In "Simplifying" I Hear Him

Every year for New Years I pick one word that I want to focus on for the upcoming year. My husband teases me and tells me not to pick such good words because without fail the Lord teaches me (and my family) lessons on the word that I have chosen. Usually they are hard lessons, but worth it. This year I picked the word 'Simplify'. Now some might think that 2020 has been anything but simple, but 2020 has taught me what's truly important and what can be weeded out. My husband got furloughed before Christmas and was furloughed for 7 months. With my husband being home, the soft closure of the schools, the 'stay at home' order, and having a high risk child, needless to say we have spent a lot of time together this year. It's been wonderfully trying! We didn't have any of the usual busy/normal life stuff to fill our time. We had each other. We laughed, cried, fought, played, prayed, and learned. I took this time to refocus on the Savior and follow the prophets council to "Hear Him". 2020 has been noisy. Things are constantly changing. But there is one thing that has remained the same and always will... the love of our Savior. It's simple. I choose to follow Him because he is constant. When I get caught up in the noise of the world and social media, I refocus on the Savior and I instantly feel His peace. He does not take away the problem, but he strengthens me to be able to take another step. It has not been an easy year for any of us. I have been so grateful for the opportunity the Lord gave me to 'simplify' so I can 'hear Him' more clearly. Next year I hope I can learn the lessons of my word more quickly so we don't have to shut the world down with another pandemic!

~Brittney Patane

Video 2: I Choose to Believe

Sisters in our stake explain why they choose to believe as they go through challenges and trials of life. Video 2 of 2.

True Effort and Exact Obedience

Photo from LDS.org. Used with permission.

by Belinda Lenhard
A few months ago, I was asked if I would share my thoughts about the temple during the lesson in Relief Society. I immediately asked the teacher, “Have you somehow heard about the experience I've been having at the temple, or did you just feel prompted to call me?” I had been praying in my heart that I'd have a chance to share my experience with others.

She expressed her concern about who to ask because we're all at different places with our temple attendance, and she was worried about approaching someone that might not be at a place where they felt comfortable sharing. So she got down on her knees and was given inspiration on who to ask, and I felt so grateful that she had the faith to receive an answer and that the Lord provided me the opportunity to bear witness of the blessings I've felt from attending the temple.

Over the last year I've felt a desire to be more prepared. In the beginning I was focused on temporal preparedness EVEN though deep down I felt spiritual preparedness should be the top priority. Well, after a while, beyond just acknowledging this, I finally began to believe that spiritual preparedness isn't just as important--IT'S MORE important. 

In President Henry B. Eyring's talk "Spiritual Preparedness," which I highly recommend, he discusses how many of us, when considering how to prepare for life’s calamities, stock up on whatever we think we might need for future use. And then he says:

 But there is another even more important preparation we must make for tests that are certain to come to each of us. That preparation must be started far in advance because it takes time. What we will need then can’t be bought. It can’t be borrowed. It doesn’t store well. And it has to have been used regularly and recently. What we will need in our day of testing is a spiritual preparation. It is to have developed faith in Jesus Christ so powerful that we can pass the test of life upon which EVERYTHING for us in eternity depends. That test is part of the purpose God had for us in the Creation.

The Empty Pickle Jar, Relief Society Style

How do we squeeze every single thing on our to-do lists into our lives each day? An empty pickle jar just might have the answers.



This video was shown at the Richness, Rewards, and Well-being Women's Expo held on August 16, 2014.

Women's Expo: Finding Balance Through the Lord

by Renee Packer
This powerful message explains how you can find balance as you navigate the spiritual, physical and mental well-being of your life.

The presentation includes the video "The Empty Pickle Jar, Relief Society Style," and a link to the two videos of "More Holiness Give Me."

Finding Balance Through the Lord from Renee Packer

Women's Expo: My Life Is Different Now

by Kim Loose
I am grateful to be a part of the sisterhood of this stake. I wanted to share with you how being a part of this stake Relief Society has been a blessing in my life.

I am new to the stake, so I didn't know about the Daughters in His Kingdom website until the recent expo. I've been on it every day since. It's replaced my aimless scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed. I have used it to kill time in the waiting room, to help me focus before scripture study, and as my pick-me-up in the afternoon.

The expo was very inspired. I want you to know that my life has been different since. Sister Packer spoke about priorities, and her message touched my heart. I have tried to make sincere prayer, personal scripture study and keeping my covenants first priority. It's simple, but powerful. The Spirit has been in my home and heart more.

As I have put first things first, things have truly fallen into place. I hurt my back, so all exercising goals have fallen to pieces. Usually that would discourage me, but with first things first, I have felt peace with my situation. My two-year-old son built a temple out of blocks this morning after we looked at The Friend together! Who cares if I can't run a 5k? I'll get better and be able to eventually.

Women's Expo: Your Life, the Musical

Sharing Station Handouts
Your Life, the Musical
presented by Tina Beck

Click here for these notes in a PDF book.
Scroll below pictures for handouts.
Pictures of sharing station:

Women's Expo: First Things First

Sharing Station Handouts
First Things First
presented by Julie Passey and Bonnie Gregson

Click here for these notes in a PDF book.
Scroll below pictures for handouts.
Pictures of sharing station: