Provident Living: Food

Posted by: Sally

I've been wanting to recommit myself to saving money on our food bill. With a little effort I find that we can eat better and save money.  My step mom sent me a book called Centsible Meals by Lorae Bowden and I've really enjoyed reading it.  It's helped me get back into checking grocery store weekly ads so I can get the best prices on produce and meat. It's also encouraged me to buy in bulk when i find a good deal.  I made my pizza dough from scratch yesterday when I've been in the habit of buying pre-made refrigerated dough.  The kids loved helping me and it was healthier and cheaper.

I thought I'd share a few tips from the book for anyone that is interested.  Also, I'm willing to loan out this book to anyone that would like to read it.  I think the advice is sound and I whole heartily agree with her.  When discussing it with Willie, I mentioned that my grandmothers would wonder why someone even wrote a book like this since it's common sense. Well, not anymore. I feel like the general pull of society is away from these principles, favoring fast food, quick meals and non fresh food. As LDS women we are lucky that we are still taught these things.  I'm not done with the book but here are a few things I've learned/been reminded of so far.

1.  Less Processed = Less money

Evaluate what you buy and see if you can make it yourself from scratch for less.  If a bag or a box is included then it's probably processed.  Basic ingredients like beans, flour, rice, oatmeal, potatoes are cheap.   Learn to make your own food.  It saves money. It's healthier.  The author argues that it's doesn't take much more time than preparing a processed meal.  Beware, a lot of coupons are for processed foods. You may be able to save more money making the item yourself or buying a generic brand.

2. Make Your Own Bread

It's cheaper and healthier.  She suggests to plan a meal with homemade bread then make it when you are making dinner so you don't have to take time during another part of the day.  Freeze the extra loaves.

3.  Buy in Bulk and Buy Generic Brands

Calculate the unit cost of what you buy.  This will help you know what is a good price. She is not a fan of membership clubs like Sam's because the prices are not always as good as buying the store brand at a regular store and she ends up buying more than she came there to get.  A good sale on a name brand item may be what the regular price is on a generic brand.

4. Eat with the Season/ Grow Your Own

Eating things that are in season saves money and it's healthier.  Food travels less distance if it is actually being grown close to where you live.  For instance, a green pepper that comes from Mexico was probably picked early and had to travel get to the store.  A green pepper grown in Colorado was picked closer to being ripe and had a shorter time to travel.  Better yet, the green pepper you grown in your backyard doesn't have to travel at all and can picked when it's perfectly ripe

Relief Society Lesson: May 20th, 2012

Recap by Karen Holt:

      


The RS lesson today was called "The Scriptures, the Most Valuable Library in the World".  I really felt President George Albert Smith's love for the scriptures as I read and prepared this lesson.  


He encouraged everyone to study the scriptures as a way to build their own testimonies of the gospel.  In class we talked about how we gained our own testimonies of the truthfulness of the scriptures, some by their mother's examples, some in primary and some through personal study.  We discussed ways to give the scriptures a more prominent place of importance in our homes, putting them above other good books that we read and giving them a higher priority.  President Smith said that all of the truths that we need, to gain our eternal salvation, can be found in the scriptures.  


The scriptures are so readily available to us in our day in many shapes and forms, in books, e books, internet etc.  We can even have the scriptures read to us as we drive to work or get ready for the day!  We decided that it doesn't matter how we study them, in what "form" just that we DO study them, and be consistent about it.  The scriptures help us overcome trials and prepare for exaltation, and some touching personal examples were shared.  


We also discussed several good tips and ideas on how to teach the scriptures and the importance of reading and studying the scriptures to our children.  President Smith said, "Will our Father hold us guiltless when we go home, if we have failed to teach our children the importance of these sacred records?"  He admonished us to read them in our homes and teach our families what the Lord has said."  We can be a good example to our children in our personal and family study of the scriptures.  


We were left with two questions to ponder this upcoming week: What can you do to be more diligent in studying the scriptures personally and/or with your family? and "What are some ways to apply the scriptures or our lives today".  I have a testimony that we will be blessed as we study the scriptures more diligently!




