Message from the Presidency: January

January Message

Brought to you by Sister Rachel Dimaya

Dear Sisters,

I would like to begin by wishing each and every one of you a very Happy New Year. The celebration of a new beginning is synonymous with New Year resolutions and goals, all in the hope of having a year that is in some way better than the preceding year.  As we contemplate on how we might improve, our minds inadvertently reflect on the year that was, sometimes looking back several years as we consider who we were, who we are and what we want to become. History is a powerful tool that we personally choose how and to what degree we use it.

Sister Julie Beck stated that “ultimately the value of history is not so much in its dates, times and places. It is valuable because it teaches us principles, purposes and patterns we are to follow, it helps us to know who we are and what we are to do, it unites us in strengthening the homes of Zion and building the kingdom of God on the earth”.

With this in mind the church under the direction of the First Presidency has gifted every sister a copy of “Daughters in my Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society”. This book provides a historical view of the grand scope of the work of the Relief Society and by so doing teaches us about the responsibilities and opportunities we each have been given in Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness.

Having read the book, I have come away with a greater appreciation and insight into the divine identity that we each have. We are part of a great work that has stretched across the globe and even though we might speak different languages, eat different foods and we all have the same desire to become all that the Lord would have us become.

I pray that we will all take the opportunity to prayerfully study the stories and principles that are found within and by doing so we will find inspiration from those who have gone before, thereby aiding us in our own journey. This is not a manual, that will be used every Sunday and so in the end the usefulness of the gift comes down to each of us personally. As we read within the pages of the lives of those who have gone before I know that we will be guided in how we might fulfil our sacred responsibilities and more fully come to feel the love of our Father in Heaven in 2012.

Much love,

Rachel

This message can also be found HERE