August Newsletter Scripture

"Consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual."

—Mosiah 2:41

August Newsletter Updates

Relief Society Message –

The new word for the month is "IMPROVE" to go along with our Small and Simple Things theme (Alma 37:6).

Simplify, Miracles, Atonement, Laugh, Love & Service, Improve

There are many areas to improve in: communication, relationships, teaching, marriage, finances, health, self-image, etc. Pick an area that you would like to improve and take the steps to do so.

"If we remember the Savior and all he has done and will do for us, we will improve our actions and thus come closer to him, which keeps us on the road to eternal life." Elder John H. Groberg

"Having high expectations for yourself can be good. They can lead you to improve. But they are not good if they lead you to get down on yourself. While you should do your very best to live gospel standards and repent when you fall short, you shouldn’t feel guilty about making mistakes that aren’t sins. Mistakes are just a part of growth and learning.

Improving is different from feeling like you have to be perfect all the time. No one will achieve perfection in this life. Even the Savior, who was the only sinless person, had to learn and grow during His mortal childhood. Pray for help as you strive to keep the commandments." Sep. 2007 New Era

Congratulations to the Lampers! Baby boy born July 25th, 7 lb. 6 oz, 19" long. And a big thank you to those who helped with our service project in July. We appreciate all of your services to each other!

Primary News – Exciting Birthdays - Andi turns 12. And Leila turns 8 this month! Leila will be baptized on Sep 3rd.

Young Women News – Congratulations to Jennie and Kylee who will be doing color guard this year. Brianna received her ribbon for completing the Divine Nature value. Andi will be joining YW!

Dates

August 17 (Wed) RS Potluck Dinner – 6:30pm at Sis Gartin’s home. Food and activity "Daughters of God". All sisters invited to come and get to know each other better. Nursery will be provided.

August 20 (Sat) Stake 30 Year Reunion – Meet at the new stake pavilion at 8am for the 5K Run or at 8:30am for breakfast. Look forward to a delicious breakfast, bounce house and booths with ward & stake histories. Please invite former stake members to join us.

August 26, 27 (Fri-Sat) Ward Campout – Jordan Pines in Big Cottonwood Canyon - Come for whatever amount of time you can. Potluck dinner will be at 6:30pm and breakfast the next morning at 8am. Call the Sanders for more info.

August Newsletter Finance Tip

In his April 2004 Conference talk entitled Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin outlines five key steps to financial freedom. Over the next several months we’ll be taking a look at each of these steps in turn and exploring some helpful information to help us conquer our earthly debts. The five steps are these:

· First, pay your tithing.

· Second, spend less than you earn.

· Third, learn to save.

· Fourth, honor your financial obligations.

· Fifth, teach your children to follow your example.

Each of these steps offers great counsel, but I also love that Elder Wirthlin remembered heavenly debts in his talk because our heavenly debts cannot be forgotten. In his closing remarks he stated,

“We have earthly debts and heavenly debts. Let us be wise in dealing with each of them and ever keep in mind the words of the Savior. The scriptures tell us, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” The riches of this world are as dust compared to the riches that await the faithful in the mansions of our Heavenly Father. How foolish is he who spends his days in the pursuit of things that rust and fade away. How wise is he who spends his days in the pursuit of eternal life.”