Side notes by Sally DeFord:




Here is a link to the lesson in the manual.  You can read, download, print or even listen to it.


http://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-george-albert-smith/chapter-10?lang=eng




Here are some free mobile applications mentioned by Sister Holt:


http://www.lds.org/pages/mobileapps?lang=eng




Here is where you can read, watch or  listen to general conference:


http://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2012/04?lang=eng

Visiting Teaching Lesson Recap: May 14, 2012

Posted by Christy:

Thank you to all that were present in our meeting last Sunday--our Visiting Teaching Conference and thank you to those of you that wanted to be there but couldn’t for various reasons.  Thank you for all you do in visiting teaching-- in loving each other.  We are lucky to enjoy these friendships and even sisterhood.  A very special thanks to those that prepared thoughts and music last week:  Sister Carol Hymas (also our Visiting Teaching Supervisor), Sister Amber Chabra, Sister Cassa Fox, Sister Telicia Chaffin, Sister Cheryl Wilson.  I only wished that we could’ve had more time to really discuss but that would’ve been more than our hour together.  Here follows some of the material that I drew my comments from.  Some of it we didn’t get too and some we did.  So putting it out here on the blog for those that have a little time or just want a refresher.  Thanks again for all you do!!!
Christy Huffaker-Bernat  

Sister Beck, Oct 17, 09 in an address “Relief Society ‘A Serious Work’” Church News:

“If meetings, ‘are not strengthening the faith of sister, if they are not helping them prepare for the blessings of eternal life, then why are they being held?’  Relief Society was organized to engage sisters in the Lord’s work and to teach them how to do that in their homes and in their personal lives.”

Same address...”The Lord is hastening His work.  It seems we are all running faster.  We have to respect the time of the sister and what we are asking them to do.  We cannot require anything from Relief Society that is going to weaken their lives and their home and their families.”

Sister Beck addressed new objectives of RS and said, “It is not a frivolous work.  It is not a leftover, made-up job for the women.  This is where the Lord organized His daughters to do His work.  We have Sunday meetings to do that.  We have visiting teaching that does that.”

“We are not a social group and we are not entirely a service group.  We are a priesthood-directed organization.”

Another talk by Sister Beck, 10/25/09, “...like our brethren who hold the priesthood, ours is a work of salvation, service, and becoming a holy people.”

---

Sister Beck same talk (10/25/09) continued on visiting teaching:

I.  What:

Sister Beck, “The bishop, who is ordained shepherd of the ward, cannot possibly watch over all of the Lord’s sheep at one time.  He is dependent on inspired visiting teachers to help him.  We know we should each choose to be a friend to everyone in our ward, but the bishop and Relief society president have the responsibility to receive revelation as to who should be assigned to watch over and strengthen each individual sister.  Ideally, every sister should watch over and strengthen at least one other sister in her ward.  It is our blessing to pray for another sister and receive inspiration as to how the Lord would have us care for one of His daughters.”

Sister Beck said in an Auxiliary training for Relief Society reported by Rosemary Campbell:
“Personal revelation, I think is the most needed, most under-utilized skill Latter-day Saint women have available today.  She can be talented, creative and intelligent, ...but if she doesn’t have the ability to get revelation in the moment she needs it, she will never be effective in her calling.”

“Visiting teaching is not just a monthly visit; it is ministering.  To watch over and strengthen sister in their individual needs, visiting teachers have ongoing contact with them through visits, phone calls, emails, letters, or other means.” (Handbook 2, 9.5.1; 9.5.2)

II.  WHY:

From Ensign article, 11/07, p113, 115 a sister said, “I have heard people say that visiting teaching is a pointless inconvenience, that life is just too busy and that there are more important things to do.  I used to think that way too, until Heavenly Father showed me otherwise...”  ?How do we view our visiting teaching?

Sister Beck, a former Gen RS president said “Because we follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, we value this sacred assignment to love, know, serve, understand, teach, and minister in His behalf.  This is one duty we have in the Church where we are certain to have the help of the Lord if we ask for it.  This is one responsibility that is certain to increase our faith and personal righteousness and strengthen our own homes and families as we become partners with the Lord.  A sister in this Church has no other responsibility outside of her family that has the potential to do as much good as does visiting teaching.” (Relief Society: A Sacred Work address 10/25/09).

