May We Live in the Spirit of Christ

Ladies Lunch

We've added an additional Ladies Lunch to the calendar! Join us Tuesday, Nov. 17th at 11:30am at Miyako Steakhouse and Sushi. Elizabeth Kelley will be hosting the lunch so please let her know if you'll be attending.

Sister in Need

We have a sister in the ward needing a crockpot, knives, and silverware. If you are able to donate any of these items please contact a member of the Relief Society Presidency.

Souper Service Swap

Join us Thursday, November 5th 6:30pm at the church for our quarterly meeting. Bring your favorite soup, bread, or pie along with the recipe to share. Our theme for the night will be service. Childcare will be provided.

Support our Stake Service Project

We are focusing on creating hygiene kits for the Stake service project. We'd like to have all donations by Thanksgiving and can be given to any member of the Presidency or deposited in the box in the Relief Society room. Below are the instructions and items needed to create the kit.

Hygiene Kit:
Please place the following items in a heavy-duty, one-gallon sealable bag. Remove the air before sealing.
*2 unbreakable combs without sharp handles
*4 toothbrushes (sealed)
*1 tube of toothpaste (6-8 ounces, no pumps)
*2 hand towels (approx 15x25 inches)
-dishtowels and washcloths are not acceptable.
-if sewing towels, use terry cloth and serge or zigzag to prevent fraying.

Congratulations Kelley Family!

Sarah Elizabeth Kelley arrived Tuesday, October 13th and 10:35am. Weighing 6 lb 10 oz and 18 1/2 in long. Mom and baby are home and everyone is doing well. Congratulations Elizabeth, Brad, and Matthew!

Free Car Seat Base

Brenda Barlow has a Graco Carseat base to give away to whomever needs it. Please contact her for more information!

Free Dog to a Good Home!!

He is the best dog, house-trained and really sweet. He needs a good home with lots of love, cause he has a lot to offer a good family.

Contact Kelly Hatch if interested.

Congratulations Chrystal and Nathan!

Chrystal Smith's baby boy (Cooper James )was born early Friday morning! Mom and baby are doing well. They will be released to come home from the hospital tomorrow. Chrystal's mom is coming into town Monday followed by a visit with her sister and other family members through the middle of October. She says she will let us know if she needs any meals or help!

Children's Musuem

Just thought everyone might want to know about this:
Free admission to the children's museum on the 2nd Tuesday of every month until the end of the year!
http://www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org/visitors/calendar/target_free_second_tuesdays

Birmingham Temple Tips

Birmingham Alabama Temple
Useful Information for Patrons & Church Leaders
Street Address: 1927 Mount Olive Blvd., Gardendale, AL 35071
Mailing Address: PO Box 945, Gardendale, AL 35071‐0945
Driving Directions: http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/birmingham/directions/
Location: Off Interstate 65 at Exit 272, East on Mt. Olive Blvd about ½ mile.

Telephone:
 Office ‐ 205‐631‐3444 (general questions and to make appointments for about 1 to 4 patrons)
 Office ‐ 866‐360‐3444 (toll free)

To submit several names of group members coming to do ordinance work:
 Fax ‐ 205‐631‐7726 (NOT for prayer roll names)
 e‐mail – birmi‐off@ldschurch.org (NOT for prayer roll names)

Temple clothing: Patrons are expected to bring their own temple clothing to the temple. Clothing rental is not available.

Temple Closings for remainder of 2009:
 Maintenance : 3‐17 August 2009
 Other: 4 July; 3 Oct. (General Conf.); 26 Nov.; 24‐25 Dec.; 31 Dec. ‘09 and 1 Jan ’10

