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Welcome Young Women and Relief Society sisters. I pray that each

of you have come prepared to hear inspired messages and beautiful

music shared with our theme in mind,

“Bee Mindful - Doing Good Daily.” I testify that the Lord has

directed and revealed all of the efforts and inspired messages and

music for today. Listen carefully as the Lord instills in each of your

hearts personal and inspired revelation. If possible, write it down.

You have each been given a card to write down your conference

impressions. You will be blessed personally for your attendance, but

you will be even more blessed for acting on your impressions.

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Women’s Conference Scripture Theme

…behold, that which is of God inviteth

and enticeth to do good continually;

wherefore, everything which inviteth and

enticeth to do good, and to love God, and

to serve him, is inspired of God.

— Moroni 7:13

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As I have been pondering on our theme throughout this past year and

read from hundreds of scriptures and a multitude of conference talks, I

have gained a surer knowledge of, and desire to show my love for God by

serving Him, as I strive to be more diligent in doing good continually. I

love how the phrase, “Doing Good,” has frequent connotations of service

attached to it, be it in scriptures, conference talks, or one of my favorite

hymns, “Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?”

I pray that each of us may benefit from that which we hear and feel

today, with a deeper desire to become the Lord’s hands. I pray that each

day we might pose the question, “Have I Done Any Good in the World

Today,” and then answer with an affirmative, “Yes!”

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Just 15 months ago, near the end of

October 2012, I was watching the news

report of the horrific hurricane, Sandy

which hit the East Coast.

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For some reason, this particular storm

stirred my emotions, leaving me with tender

feelings and more sympathy than usual. I was

curious as to why this particular storm had

touched me more profoundly.

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Perhaps in part, I was touched because

of the thoughtful and deep reaction

this storm caused in the hearts of all

those who were affected.

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Those who lived further away were all willing

to reach out and help one another.

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They had forgotten their own needs

momentarily and sought to help those

worse off than themselves.

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These kinds of occurrences seem to be a

pattern that is recognized in most of these

types of catastrophic events. While observing

these acts of service, my heart was being

prepared to hear the impressions of the Lord.

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One day while listening to a particular

report on this storm, the strong

impression came to me,

“Prepare the sisters to serve.” Prepare

the sisters to serve! What exactly did this

mean and what was I to learn?

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Prepare the sisters

to serve!

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This message continued to resound in my mind for several weeks. I

could not shake it. I don’t feel this was intended to sound as an

alarm, but more as a tender plea for us in the stake to begin a

greater focus on how we might be about doing good, showing small

acts of service and kindness, being more charitable, or in other

words, becoming the Lord’s hands.

The purpose in this revelation coming as early as it did, was to

help our stake prepare early to invite the sisters and families to

join in on a more active quest in doing good all year long. In time,

I also realized that this focus came when the Lord was calling us

to hasten His work of salvation. This was no coincidence.

The two go hand in hand.

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For behold, this is my work

and my glory—to bring to

pass the immortality and

eternal life of man.

— Moses 1:39

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As these thoughts were revealed to me on the heels of

a disaster, I asked myself what we were to learn

from these catastrophic events, or perhaps even the

small and poignant personal disasters or heartaches

that we each face at one time or another? I began to

see similarities and comparisons in our own lives with

these types of events, and what we needed to learn

from them. How can we better prepare ourselves to

face challenging times and then begin to recognize the

need to reach out and help others?

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We must always be building our foundation in deep rooted

gospel truths so that we are strong enough to hold others up.

Helaman 5:12 And now, my sons,[and daughters,]

remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our

Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build

your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his

mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all

his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall

have no power over you to drag you down to the

gulf of misery and endless wo,

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…because of the rock upon which

ye are built, which is a sure

foundation, a foundation whereon

if men build they cannot fall.

— Helaman 5:12

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Your strong foundation sisters, will in fact be a boon

for all those you choose to serve.

In February, following our 2013 Women’s Conference, “Women

of Faith,” my presidency met with each ward Relief Society

President for brief training.

It was at this time that we also introduced the direction for our

2014 Women’s Conference, “Bee Mindful – Doing Good

Daily,” with a desire to soon invite each family to focus a little

more on this topic throughout the year.

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Each received a little keychain reminder, one

similar to those you received last May. The

direction to engage families in this experience

became more apparent in time, as we all know

that young people are some of the greatest

motivators and starters in such efforts of being

the Lord’s hands. We also felt the brethren

needed to have a united effort with their

families in this purpose.

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When families unite in doing good, they

gain a greater sense of what matters most

and their love for one another is increased.

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The “Bee Mindful” kits were designed,

assembled and passed out to families

throughout the stake, by our newly called

Ward Service Facilitators, who also actively

encouraged members in doing good. We also

involved our wonderful Ward Relief Society

Historians, as they began gathering

stories of how each are blessed when

service is rendered or received.

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A special invitation card was given, inviting families

to hold a special Family Home Evening or

discussion on how their family might be more

proactive in showing small acts of kindness to each

other and their neighbors, promising that the love of

God would increase in their homes; hearts would

soften, relationships would improve, and selfish or

unpleasant feelings would be doused and

replaced with adoration.

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As this call to action spread, stories

began to surface and soon our Stake

Relief Society website began to fill with

inspiring and uplifting experiences and

blessings from the countless small acts of

kindness received or shared.

http://www.daughtersinhiskingdom.com/

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We are grateful for Ward Relief Societies, families and individuals and YW

and YM groups that have encouraged more service experiences seeking out ways

to serve in small and meaningful ways. I am grateful for the bishops who have

encouraged more talks in Sacrament meeting on this topic. Undoubtedly, we

have seen wonderful blessings emerge from these family and organizational

discussions and efforts.