Sister Parkin another former Gen RS president “Visiting teaching creates connections for women.” An older sister and younger sister can bless each other’s lives.  (Visiting Teaching:  the Heart and Soul of Relief Society, fall 2003)

Sister Parkin also said, “In the process of fulfilling our visiting teaching assignment we become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.  We fulfill our covenants to ‘teach on another the doctrine of the kingdom.” (Visiting Teaching:  the Heart and Soul of Relief Society, fall 2003)

SEE WATCHCARE for more reasons on WHY do Visiting Teaching (watchcare also ties into how)
III.  HOW:  

(All thoughts from Bonnie D. Parkin, RS Pres 2003 Open House address Visiting Teaching:  the Heart and Soul of Relief Society):

A. “Heart and Soul”:  
Bonnie D. Parkin, RS Pres 2003 Open House:  The essence of visiting teaching is “heart and soul.”  “I can think of no more appropriate description than ‘heart and soul’  In our visits and those moments when we are sharing our thoughts and feelings about the gospel and the Lord, something happens.  Mosiah describes it as ‘hearts knit together in unity and in love on towards another.’ Isn’t that what we want to have happen for each other?”


Same article Sister Parkin says, “WE visit teach teach because we’ve made covenants with the Lord, and they are fulfilled as we share our hearts and souls.  We visit teach to extend charity, which is the ‘highest, noblest, strongest king of love.’ Visiting teaching is all about family.  As we show charity to thos we serve, we become family by affection..  We belong to the Lord’s family, and when we serve sisters-- and through them their families-- we strengthen the family as designed in the heavens.  Covenants, charity, family.  They have connected our sisterhood from the beginning.”

B.  Watchcare:

“Support, comfort and friendship.  This is what we call watchcare.... Watchcare looks life good friends sitting down on the couch sharing their joys.  It looks like two women walking the blocks in the morning together, talking about the day before the crush of problems and pressures begin.  It looks like a sister choosing to sit by a mother in church with a young family who could use an extra set of hands.  It looks like two or three women in the temple sitting quietly and at ease, the peace of the temple being the bond between them.”

“Watchcare feels like someone is there for you.  It feels like you can call and not be embarrassed to ask for help.  It feels like you are stepping in as the Lord’s representative.  It feels responsible and responsive.  It sounds like a voice that is happy to hear from you, like a voice that makes you feel at ease because you dared call or you knew whatever you were going to say would be received with an understanding heart.”

C.  Flexibility:  

“Visiting teaching has as many faces and configurations as Relief Society has sisters.  The ideal is that each sister is contacted each month.”  “Flexibility addresses when, where, and how but does not discount the importance of watchcare.” (Sister Parking address)

From recent RS Stake Training, page 309 of the Church Handbook of Insructions, Book 2), “Praying in the homes of those you visit and as companionships before you go visiting teaching has not been set forth as policy.  Such decisions are left to individuals, companionships, and local Relief Society leaders in counsel with local preisthood leaders according to individual circumstances.”

IV.  SOME Practicalities:
On reporting/ for supervisors, Sister Beck 10/25/09,
 
“Visiting teaching becomes the Lord’s work when our focus is on people rather than percentages. In reality, visiting teaching is never finished.  It is more a way of life than a task.  Faithfully serving as a visiting teacher is evidence of our discipleship.  We demonstrate our faith and follow a pattern established by the Lord as we report on our assignment every month.  If our watchcare were primarily about reporting that every sister in the ward heard the Visiting Teaching Message printed each month in the Ensign, it would be much more efficient to read it aloud to everyone in a sacrament meeting. Our reports are most helpful... when we inform...of the spiritual and temporal well-being of sisters and how we have been able to serve and love them (as visiting teachers).”

Sister Beck said in an Auxiliary training for Relief Society reported by Rosemary Campbell:
“Personal revelation, I think is the most needed, most under-utilitzed skill Latter-day Saint women have available today.  She can be talented, creative and intelligent, ...but if she doesn’t have the ability to get revelation in the moment she needs it, she will never be effective in her calling.”

Conclusion:

President Hinckley said, “I honestly believe that (visiting teachers) will taste the sweet and wonderful feeling which comes of being an instrument in the hands of the Lord... It is not a heavy burden-- it just takes a little more faith.  It is worthy of our very best effort.” (Ensign, March 1997, p27)

So Who's With Me??

It was a fabulous Mother's Day.  The primary was so sweet.  It looks like I have the Sunbeam that's the class clown (I secretly love it).  Relief Society was also enriching.  I caught the fire of visiting teaching a little more! 

I needed today.  I needed to be served.  I needed for someone else to do something.  I get into a trap of feeling depleted and low after giving so much of myself.  When I do have a quiet moment I don't want to do anything!  Honestly, this is ridiculous!  Why do I do this to myself?  There are so many things I enjoy.  For example: a clean house, a smaller waistline, a happy child, a happy husband, indexing, genealogy, crafts, playing with Taylor, music, good meals, gardening.  I don't want to feel depleted anymore.  I have learned over and over again that in order to be truly happy I need to take care of myself.  I have 50 million things I want to do to improve myself.  But tonight I pick 3.

