Hello ladies! As I write this the snow is swirling in circles as the wind blows outside my window.  Our autumn has been lovely and long, but now with the arrival of crisp air and snow, I feel the holidays can now begin.  I'm usually not up for any Christmas before Thanksgiving stuff, but this year, the extra bit of light from a beautifully lit Christmas tree, and the twinkle of pretty glass things has lifted my spirit, and I welcome it.  This past week or so has been emotional for most of us, in some way or another, and as I've been witness to small acts of kindness around me, whether a compliment here, or a small act of service there, it makes me want to try harder, to lift those around me.  We know that we have the opportunity to influence those closest to us, so that means first those in our homes, and then reaching out to those in our ward/community.  Please remember that while the holidays are a time of joy and merriment, there are many who suffer quietly for various reasons.  Many are lonely, or experiencing loss or trials that we may not be aware of.  Be prayerful and reach out those those in your circle of influence.  Make meaningful contact with those you visit teach.  Find ways to serve them, even if they "appear" to be fine or not need anything.  Everyone wants to know they are loved and cared for.  We love each of you sisters, and are grateful for the many ways you serve and look out for each other. Keep praying, loving and serving the way you do.


Announcements

Nov. 30th- our "Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas", dinner and program. I recently started reading the little book this program comes from, and it is beautiful.  I'm so excited to attend.

Dec 17th @9am- Mark your calendars for our ward Christmas party-details to come

Service opportunity: Every Monday in December, at 9:30 am, it's our turn to clean the church.  This usually takes just about 45 minutes, and dare I say is kind of fun? It's not a deep clean, just emptying garbages, some vacuuming etc.  Remember that many hands make light work.

Lesson Review

Monica Thatcher taught Sunday's lesson on Faith.  What is faith? She told the story that related faith to a refiners fire.  A silver smith has to put his silver into an extremely hot flame, and carefully watch as it changes, making sure not to leave it in the flame too long, or it will be destroyed.  The woman asked the silver smith when he knows the process is done, and he replied "when I can see my image in it".  A beautiful illustration that each of us is put into our own flame for the purpose of refinement.  The master knows just how long to expose us to the heat, without destroying us. Only when our image reflects his, can we be pulled from the heat.  Some points that were brought up were this: Faith is something we develop in our own hearts, and "to see is to believe, to believe is to see". Zandra Wansgard gave this great analogy.  When you first begin to exercise it's hard.  If that exercise is put off or done just once in awhile, it continues to be hard.  It's only when we are consistent in our exercise that our muscles become stronger, and the change we are looking for begins to take place. I loved that! It made perfect sense that faith is a muscle that must be continuously and consistently exercised.  Only then will our faith become stronger.  Monica gave this quote, "The supreme achievement of life is to find God and to know that He lives".  Thank you Monica!