Haight Creek Monthly

Our stake vision is being "anxiously engaged in [the] good cause" (Doctrine and Covenants 58:26–29), and we've seen so many great examples of that all across the stake. Thank you to everyone who faithfully serves in Church callings and fulfills ministering assignments. Those callings and assignments come through inspired leaders, and your willingness to serve makes a real difference in the lives of others and in building Christ's kingdom.

We've also noticed a lot of members making a more intentional effort to minister. Thank you! A special shout-out to those who are taking the youth with them as they visit the homes of the individuals and families they minister to. There is no better way to teach Christlike service than by letting them see it firsthand and giving them opportunities to serve and teach alongside you. Thank you for helping raise the next generation of disciples, ministers, and teachers.

And for those who may not have a formal calling or ministering assignment right now, don't wait for one to get involved. Call yourself to the work! Be prayerful and open to inspiration as you look for opportunities to serve in ways both great and small, at home, in the community, or at church, using your unique time, talents, interests, and circumstances. Whether your service is seen or unseen, thank you for all you do to strengthen our homes, bless those around you, and build the Lord's kingdom.

Our hope is that all of this outward service is fueled by private discipleship. Time spent in sincere prayer, scripture study, and meaningful weekly worship, including partaking of the sacrament, gives us the strength to serve with greater faith, love, compassion, and purpose. When our private devotion and public service work together, we become more like the Savior and more truly "anxiously engaged" in His work.

Thank you. God bless you. We love you.

Our dear prophet has extended an invitation to look for additional ways you can serve either from home as a service missionary or away from home as a full-time senior missionary. There are dozens and dozens of service opportunities that are available right now in our area. The Lord needs you if you have a few extra hours each week. There is also a great need in all the missions of the church. Mission presidents are praying and pleading for more seniors and senior couples to assist in this great work.

"If you are tempted to think you're not needed, let me reassure you that you are. There is not a mission president in the Church who would not love to have additional couples serving in his mission. … Senior couples are often a literal answer to the prayers of bishops and branch presidents." — President Russell M. Nelson

If you are considering either serving as a service missionary in our area or would like to serve away from home but don't know where to look, we would be happy to visit over the phone or come to your home.

At times, the chaos and uncertainty of today's world can cause me to question my focus and direction. Several years ago, a friend shared a remarkable article with me. Written by Elder James E. Faust and published in the June 2006 Liahona, this article has had a profound impact on me. What is especially compelling is that Elder Faust wrote these words twenty years ago, during a time that seemed calmer and less confusing than the world we experience today.

"In a world full of noise and so many voices, how are you possibly going to select which voices you are going to listen to and heed? We are not going to be able to travel through life on borrowed light. The voice you must learn to heed is the voice of the Spirit. The Spirit's voice is ever present, but it is calm. … Learn to ponder the things of the Spirit and respond to its promptings. Filter out the static generated by Satan."

These words remind me of a very sacred time when I needed to filter out Satan's static. Several summers ago, my husband and I took an impromptu trip to New England and Upstate New York. We had no idea the Palmyra Pageant would be taking place during our visit.

When we arrived in Palmyra, we were met by groups of protesters stationed outside several Church sites. Their presence made it difficult to feel the peace and spirituality we had hoped to experience. On our final night, we attended the Pageant. It was a beautiful and sacred experience. However, as we walked back to our car afterward, we once again encountered the protesters, shouting degrading and offensive comments about Joseph Smith.

The negativity was overwhelming. It felt as though the peace and light I had felt during the Pageant were being drowned out by darkness and confusion. Just as I reached my lowest point, a fellow Saint began loudly singing "The Spirit of God." Within moments, others joined in. The singing grew louder and stronger until it became a heavenly chorus that rose above the heckling voices. This hymn filled the air, silenced the negativity, and brought a profound sense of peace to my soul.

It is my prayer that we can all find our calming, reassuring voice when we need strength and focus during chaotic times.

Temple slots reserved for young single adults on Thursday, August 13: baptisms and confirmations at 8:00, 8:15 and 8:30 p.m.; initiatory at 7:30, 8:00 and 8:30 p.m.; endowments at 7:00 and 7:30 p.m. Any other session that day is available by online reservation.

Davis Park Ward (18–25) meets at 162 E. Burton Ln., Kaysville at 12:00 p.m. Mountain Road Ward (26–35) meets at 2025 E. Antelope Dr., Layton at 12:30 p.m.

YSA stake temple nights are the first Thursday of each month, 7:45 p.m. session. Sign-ups are encouraged, but all are welcome whether or not a reservation has been made — there is always room.

As youth study this guide, they will be encouraged to become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ, to prepare to receive the temple endowment, to prepare for future missionary service, to look forward to building an eternal family, and to come to know that Jesus Christ is their strength.

Parents play an important role in this home-centered approach to gospel learning. We invite families to read and discuss the guide together, creating opportunities to strengthen faith and have meaningful gospel conversations at home.

Season runs August 20 and 27, then September 10, 17 and 24, and October 1 before regionals.

Relief Society starts at 8:00, or whenever the Young Women's scrimmages wrap up. Come out for the fun, the exercise and the friendships — this is not a league for experts.

Coaches, please get your team rosters in before the 13th. I have new roster sheets if you need them.

If you already have a kit, take a moment to review and update it. If you're just starting, grab an old backpack and begin collecting items from around your home. Premade kits are available, but personalized kits work best. Even adding a few items each month builds real preparedness — and peace of mind.

A good kit covers twelve areas: shelter and fire, water, food, sanitation and hygiene, light and power, first aid, communication, safety and security, clothing and tools, cooking, important documents, and transportation.

Some things don't fit in a backpack but matter in an evacuation: wallet, phone and charger, medications, keys, pets, weather-specific items, and important documents. A simple list posted in your home helps you stay focused under stress.

"The Lord does not expect us to do more than we can do, but He does expect us to do what we can do, when we can do it." — Bishop Christopher Waddell