1. Exercise 5 times this week.

2. Restart reading the Book of Mormon in 100 days.

3. Only have fast food twice.

Now the plan...I have a workout buddy that expects me every morning at 6:15 and this week I commit not to let her down.  Taylor's happiest time of the day is morning so when I get home from working out I will read my Book of Mormon for the day.  Fast food is my worst nemesis.  I am a comfort eater with an addictive personality.  Once I get it into my head that I want a bean and cheese burrito from Los Jilbertos nothing can change it.  So, this week I will plan accordingly and only do this twice.  I eventually want this to be a bi monthly or less habit, but for now twice a week is a good goal.

So, who's with me?  Join me in my 3 goals or start your own.  We need each other sisters!  I have learned that I need to be more happy and joyful and let go of the little things.  Which means I need a balanced life. 

Love,
Cassa

Improving Scripture Study

Posted by: Sally

We had a great Relief Society Meeting on Tuesday on improving scripture study.  Brother Walker from the institute came and spoke to us for about an hr about reading the scriptures.  This class was timely for me because I've had a strong desire to improve my study.  I've been wanting to turn my sporadic scripture reading into consistent scripture study.  I came home totally inspired and have had two days of  great study and my days have been much improved. I have reflected on what I studied several times through the day.

Something important to remember is that we can always improve.  Don't feel bad if your scripture study is sub par or non existent.  Repent and recommit yourself.  That is what life is about.

These are some changes I was prompted to make for myself.  Study at my desk.  Set a timer.  Study by subject. Keep a log/journal of what I learn and any promptings I have.

I'll check back with you all in about a month to see how I did with my consistency (the hardest part for me).

MAIN POINT OF THE LESSON:

be Humble, be Teachable, be Prayerful

Brother Walker said this is the essential key to scripture study.  If you do these three things then the Lord will speak to you through the scriptures. You do not need to be a scriptorian to be exalted.  You need to be taught by and filled with the Holy Ghost while reading the scriptures.

Brother Walker then suggested some tools for reading the scriptures that will help you learn more and remember more and dig in.

Here are a few of the tools he suggested.  Here is the pdf of the complete handout so you can print it and look it over in detail.

Make lists

in Alma 34, what things does Amulek suggest we pray for.

Look for definitions

in 2 Nephi 25:4, what is the key to understanding the words of Isaiah?


Ask questions and ponder

"by pondering we give the Spirit an opportunity to impress and direct."  Marvin J Ashton.


Cause and Affect

look for "if" and "then" statements


Similes

"like" or "as"  example, Jeremiah 18:6, who is the potter, who is the clay?

Brother Walker also gave us a handout with questions that can help your study.  These questions were originally presented to help seminary teachers prepare their lessons.  These questions would also improve personal study.

PDF of study questions.

If you were at this meeting, please comment on anything thought and feelings you had. What did you learn or how do you want to improve your study?

Women of Virtue Slideshow

Posted by: Sally

Sometimes I'm really, really behind on my to do list.  I still have yet to burn a few disks with this slideshow on it.  I lost the original file when upgrading computers but I have this web one to share.  I want to remake the version to put on disk because the transitions aren't smooth in this version.  I can be picky that way.  I think it still has such a great feeling.  These are some amazing women and there are a lot more that weren't in the slideshow.  We are lucky to have each other.

Christy's Lesson from 4/29/12

Posted by Christy (old Relief Society picture added by Sally):

Sally asked me to share my lesson from last week so here goes with a lead-in from today...

With the change in our Stake Presidency today I was struck by all of the talks, the smooth transition of changing leadership and the overwhelming humility that the mantle brings. I particularly loved Sister Stagg’s talk. She expressed her guarded feelings on discussing the family in which she grew up. How she has at times felt like she was an “illegitimate child of God” because her parents were not exemplary in their discipleship (her father won’t pray and her mother is not active and Sister Stagg referenced some anti-Mormon sentiments). She then told of having the Spirit tell her that there are no “illegitimate” children of God and that we are all so loved regardless of our situations. I love that thought. The gospel is broad enough for all of us!

And then in Elder Piper’s talk he said that “women never think they are adequate. Women are naturally humble.” He referenced the recent publication Daughters in My Kingdom. He also told the youth to “listen to the Lord and you’ll hear what you are supposed to do.” I think this invitation to listen to the Lord is good for all of us!

