Brothers and sisters –
Until I was 11 years old, I grew up in a house in Rigby, Idaho, surrounded on three sides by farmland. I remember watching as the hay grew taller throughout the growing season, eventually becoming ready to cut and bale.
I think for many of us living in agricultural areas, the Lord’s comparison of His work to a harvest rings familiar. We plant what we plan to harvest. The early church members were no different. It makes sense, then, that the same agricultural analogies that are familiar to us were used in the Lord’s revelations then.
“A great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men.
“Behold, I am God; give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my word.
“Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God.
“Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God.”
Doctrine & Covenants 14:1-4
We are invited to participate in this harvest in more modern times. We are invited to participate in the work of the Kingdom of God to gather Israel. What more important harvest could we hope to participate in?
May each of us find ways — big and small — to “thrust in his sickle with his might” and bless the lives of our brothers and sisters. It may start with the development of our personal testimony and the teaching of our children, but the harvest can continue outward as we lift others, serve others and love others.
I look forward to seeing those whose last names begin with A through L at sacrament today. For those who can’t attend, please watch the sacrament service at the link below:
http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/Events/spanishforkutahriverstake
If you attend in-person sacrament, we will participate in the sacrament ordinance at the end of the meeting. Others are authorized and invited to participate in at-home sacrament, performed by worthy priesthood holders of the appropriate office. Please reach out to a member of the bishopric, elders quorum presidency or Relief Society presidency if you have any questions.
Youth Sunday School will be combined into one Zoom class, which can be accessed at the link below:
https://zoom.us/j/95044776147?pwd=d2tqZk1UZGxxdEtYOWRzYzZGT2RLUT09
Calendar:
Self Reliance Devotional
Feb. 21, 7 p.m.
The stake will be hosting a virtual Self Reliance Devotional for all interested members. It is a kickoff for members participating in (or interested in) the self-reliance classes taught by the stake. Please view the fireside at the link below:
https://daviddrowley.zoom.us/j/94765323415?pwd=SVhibnR4bmlVQlkvZ0dvNHFRRTZWQT09
Prospective Missionary Fireside
Feb. 24, 7 p.m.
Elder Richard Holzapfel and Sister Jeni Holzapfel will answer questions that have been submitted by prospective missionaries from BYU and the Utah Valley Institute. Elder and Sister Holzapfel have also invited members of the Missionary Department to answer some questions. The event will be broadcast from BYU with two student moderators, Trudie Hoyler (BYU) and Jackson Reid (UVU). Those interested can access the fireside at the link below:
http://religion.byu.edu/missionarydevotional/promo
Relief Society Hot Chocolate Activity
Feb. 27, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church
Come grab some sip-able chocolate and say hi at the Relief Society Hot Chocolate Activity.
Youth Music Festival
Mar. 17, 6 p.m.
This festival for youth and their parents, can be found at the “Strive to Be” Channel on YouTube or the church’s website.