Proxy Ordinance Schedule (as of May 2009):
Endowments (living endowments by appointment)
 Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 6:00 PM; 8:00 PM
 Wednesday: 10:00 AM; 12:00 Noon
 Saturday: 8:00 AM; 10:00 AM; 12:00 Noon
 Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 6:00 PM
 Wednesday: 10:00 AM
 Saturday: 8:00 AM; 10:00 AM
Initiatory
 Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 6:00 PM
 Wednesday: 10:00 AM
 Saturday: 8:00 AM; 10:00 AM
Sealing (sealing ordinances for the living by appointment)
 Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00 PM
 Wednesday: 12:00 Noon
 Saturday: 12:00 Noon (also 10:00 AM if we have enough patrons who request it)
Baptisms and Confirmations: by appointment. We can accommodate between 20 and 25
patrons in our baptistery. Towels, undergarments, and jump suits are furnished by the temple.
Temple Annex and Youth Center: Sorry, we don’t have one. However, there is an adjacent meetinghouse used by the Gardendale Ward of the Birmingham Alabama Stake which possibly may be available for visiting groups to use. The bishop has been very willing to accommodate groups coming from long distances to worship at the temple, including making the meetinghouse available for wedding receptions, firesides for waiting youth, etc. – if the ward does not already have an activity scheduled. The meetinghouse is scheduled through the ward’s executive secretary:
Kenneth Melton (As of 7 June 2009)
205‐822‐9106 (home)
205‐492‐8963 (mobile)
kdmelt@hotmail.com

Worshiping in a small temple. The major things you need to know about the Birmingham Temple (in addition to we are looking forward with excitement to your coming here) are:
1. Patrons attending small temples (ours) must bring their own temple clothing – WE DO NOT HAVE CLOTHING RENTAL. This is probably the most important thing you need to know since I believe Atlanta Temple patrons are used to that temple having clothing rental available.
2. We can accommodate 48 patrons in an endowment session. We can effectively run one endowment session at a time (we have one set of endowment rooms – I believe Atlanta has four). Patrons are strongly encouraged to call ahead to see if they can get a confirmed seat. Patrons desiring to receive their own endowment, sealing, etc. should schedule these as far in advance as possible. Patrons who come without a reservation will be welcomed and will be seated if at all possible. Reserved seats are confirmed until 15 minutes prior to the start of each session, after
which they are made available to anyone on a first‐come‐first‐served basis.
3. We have two sealing rooms. One accommodates about 40 patrons for weddings, the other accommodates about 25.
4. We do not have a chapel in our temple, and
5. Our multi‐purpose waiting room is tiny. Youth waiting for their baptismal group to be called, guests waiting for weddings, non‐members waiting for wedding parties, children waiting to be sealed to parents, etc. all share our one very small multi‐purpose room (which is also where temple workers eat their lunch).
6. Youth baptism groups need to be limited to 20 to 25 youth. (We have 24 half‐lockers each in the boy’s and in the girl’s changing rooms, which would be shared by both the incoming and outgoing back‐to‐back baptismal groups).
7. Our ordinance workers are friendly! We do our best to make all who come feel welcome.

See also: http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/birmingham/schedule/

Update on Sis. Dickens

Dear Sisters -

We wanted each of you to be aware that Angie Dickens can now have visitors. Bro. Dickens said that when people had been coming to visit she really perked up and he could tell that the visits were doing her good. He thought it would do her good to have visits especially from the sisters. She can not speak but she can tell that people are there visiting.

It would be best if people visited after lunch because she has PT in the mornings. Also he said to not plan to stay too long since she can't speak but just having new faces in the room seemed to be making a big difference.

She's at Kennestone Hospital in room #G 664.

Thanks!
Elizabeth

Congratulations Chapman Family!

Emily Chapman had her baby Friday night at 12:03 am - 7 lbs 13 ozs, 20 1/2 in. Her name is Lilia, and they are still deciding on a middle name.

She will be coming home from the hospital on Sunday.
Congratulations, Emily & Britt!

Free Microwave!!

We have a stainless steel microwave free to a good home. If you know of anyone who needs it, let us know. Whomever wants it needs to pick it up by this evening.

Thanks!

Stephanie Sullivan

Just for fun!

The first 3 sisters (in the Smyrna Ward) to comment on this post will receive a treat next Sunday.

Just want to see if you're paying attention!

Blood Drive

We're hosting a blood drive for the American Red Cross this Wednesday, June 3rd from 2pm-7pm. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are encouraged. Please contact Penney Blankenship or Lisa Best to schedule an appointment.

