On February 28th, 2010 , Plainview witnessed its first Branch Conference under its newly organized Stake Presidency, which consists of President(s) Shumway, Kimball, McCombs (I hope im spelling that right). It was a memorable gathering. This was the day where our numbers were less than a few from one hundred people in attendance, which is a large amount considering our average is between 60 - 75 persons. Members were called upon to reach outwards to the inactive, and the non-members alike and invite them to come and partake of the wonderful spirit.
Our Stake Presidency promised the Spirit would be in full effect (and it was). All the Presidencies in the Branch cast their own personal nets (their testimonies and love) out into the Sea (the surrounding area of Plainview and all that her Branch covers) and became "Fishers of men..." (Matthew 4:19). For the weeks leading up to it, members were dedicated and focused, despite the adversary, and found purpose in commiting themselves to come, and to get others to join this. This all made for a great meeting. On March 3rd, (which fell on a Wednesday) 2010, I posted what was called...
"The Plainview Ward" : The Prophetic Revelations Of Stake Presidency [Part 1]
http://plainvieweq.blogspot.com/2010/03/plainview-ward-prophetic-revelations-of.htmlI had many ideas, thoughts, prayers, temple trips, conversations and study sessions as to how best convey the second portion of what I have to say is the greatest written work that the Lord has ever inspired me to give. Such preparation, (One may think) may be a little lengthy or un-needed... but let me assure you that every second of preparation was well worth it! Void of Hasty pressure, or timetables, I have studied much more to give the "Part 2" of "The Plainview Ward".
The mission of any locale of the Church is always the same. No requirements will be expected of one set of Saints and yet not for another... we know that is not how the Lord works, for as he has said,
"Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion." (D & C 132:8).
So just how important is it for us ALL to follow the counsel of our leaders, as they receive counsel of their leaders and so on up to the Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, and even to the Lord? Extremely important!! Said the Lord, "What I say unto one I say unto all..." (D & C 93:49) Therefore brethren, we are duty bound to keep the commandments and heed the council of President Shumway, and learn from him what it is the Lord, through the ministering of the Holy Ghost, has for us to do, and even how we are to do it. Without deviation!
President Shumway's vision included a few great and significant things but there is a specific that he talked about that I wish to focus on. First, "Rescue" (Also recently advocated by President Monson). We as members of the only true church, one that bears His name and His restored Priesthood, are duty-bound to Preach His Gospel, and invite all those lost sheep back unto Him whom is our Shepard. This message is a message that touches my soul deeply. Allow me to explain;
In the year 1998, while I was yet still in High School (Santa Rita High School in Tucson AZ) there was a horrible meltdown of yet another relationship that my mother could not seem to change, neither my Step-Father could fix. Seeing this meltdown, for the second time in my life , I became bitter, angry, depressed and empty. I could not understand (for at the time I was only 16, and did not have a strong foundation on the Gospel, because my mother and step-father didn't do much to solidify me) how the Lord would let this happen... again.
I left home at 17 years of age, unable to cope with life. I picked up all the worst habits of substance abuse one could think of, save only anything that had to do with needles. I fell away, but needed the help of the Lord more than I knew. It wasn't until I was here, in this wonderful Oasis of Spirituality, that I was rescued by a few Elders, Tripp, Philpot, Rusk, Colton, Gibb and some members. Once I came back, I saw how miserable I truly was, and wished I would have responded to other Missionaries attempts to re-convert me. Nobody gave up on me. So now, I am compelled to do the same for any and all that suffer.
The Atonement did it all for me, and it will for any and all mankind whom apply their lives to its purpose. Thats why this message I am posting below (video) means so much.
Let us all remember when we needed help, and remember how we felt... and let us share the joy of the atonement. Doing this, bringing in lost souls, will help us achieve that prophetic call for Plainview to be a ward. I know we can do it brethren! May the Lord grant us all the means to do so is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!!
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Lubbock Texas Stake Announcements:
Sunday, April 18th 2010: PEC (Plainview Elders Quorum Lesson, Chapter 10 Gospel Principles Book)
Sunday, April 18th 2010: 6:00am Stake Presidency
Sunday, April 18th 2010: 7:00am High Council
Sunday, April 18th 2010: 5:00pm Stake Youth Com.
Sunday, April 18th 2010: 6:00pm Stake Missionary Correlation
Monday, April 19th 2010: Family Home Evening
Wednesday, April 21st 2010: 7:00pm YW Camp First Aid Clinic- All YW
Thursday, April 22nd 2010: 6:00pm Stake President Interviews
Friday, April 23rd 2010: 6:00am Seminary Morningside
Sunday, April 25th 2010: **FAST SUNDAY**
Sunday, April 25th 2010: 7:00pm Plainview "Called To Serve" Missionary Fireside
Sunday, April 25th 2010: 9:00am Welfare
Sunday, April 25th 2010: 6:00am Stake Presidency
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Elder D. Todd Christofferson @ 180th Annual General Conference, said the following concerning the scriptures...
"God uses scripture to unmask erroneous thinking, false traditions, and sin with its devastating effects. He is a tender parent who would spare us needless suffering and grief and at the same time help us realize our divine potential. The scriptures, for example, discredit an ancient philosophy that has come back into vogue in our day—the philosophy of Korihor that there are no absolute moral standards, that “every man prosper[s] according to his genius, and that every man conquer[s] according to his strength; and whatsoever a man [does is] no crime” and “that when a man [is] dead, that [is] the end thereof” (Alma 30:17–18). Alma, who had dealt with Korihor, did not leave his own son Corianton in doubt about the reality and substance of a divine moral code. Corianton had been guilty of sexual sin, and his father spoke to him in love but plainly: “Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?” (Alma 39:5)."
"In a complete reversal from a century ago, many today would dispute with Alma about the seriousness of immorality. Others would argue that it’s all relative or that God’s love is permissive. If there is a God, they say, He excuses all sins and misdeeds because of His love for us—there is no need for repentance. Or at most, a simple confession will do. They have imagined a Jesus who wants people to work for social justice but who makes no demands upon their personal life and behavior.2 But a God of love does not leave us to learn by sad experience that “wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10; see also Helaman 13:38). His commandments are the voice of reality and our protection against self-inflicted pain. The scriptures are the touchstone for measuring correctness and truth, and they are clear that real happiness lies not in denying the justice of God or trying to circumvent the consequences of sin but in repentance and forgiveness through the atoning grace of the Son of God (see Alma 42)."
"Scripture tutors us in principles and moral values essential to maintaining civil society, including integrity, responsibility, selflessness, fidelity, and charity. In scripture, we find vivid portrayals of the blessings that come from honoring true principles, as well as the tragedies that befall when individuals and civilizations discard them. Where scriptural truths are ignored or abandoned, the essential moral core of society disintegrates and decay is close behind. In time, nothing is left to sustain the institutions that sustain society."
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