On those two thoughts I proceed with a recap of my last week’s lesson that I took from Daughters in My Kingdom Chapter 2, “Something Better”, pages 11-25:

We--you and me, are part of an amazing women’s organization! Relief Society is “not just another group of women trying to do good in the world”. It is “‘something better’ because is was organized under priesthood authority” (p16). That means that we are organized under the power of God. 

Do you know how this organization originated? Sarah M. Kimball and Margaret Cook were discussing ways that they could help on the subject of providing “clothing, bedding and general supplies for the workmen (of the Navoo temple) and their families” (p11). Miss Cook said that she would like to contribute needlework and so a sewing society was organized. Eliza R. Snow wrote down the constitution and bylaws of the society, a popular practice in the day, and though they were good, the Lord intended ‘something better!’ (p11-12). Relief Society was organized March 17, 1842 in a “divinely inspired and authorized manner” by the prophet Joseph Smith. At that time, women had to petition to belong to this society based on their goodness and virtue. Today, membership is automatic for every woman in our church! I personally find humor in the idea of writing a resume of my virtues and good deeds as was done in the early days of Relief Society but we probably do need to think on our own positive qualities because the fact is that “each of us is important to the entire church” (p18). And as members we now automatically have a right to tap into the key of enjoying “knowledge and intelligence” that flows down because we were and are organized under the power of God (p14).

In those early Relief Society days Joseph Smith taught the sisters that they had “a solemn obligation to seek their own salvation.” On this subject of testimony Joseph Smith said “all must do it for themselves--none can do it for another” (p17). There are a lot of things that we can do for each other but we must take charge of our own testimonies. Testimonies ebb and flow with our life experiences but is our own testimony on an upward curve? What are you/we doing to nurture it? We need to be a holy people and prepare for temple ordinances-- and this is directly motivated by our love for the Lord, our Savior and our families-- be they ideal or somewhat lacking. 

The “early Relief Society sisters were involved in their communities and ready to serve their neighbors (but) they never lost sight of their responsibilities toward their own families and homes. They were true to their innate gifts as mothers and nurturers.” (p18). I am so thankful for friendships that I have formed over the years with women of all ages, various nationalities, diverse interests and and walks of life. These friendships have blessed my life and helped me ultimately be a better person and mother. Many of these relationships were formed as a result of Relief Society. When we get to know a sister’s spiritual thoughts there is already something there of depth. These relationships can strengthen ourselves and our homes and families. I want us to share strong bonds of friendship and sisterhood in our ward family. May we all seek strong friendships and sisterhood so that even when our roads part in this life (jobs change, people move, etc.) we can enjoy a sociality that is deep and worthy of a reunion-- like in Doctrine and Covenants 130:2. Lucy Mack Smith addressed this saying, “We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together” (p25). There is much practical in the ways that we can serve each other. Be it through friendship and/or charitable deeds. 

Relief Society should also relieve us. Elder John A. Widtsoe of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles described this foundational purpose of Relief Society, “Relief of poverty, relief of illness; relief of doubt, relief of ignorance-- relief of all that hinders the joy and progress of women. What a magnificent commission.” (p 25). Indeed! What a magnificent commission we have in Relief Society. Its all there-- physical relief in relief of poverty and illness; emotional and mental relief in relief of doubt and relief of ignorance; and spiritual relief as we get rid of all that hinders joy and our progress! I’m all about health--I’ve experienced some real challenges in this area. And I do seek after it and have found that my physical, emotional and spiritual health are all interconnected. How blessed we are to have Relief Society-- it can address our whole mind and bodily health and help us provide relief to ourselves and others! 

I acknowledge that we all have challenges. No one escapes them. But we have tools to help us. I have a testimony that the gospel of Jesus Christ is balm to our souls and that His atonement is big enough for all of us. And I know that we can each tap into the resource of personal revelation for ourselves and for helping others as we participate in this wonderful organization called Relief Society. I’m excited to be called your friend and sister. May we nurture bonds of friendship and love.

Stake Conference

Posted by Telicia:

For the dear sisters who cannot or were unable to attend Stake Conference, I share a few thoughts for you.

The biggest news was that we released our Stake Presidency and sustained a new one.  Elder Pieper and Elder Reall were present as they were tasked with the responsibility to interview and extend the calling to the new stake president.  They emphasized they did not select the individual so much as they received confirmation of whom the Lord had chosen, whom the Lord had prepared, whom the Lord wanted to lead, bless and serve us.