Please support our community and give blood! Each donar will recieve a gift from the Red Cross and be entered to win a cruise for 2! Invite your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to join us!

Relief Society Presidency Message

Adversity & Service

Sisters we are blessed to live in the fullness of times when the gospel is being taught to all people and we are privileged to have latter-day prophets and temples that dot the earth. But with these great blessings come even greater attacks from Satan. We are constantly being tempted and swayed from the things we know to be right to do things that aren't right or even just things that would occupy our time and keep us from doing all that the Lord would have us to do. Many of us are experiencing financially difficult times in combination with spiritual struggles. We are so fortunate to know that through all of these challenges our Father in Heaven is truly mindful of us and will bless us. We know that we will be tested and we have to remain valiant and strong even when the storm clouds gather around us. One way that we can cope with the challenges that we have in our lives is to reach out to those around us. As we lose ourselves in service to others we will find that we will be able to better cope with our own challenges.

Quoting a talk from by Elder Merrill J. Bateman, "following baptism, a commandment-keeping member seeks to “bear one another’s burdens, … mourn with those that mourn, … and comfort those that stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:8–9). As we keep the commandments and render that kind of service, the Lord can “pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon [us]” (Mosiah 18:10; see D&C 20:77). The reward for obedience and service is not only the gift of the Holy Ghost but also special gifts of the Spirit. Paul defines the fruits of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control (see Gal. 5:22–23). The Holy Spirit blesses us with Christlike attributes as we serve each other."

I bear witness that I know that as we serve one another through trials and adversities we will not only bless those that we serve, but we will also receive even greater blessings in our lives. The Lord loves each of us and is mindful of the challenges that we face. We encourage you to reach out to the sisters and families around you and to become a shoulder for them to cry on and a loving support to them. As you give of your time for others you can be certain that the Lord keeps his promises and you will be blessed with the things that you and your family need. Sisters, we love you and constantly pray for your welfare.

All our love,
RS Presidency

Visiting Teaching Message

Visiting Teaching Message

Participate in Sincere Prayer
Ensign, June 2009
Prayerfully teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.


Sincere Prayer Has Strengthening Power

Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: "Think of our combined strength if every sister had sincere prayer every morning and night or, better yet, prayed unceasingly as the Lord has commanded. If every family had family prayer daily . . . , we would be stronger" ("What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 110).

Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: "Prayer changes our lives. Through it we draw near to the Lord, and he reaches out his finger and touches us, so we never again are the same.

"Prayer is a great tower of strength, a pillar of unending righteousness, a mighty force that moves mountains and saves souls" ("Patterns of Prayer," Ensign, May 1984, 32).

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: "Every honest and sincere prayer adds another piece to chain-mail armor. . . . One of the most important ways to clothe yourselves in the armor of God is to make sure that prayer—earnest, sincere, consistent prayer—is part of your daily lives" ("Be Strong in the Lord," Ensign, July 2004, 10).

D&C 112:10: "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers."


Sincere Prayer Is Holy Communication

President James E. Faust (1920–2007), Second Counselor in the First Presidency: "First, prayer is a humble acknowledgment that God is our Father and that the Lord Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. Second, it is a sincere confession of sin and transgression and a request for forgiveness. Third, it is recognition that we need help beyond our own ability. Fourth, it is an opportunity to express thanksgiving and gratitude to our Creator. It is important that we frequently say: 'We thank Thee . . . ,' 'We acknowledge before Thee . . . ,' 'We are grateful unto Thee . . . ' Fifth, it is a privilege to ask Deity for specific blessings.

" . . . Sincere prayers come from the heart. Indeed, sincerity requires that we draw from the earnest feelings of our hearts" ("The Lifeline of Prayer," Liahona, July 2002, 62; Ensign, May 2002, 59–60).

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: "Meaningful prayer requires both holy communication and consecrated work. Blessings require some effort on our part before we can obtain them, and prayer, as 'a form of work, . . . is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings' (Bible Dictionary, 'Prayer,' 753). We press forward and persevere in the consecrated work of prayer, after we say 'amen,' by acting upon the things we have expressed to Heavenly Father" ("Ask in Faith," Liahona and Ensign, May 2008, 95).

