LiliesLane.com

In This Issue

From the Editor - Making Changes Fit the Lord's Purposes
Preparedness Binder Update - New Cooking with Basic Food Storage Section including a section on homemade baby foods.
Preparedness Message - Avoiding Financial Bondage through the holidays.
Holiday and Relief Society Super Day Ideas - Ideas and web site links to help you have a stress-free holiday season. Also included, Creative Christmas Letters from MormonChic.com.
Grammy's Halloween Night Tradition - Main Attraction: Grammy's Homemade Harvest Beef Stew and Hot Scones with Honey Butter
"Reflecting the Light of the Lord" - Goal program to encourage women to understand and live the Relief Society Declaration.
Humanitarian Efforts - Lilies Lane is spotlighting the Young Women's Value Bracelet and Necklace this month, brought to you by Princess Pearls. This genuine pearl jewelry is created by women in the South Pacific who are strengthening their families with the money they earn from stringing this jewelry and sending it to Princess Pearls to distribute. Read about this effort and the Young Woman Bracelet and Necklace available for purchase.

From the Editor

In June, my family and I said good-bye to my grandmother. It was her graduation day from this mortal world. I imagine she was full of joy to see other family members that had made that journey before her. And then, I imagine seeing her holding a small little boy on her lap. She is softly telling him not to be afraid and that she will see him again. And then, with a kiss on the forehead, she sends him on his way. That little boy is my "9th" grandchild and he was born this last September... just a few months after the Lord called grandma "home".

The deaths of my grandmother and also, my brother-in-law, Paul, within five days of each other, birth, church calling changes, the tragic events of war and hostilities, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Conference talks from our leaders, the wonderful talks given to us by our General Relief Society leaders at Women's Conference, etc.....all this, just in a few months, has brought a lot of change into my life.

Elder Marvin J. Ashton said: "There is a tendency to think of change as the enemy. Many of us will often fight and resist change before we have even discovered what the actual effects will be. When change is thought through carefully, it can produce the most rewarding experiences in life. The changes we make must fit the Lord's purposes and patterns."

I love that quote! How many times have I tried to control every situation so that I could stay in my comfortable station in life? How often, can I truly say, I have sat back...put that seatbelt on and enjoyed the ride that change was bringing. I must admit....that seatbelt has, up until now, seen little use. I am so thankful for all the experiences that have happened in the last few months. It has humbled me...it has provided a way for the Lord to teach me that HE is in control....He is in the drivers seat. Even though I have felt a little scared...a little motion sick from all the sharp curves in the road....and, yes, a little excitement....as I reflect back, the experiences of change have lifted me, enlightened me and strengthened me. As Elder Ashton said, "....it produces the most rewarding experiences in life." Oh...how true!!

President Hinckley said: "None of us knows what lies ahead. Sickness may strike us. Misfortune may overtake us. Fears may afflict us. Death may place his cold and solemn hand upon us or a loved one. Our safety lies in the virtue of our lives. Our strength lies in our righteousness. God has made it clear that if we will not forsake Him, He will not forsake us."

I no longer think of change as an enemy. I know not of what lies ahead...but, I do know that the Lord has a purpose for me. As long as I remember to put on my seatbelt by following my leaders, strengthening my testimony, preparing temporally and spiritually, and having faith in the Lord's loving driving skills...I will be able to face future changes with less Dramimine and a stronger witness of my Heavenly Father's wonderful plan for me!

May the change of the season bring colorful changes in your life as you make changes fit the Lord's purposes.

Deb Cox
Editor, Lilies Lane

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