Former:
Pres. Summers, Pres. Bowen, and Pres. Dean

Newly Sustained:
Pres. Stagg, Pres. Rock, and Pres. Palmer

I wish I could tell you more about them.  All I really know is both Rock (GJ 5) and Palmer (Fruita 3) were  Bishops (I believe) or at least in the Bishopric (Palmer).  I know President Palmer personally from my college days when he was an Accounting professor at Mesa State College (now CMU). 

I was able to attend both sessions.  I took many spiritual tidbits from the meeting, but I will only share a few.

Elder Reall touched on how to respond when we feel our prayers aren't being answered.  I know many of us have righteous desires of our heart that go unanswered each day, each month, each year.  Sisters, we should not feel discouraged.  To help us stay valiant we need to remember the feelings of our heart upon being converted to this gospel.  (Alma 5:26)  For some of us, this may mean our baptism day, special experiences in the temple, our time serving a mission, or coming back into the fold after getting off the path.  He asked us to pray to our Father in Heaven, not for the specific desire of our heart every time, but to inquire "What do I need to change, say, or do, to help accomplish the desire of my heart?"  "What can I do differently?"  I personally am a bit worried about what the answer might be if I rephrase the question!  

Elder Pieper  emphasized how grateful we should be for (1) our Stake, (2) for the Priesthood Keys we have in such close proximity and for (3) the freedom to worship how we please.  I was touched by the stories of individuals in other countries desperate for a breadcrumb that might point them in the direction of truth.  I felt humbled and embarrassed for days when I take my knowledge of truth and testimony for granted.  I know that my understanding of the Gospel, gives me strength and hope almost daily.  He also said we should remember All Hope comes from Christ (Ether 12: 3-4) and No Hope comes from Satan.  Our great gift of agency allows us to choose where and what we place our hope in.  He encouraged us that as we always Remember Him and as we partake of the Sacrament, our hope in Christ will increase.

I felt these comments were so beneficial for the trials and responsibilities we face in our lives.  I felt a renewed dedication to lengthen my stride in personal prayer; and to remember the hope I have in my Savior will sustain me as I use it and nurture it.  When the various winds of life are tossed at us, we need take action to make sure our sails are set the right way (Bro Manes).  We might feel like square pegs being smashed into round holes at times; we might feel inadequate; but please remember "there are no illegitimate children of God!"  (Sis Stagg)  As we realize every child of God matters and as we continue to love each other, we will come to know God (Sis Manes).  I guess that is the main point I got out of Conference....Yes the Church is here to move forward God's work and to bless lives; but is is also the best tool/resource by which we can love and serve each other; and in doing so, we will come to know God and someday rejoice together as sisters in His presence.

New General Relief Society Presidency

I thought I'd introduce you to the new General Relief Society Presidency.  We don't know much about them yet, but as the years go by we'll learn about them from what they teach us.  I'm looking forward to getting to know them.

LINDA K. BURTON

Relief Society General President

Sister Linda K. Burton was serving as a member of the Relief Society general board when she received her call to serve as the organization’s president. In her Church callings, she spent three years serving with her husband as he presided over the Korea Seoul West Mission. They returned from Korea in 2010. She has also served on the Primary general board and in various callings in the Relief Society, Young Women, Primary, and Sunday School.


Sister Burton studied elementary education at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and is married to Craig P. Burton. They have six children and nineteen grandchildren.

Carole M. Stephens 

First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

Sister Carole M. Stephens was serving on the Relief Society general board when she accepted the call to serve as first counselor in the general presidency. She has also served as a stake Relief Society president; ward Relief Society president, counselor, and teacher; ward Young Women president; ward Primary counselor and teacher; Cub Scout leader; Church-service missionary; and seminary teacher.

She attended Weber State University in Ogden, Utah.

She is married to Martin R. Stephens. They are the parents of six grown children and have fifteen grandchildren..

Linda S. Reeves

Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

Sister Linda S. Reeves was serving as the first counselor in her ward’s Relief Society when she was called to serve in the Relief Society general presidency. Previously she served with her husband when he was president of the California Riverside Mission. She also served as stake Relief Society president, ward Young Women president, ward young single adult adviser, Sunday School teacher, and Primary chorister.

She graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor of science degree in special education. She is married to Melvyn K. Reeves, and they are the parents of 13 children.