President Thomas S. Monson: "As we offer unto the Lord our family and our personal prayers, let us do so with faith and trust in Him. Let us remember the injunction of the Apostle Paul to the Hebrews: 'For he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.' If any of us has been slow to hearken to the counsel to pray always, there is no finer hour to begin than now" ("A Royal Priesthood," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 61).

Luau!

You and your family are cordially invited to
a Traditional Hawaiian Luau, including Polynesian dancers, music, food and fun.
Date: Friday, June 19, 2009
Time: 7:00pm
Location: The Carlson's Meadow, 5005 Jett Road, Atlanta, GA 30327 (directions on the invitations handed out in Church)
RSVP (very important): GLENRIDGELUAU@GMAIL.COM
Please bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.

Donations Please...

A sister in the ward is moving and is in need of the following items. If anyone has any items that they would otherwise be donating, she'd be happy to have them.

kitchen table
pots/pans
bakeware
silverware/dishes
glasses
lamps
end tables
curtains
bedding - king size
towels
bookcases
washer/dryer

She is also looking for a roommate to share cost of rent & utilities.
Anyone having any items for donation, please contact a member of the RS Presidency.

Newsletter

Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?
Please read through the lyrics of this popular church hymn. At the end of each question mark what is your answer?
Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
Has anyone’s burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?
Chorus:
Then wake up and do something more
Than dream of your mansion above.
DOING GOOD IS A PLEASURE, A JOY BEYOND MEASURE,
A BLESSING OF DUTY AND LOVE!
There are opportunities for service all around us. Every day we are able to help someone in need. We can go out of our way make meals or provide childcare, send cards to the lonely or sick, call someone and find out how they are doing let them know we are thinking of them and love them. If you are doing these things please keep it up! The Lord loves and blesses those that love His children, and we are all God’s children. If you can do more please do so. For example, can you increase your fast offering or donations by 5, 10, or 25% and still be just fine?
If your answers didn’t fair to well to the questions above please ask yourself why? If you aren’t doing any service and don’t feel comfortable doing it then we ask that you pray for strength. Pray for opportunities that you will recognize and feel good about seizing. The Lord will bless you. He wants to bless you. But, most importantly you will be blessing others. I pray that you will keep up the good work, or try a little harder. Lengthen your stride and your journey towards Eternal Life will pass more quickly.
Just like the song says “So WAKE UP and do something more…”Is there any better feeling than helping another and bringing a smile to their face as we help lighten their burdens?
“A blessing of duty and love!!” Mosiah 2:17 “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God.”
You are AMAZING! We see the needs, and we see your potential and the potential far outweighs the needs. I love you. We as a Presidency love you. The Lord loves you. “Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure, a blessing of duty and love.”
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen
Bonnie Higley

Volunteers

The Smyrna Ward Cub Scouts are in need of some volunteers to help supervise day camp this year. Day camp is a week-long activity held at Jim Miller Park on June 8-12 from 7:45am - 3:00pm. Obviously, we are not asking for anyone to commit to an entire week of help, but if you are available for any of those single days, we desperately need the help!

The commitment entails showing up for the time and shepherding about five, very willing boys through a series of activities run by other people (things like archery, crafts, etc.) Volunteers can be female or male (ask your husbands if they are available too!).

There is a brief fact sheet that you need to fill out please contact Ariel if you are willing to volunteer and she will get you the form. Please respond quickly as the registration is due this week! Let me know if you can be of service.

Thanks so much. We really appreciate any help you can offer!



Ariel Partridge
(ariel.partridge@gmail.com)

Temple Baptisms

We are performing Temple baptisms for some family names THIS SATURDAY at 2:30 pm. We need sisters and brothers to help with the session. If you are able to come please let Bonnie Higley or leave a comment. You need to be at the Temple no later than 2:00 pm. The Temple is closing...the count down is on!

thank you so much!!

Seamstress?

