Save The Date - General Women's Session

We are looking forward to our next gathering as Columbia Maryland Stake Sisters.  We hope many of you will be able to join us for a meal followed by the General Women's Session Broadcast.

We are looking for sisters to help us with the meal.  Please use this SignUp Genius link if you would be able to help.  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f044ea8a722aaf49-general

If you have not used SignUp Genius before, you will need to create an account as part of the process.

The Tortoise NOT the Hare

I recently felt impressed to ask Sister Debra Burt to share her thoughts on family history work with us.  I love what she shared!

"I feel like the tortoise and definitely NOT like the hare in doing family history.  The slow work, bit by bit, is how I've been able to participate in family history.  I was feeling worried recently that I really haven't done anything of significance in the years I've been plodding along.  Then, I rooted through my research book and pulled together all the temple ordinance cards that I've been able to complete.  My cards actually made a small pile.  It made me smile to think I had played a role in bringing ordinances to all those family members.  It gave me a boost to keep plugging along.  I think eventually I will be able to pick up my pace and do more.  It's a joyful work."   - Debra Burt

We do sometimes wonder if we are making any progress as we wind our way through our family tree.  Research can be tedious and take time. Sometimes we can't see the forest for the trees.  We keep seeing branches and roots and leaves - all the bits and pieces.  But when we step back and look from a high perspective, we can see the whole landscape.  We can see the individuals and families that our work has brought the blessings of the Gospel and saving ordinances to.  We can see our family woven together and extending in all directions as a forest covering the landscape of our lives.  So while you may feel your work is moving slowly - remember that the speed is not what matters.  Just as with the tortoise - keep trying, keep moving and you will find your progress bears fruit.

- Lorie Pierce

Personal Moments with Gordon B. Hinckley

Janice Maughan - Columbia 2nd Ward

At the beginning of the year I prepared an overview lesson about President Hinckley using the information at the beginning of the Relief Society/Priesthood manual. What an amazing man!  His accomplishments, his service and dedication to the Church, and his energy are inspiring and a little overwhelming.  

I love his calm and loving but very logical, problem-solving attitude.  Whether it was helping provide better printed material for missionaries, or recommending that the temple instruction be put on film, or decentralizing authority by creating Area Presidencies, or bringing the Church out of obscurity through the use of media, or creating the Perpetual Education Fund to help underprivileged members, or introducing smaller temples so more could be built, he was an innovative problem solver.  President Hinckley cared about people so much and felt a keen responsibility for helping and lifting them.  I love that quality of leadership.  I'm grateful for his example.