Extend Yourselves!

Ger is the mission leader in our ward and he really wanted to challenge the members in our ward to be better neighbors and friends to those in our ward boundaries... especially at this time of year when we should be giving of our selves and reflecting on Jesus Christ who gave of his love and time and talents to everyone! He and the Bishop had talked a lot about the early days of the church and based off their conversation Ger came up with this poem to distribute. It has a very beautiful message. Some people have asked that I post it, so here it is! It's something we all can do!

A Meadows Ward
Christmas Invitation

It was Christmas 1837, a tough one for the Saints,
The Kirtland Bank had failed, to some the Prophet was to blame.
It was an economic crisis, a term not unused today,
A wide financial panic, to Kirtland found its way.

The Prophet said against the church, the powers of hell combined,
An event perhaps, not far removed, from our current time.
We’ve seen this year, what can happen, when a vocal few,
Unite to fight against the right, to cloud what’s clearly true.

With apostates in his midst, and enemies abroad,
Joseph felt first hand their anger, as if he were the cause. 1
“In this state of things,” The prophet wrote, “God revealed to me,”
“For the salvation” of this people, “Something new must be.”2

Mortal reason tells a General, when threatened by the sword,
To rally near his faithful troops, but not the Prophet of the Lord.
Instead he told the faithful, the ones with purest hearts,
That the Lord had found them worthy, upon a mission to embark.

Heber, Orson, Willard, and Joseph F. to name a few,
Traveled far to England, and the church they did renew.
For in Kirtland a few hundred, left the faithful ranks, 3
But in just one year, across the sea, two thousand joined the saints. 4

Here in there lies lesson, an example for our day,
A powerful reminder when things don’t go our way.
It’s tempting to turn inward, when life’s not neat and tight,
But the solution may lie outward when things aren’t going right.

It worked in Kirtland years ago, and it still may be the fix,
As you finish wrapping presents, and get ready for St. Nick.
If you’re tired, stressed, and busy – or even if you’re not,
Don’t let this season pass you by, without giving it a shot.

You’ll forget most gifts you give this year; they’ll grow dusty on a shelf,
The one gift that remains through time is the one you’ll give of self.
So as you pray for opportunities, and as you’re counting down the days,
We invite you to pick one or more, of these three Christmas ways.

**Invite a friend, who would not otherwise attend, to come with
you to a special Christmas Sacrament Meeting on December 21st.
**Invite a friend, who would not otherwise go, to visit the temple
grounds and celebrate the life of Christ through light and music.
**Extend a visit and share a gift with a neighbor or colleague
with whom you do not currently have a meaningful friendship.

We promise you the blessings of the Lord and the joy of the
Season as you look for opportunities to extend yourself, create
new friendships, and share the gospel with those around you
this Christmas Holiday.

With Love,

The Meadows Ward Council

1) Teachings of the President, Joseph Smith, Page 317
2)Teachings of the President, Joseph Smith, Page 327
3) Teachings of the President, Joseph Smith, Page 315
4) Teachings of the President, Joseph Smith, Page 327