RaKel Reznik is looking for someone willing to sew a formal jacket for her. She will be in a wedding soon and needs some assistance. Please leave a comment if you are able or know someone that might be.

thanks,
bonnie higley

House to rent?

Sarah Mitchell has some good friends (a couple) that want to move into our ward and rent a 3 bedroom home for 9 months to a year. Please let Sister Mitchell know if you know of anything. Thanks!

Message from Sister Smith

Dear Sisters-
Saturday May 16th is our next dry pack cannery date at 1:00PM. I will need your order quanties by May 10th. All order will be paid for the day of canning. Watch for sign up sheets. Also, you can view and print a copy of the list of items available from the church web site by going to www.providentliving.org then look under family home storage, then home storage order form.

We have an opportunity to order 1 gallon and 1/2 gallon clear pete plastic large mouth containers with metal lids the 1 gallon will hold a #10 can, the 1 gal is @ $2.90, the 1/2 gallon size @ $2.60 you can view a picture of these at www.industrialcontainers.com they come 4 to a case if you do not want a full case let me know, we can split the orders. Shipping charges may apply, but should be very cheap as they ship by weight not volume
DEADLINE FOR THIS ORDER IS APRIL 30TH.

A Spring Food order from Walton is in process with the deadline of April 26th. If you are interested in ordering anything from them please contact me ASAP. It took several months to receive our order from them last year, and a fall order was not placed. Orders must be paid for in advance. I have not printed up order forms from them yet so if you are interested in looking at the list contact me, or check out www.waltonfeed.com . Debbie Smith if you have any questions. 770-314-7069 cell, or 770-819-0027 work e-mail: debbiesmith422@yahoo.com

Duvet Set

Courtney Hobbs has a Duvet set that has a duvet, bed skirt, and 2 pillow shams. They were going to take to good will, but they would love to give it to someone who would put it in a good home! Please let her know or someone in the relief society presidency know if you are interested. You could also leave a comment if you are interested.

Temple

In July the Atlanta temple will be closing. The first presidency sent this message about the closing.

Dear Brethren:

Beginning Wednesday, July 1, 2009, the Atlanta Georgia Temple will close for a renovation of the temple, which will require approximately 15 to 18 months to complete.

During the closure, members are invited to attend other temples as their circumstances permit. However, inasmuch as attendance at some of the temples in the area is by appointment only, patrons or priesthood leaders should contact the temple well in advance of any planned visit.

We encourage all members to remain worthy of, or to become worthy of a temple recommend in preparation for the time when the temple will be reopened.

Sincerely yours,
The First Presidency


On April 24th will be Stake Temple Day. 7p.m. is the Smyrna Ward Session. We encourage all who can to attend.

If you will be attending this session or going to the temple soon, Sis. Mayne has family names that need temple work. Please contact Sis. Mayne or a member of the relief society presidency if you are able to help.

Atlanta Stake Service Project

Saturday April 25th will be the ATLANTA STAKE'S PICK-A-PATH CLEANUP!

This is a project that allows us to serve the community. It will be from 9 am till noon, with all meeting at the Ponce Building for lunch and closing ceremonies. We will be in charge of Stone Mountain trail behind Agnes Scott College/Arabia Mountain Trail. Please contact a member of the relief society presidency if you have any further questions!

Going away party for Pres. & Sis. Beals!

Pres. and Sis. Beals son is throwing them a going away party for all of you who would like to go say your good-bye's here is the information for the party!

Saturday, April 25, 6-8pm
Family & Friends Gathering for Jack & Kay Beals
Home of Justin & Jennifer Beals

1675 Laurel Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30318


If lost, call Jack's cell, 404-403-6478.

Congratulations Partridge Family!

Ariel had Gwyneth on Wednesday, April 15.
7 lbs, 12.7 oz, 20 in.
Head full of jet black hair

Mom and baby are doing well. Ariel's family will be visiting for the next week or so.

Congratulations Grandma and Grandpa Beals!

As most know, Pres. and Sister Beals wil be reporting to the MTC the first week of May....however, not many know that they are currently in Arizona, and this past Tuesday became the very proud, first time grandparents of a little baby boy. Their daughter Amber and her husband Andrew, had a little boy, his name is Alder Tate. I think he weighed about 8lbs, mom and baby are fine, and grandparents are soaking up as much as they can in a hurry.

Free Furniture!

Sister Dorothy Hill has a dresser with mirror and chest of drawers that are free to a good home. You will need to pick them up from her home. Her phone number is 770 435 6779.

Presidency Message

Sisters,

This is always such a beautiful and inspiring time of year! The signs of new life are everywhere. What a great reminder they bring of the Resurrection and the New Life that the Savior continually offers to each of us. It seems so fitting that we also get to hear the renewing Word of God through His chosen servants this month.

I hope that each of you are able to fully enjoy the blessings of the Living Word from this month’s General Conference as you hear, read, and study them over the next few months. We each have our own struggles, circumstances, and questions, but I know that each of us can find the comfort, help, and answers we need at this time as we sincerely search these precious words. Neal A. Maxwell stated that, “We can scarcely be in tune with God if we are not in harmony with His prophets. We are not likely to hear God’s instructions to us as we pray if we neglect the counsel of His leaders.” I pray that we all can be in tune with God as we seek to know and follow the words of His chosen leaders so that we can receive the personal revelation for our lives that we so desperately need.

I love you all and hope that you have a Very Wonderful Easter!

Emily Chapman

Visiting Teaching Message (April 2009)

Search the Scriptures DiligentlyEnsign, April 2009

Teach the scriptures and quotations that will help the sisters you visit understand these principles. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.

Why Search the Scriptures?

President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95): "I commend to you the revelations of God as the standard by which we must live our lives and by which we must measure every decision and every deed. Accordingly, when you have worries and challenges, face them by turning to the scriptures and the prophets" ("Fear Not, Little Flock," in 1988–89 Devotional and Fireside Speeches [1989], 112).

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994): "Success in righteousness, the power to avoid deception and resist temptation, guidance in our daily lives, healing of the soul—these are but a few of the promises the Lord has given to those who will come to His word. . . . Certain blessings are to be found only in the scriptures, only in coming to the word of the Lord and holding fast to it. . . .
" . . . Recommit yourselves to a study of the scriptures. Immerse yourselves in them daily so you will have the power of the Spirit to attend you in your callings. Read them in your families and teach your children to love and treasure them" ("The Power of the Word," Ensign, May 1986, 82).

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985): "As you become more and more familiar with the truths of the scriptures, you will be more and more effective in keeping the second great commandment, to love your neighbor as yourself. Become scholars of the scriptures—not to put others down, but to lift them up! After all, who has any greater need to 'treasure up' the truths of the gospel (on which they may call in their moments of need) than do women and mothers who do so much nurturing and teaching?" ("The Role of Righteous Women," Ensign, Nov. 1979, 102).

How Can I Treasure the Scriptures?
2 Nephi 4:15: "For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children."

Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: "One good way to start studying the scriptures is to 'liken' them to ourselves (see 1 Nephi 19:23). Some people start by choosing a subject in the Topical Guide that they need to know more about. Or they start at the beginning of a book of scripture and look for specific teachings. . . .
"Whichever way a person starts studying the scriptures, the key to unlocking important knowledge is to keep studying. I never tire of discovering the rich treasures of truth in the scriptures because they teach with 'plainness, even as plain as word can be' (2 Nephi 32:7). The scriptures testify of Christ (see John 5:39). They tell us all things we should do (see 2 Nephi 32:3). They 'make [us] wise unto salvation' (2 Timothy 3:15).
"Through my scripture reading and the prayers that accompany my study, I have gained knowledge which brings me peace and helps me keep my energies focused on eternal priorities. Because I started reading the scriptures daily, I have learned about my Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and what I need to do to be like Them" ("My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures," Liahona and Ensign, May 2004, 108–9).
President Thomas S. Monson: "The holy scriptures adorn our bookshelves. Make certain they provide nourishment to our minds and guidance for our lives" ("The Mighty Strength of the Relief Society," Ensign, Nov. 1997, 95).