aunt, this was no small feat. 

The show was hilarious.  I laughed until my cheeks were sore.  One of my favorite parts was watching proper Jeeves play both parts of a spunky girl arguing with her strongly opinionated uncle (complete with costumes.)

I found the show to be a perfect ending to a London day.

Food for thought

This morning I listened to yesterday's BYU devotional. (You should be able to watch here.)  Elder Dale G. Renlund spoke about spiritual stability.  I really liked what he had to say and the stories he shared.  He talked about obeying the commandments, being teachable and humble, serving others, and focusing our lives on Christ.  But go watch it.  He says it beautifully and illustrates each point well.

London from St. Paul's Cathedral