Friends of the Cobblestone First Ward

Bishopric Message

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

One question that was asked in one of the Come Follow Me lessons was, “What does the Lord mean when He says, ’I am able to do mine own work’?” As I pondered upon this question a few different answers came to my mind, but one of them was rather comforting. In a way, I felt like He was saying, “I know what I am doing”. As I pondered upon that thought, I allowed my mind to extrapolate that thought into all aspects of my life. He knows what He is doing with me in my life. He knows what He is doing with my wife and children in their lives. He knows what He is doing with all that I meet with to discuss the struggles that they are going through in their lives.

For many of us, it is comforting to be able to share our troubles with another. To have another listen to us and empathize with us about our thoughts, hurts, or struggles can bring an immense relief about getting it off our chests. We receive that sensation of relief after sharing with others who have their own struggles and trials, but who are willing to listen and empathize in some way.

Are we underutilizing the power, knowledge and wisdom of our Father in Heaven? Do we sometimes discount His “knowing what He is doing” because we have not striven to know and understand how He communicates with us so that we can receive and feel His listening ear and empathy? Are we losing out on one that understands us perfectly, knows exactly what He is doing with us and what is actually best for us? Do we sometimes overlook the great gift and majesty of a Brother who truly knows exactly what we are feeling and a Father who knows how to feed the birds, but we are not sure He knows or cares what we are going through?

As I have looked back on all of the trials in my life, I know that He does “know exactly what He is doing”. That even though our friends would wish away all of our pains and sorrows, He knows how to comfort us through them, and allow them to happen that He may consecrate them for our good. He knows that those exact trials and struggles are what are allowing us to become like Him, and that if we pay attention and learn from them, that we will be able to lift and help others that might have to travel down similar paths. May we all learn to consecrate our struggles to our Heavenly Father and allow him to make more out of us and to use those experiences to help and lift each other. He did not put us here to fail and be miserable, even though in the thick of it may feel that way at times. We are His children, He does love us, He does know what He is doing and He does have joy as a part of this journey, if we will but turn to Him.

Bishop Watson

Relief Society Announcements:

- Thank you to all who participated in our ward Day of Service this past Saturday. It was a huge success!

- Next Thursday, September 21st is the stake Huamanitarian Celebration. Meet at the stake center at 6:30 pm. We'll have the opportunity to hear about all of the ways that we've served this year. This is for all RS sisters and yw. Dinner will be served.

Neighborhood picnic will be TONIGHT 6:00-8:30 pm at Zollinger park! This should be a fun opportunity to make and renew friendships. Please invite those you visit teach as well as any neighbors. You may want to bring a camp chair or blanket. Don't forget to bring the food items that you've signed up for!