Some of you may have put your “Bee Mindful” kits aside, planning on

engaging your family at a more convenient time. It’s not too late. The need to

actively engage ourselves and our families in worthwhile service, living each day

with a desire to encourage and lift one another, our neighbors and those in need,

will never diminish. It’s never too late!

I personally believe that no greater happiness will come into your life, or that of

your family, than by continually seeking out and helping those in need.

Remember this is the work of saving souls (especially those of our family and

loved ones), as we engage as the Lord’s hands. We are all enlisted!

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Reflecting back on the blessings that came from Hurricane

Sandy, a comment was reported in the Church News, by

Kevin Calderwood, President of the New York New York

South Mission, where he stated…

“The Lord has a way of turning

calamities into His favor.”

— President Kevin Calderwood

New York New York South Mission

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From the devastations on the East Coast, Philippines, Japan,

Indonesia, or countless other areas, we also take note of those

trials personally affecting the hearts of each individual or family!

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It might be that it’s a family member, your neighbor, a sister

you visit teach, or a friend far away, or those you may not

know. Yes, the Lord does have a way of turning calamities

into His favor, but should we wait for the storms to occur or

sorrows to overwhelm, before we notice those who need

our love and care?

Our small acts of kindness act as a healing balm that helps

to prevent, soothe and nurture an anxious heart. Many of

you are acting on your compassionate impressions each day.

You are helping rescue and save souls when you serve others

and in turn it saves you. It’s a win, win!

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Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf (General Conference

October 2012) stated: “We read of the service

Church members provide around the world and

especially the humanitarian service given in times of

crisis—fires and floods and hurricanes and

tornadoes. These much-needed and much-appreciated

emergency responses should certainly continue as

a way of bearing one another’s burdens.

But what about our everyday lives?”

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“What would be the cumulative effect of millions of

small, compassionate acts performed daily by us

because of our heartfelt Christian love for others?...

Over time this would have a transformative effect

upon all of our Heavenly Father’s children through

the extension of His love to them through us. Our

troubled world needs this love of Christ today more

than ever, and it will need it even more in the

years ahead.”

— President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

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Young Women and Relief Society Sisters, you

have a divine gift and mandate as women to be

your best right now.

Your best is to seek for spiritual guidance

through daily prayer and scripture study so the

Lord can guide your thoughts, actions, and

how you might help others.

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Photo from LDS.org

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Your best is to be the Lord’s hands. In so

doing you will be a reflection of the

Lord’s love for His children.

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Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley stated, “I have

been quoted as saying, ‘Do the best you can.’

But I want to emphasize that it be the very

best. We are too prone to be satisfied with

mediocre performance. We are capable of

doing so much better.”

— Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 4th, 2004

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“Do the very

best you can.”— President Gordon B. Hinckley

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On a lovely summer morning in London, England

on June 5th, 1976, a tour group from Ricks College

was startled by the sad event announced on the front

page of the London Times. The director of the tour

group, John Galbraith, a resident of Sugar City, ID,

and professor at the college, first noticed the front

page of the London Times, with a staggering image

and newspaper headline stating, “Sugar City, ID,

Washed Away by the Teton Dam Flood.”

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John Galbraith, had been traveling

throughout Europe with his tour group.

Now shaken and alarmed, knowing

his wife and children were still in

Idaho, there was no way to contact his

family and know if they were safe.

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Sugar City, along with other prominent small

towns in the outlying area, had literally been

washed away from one of the most disastrous

floods of this type.

Having been a student at Ricks College at the

time, I had just left Rexburg 5 days prior to

the flood to go back home.

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Two weeks after the flood, I returned to Rexburg

with a bus full of Young Single Adults to help in the

clean-up efforts. It was overwhelming to say the least,

to see these small towns filled with mud and debris

strewn throughout, when just two weeks prior they

were beautiful, pristine communities. I was heartsick,

but grateful to be among thousands who had, and

would still be arriving to help in this

immense clean-up effort.

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As I think back on this singular event, what I remember most

were the hundreds of faces that were filled with love,

support, and a spirit of hope.

Their hearts were turned outward.

Those who had been stripped of all material and personal

belongings were able to see above all of the stuff and become

the Lord’s hands. Few lives were lost, miraculously, but in the

ensuing weeks and months the towns people went through a

literal cleansing, a purging of their hearts to refine and prepare

themselves to become more Christlike.

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President Henry B. Eyring, the President of Ricks College at the

time, had these thoughts to say in the April 2011 General

Conference…

Those who heard of the tragedy felt sympathy,

and some felt the call to do good.

One couple returned to Rexburg from a vacation just after the

flood. They didn’t go to see their own house. Instead, they found

their bishop to ask where they could help. He directed them to a

family in need. After a few days they went to check on their home.

It was gone, swept away in the flood. They simply walked back to

the bishop and asked, …

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“Now what would

you like us to do?”

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Those involved in this flood listened to the warnings to head

to higher ground, which ultimately saved thousands of lives.

We too need to heed the warning signs we’ve been given from

our living prophets, to always head to higher ground.

Where do you personally go on a daily and regular basis to

reach higher ground that will prepare you for present and

future storms in your life?

How has prayer, scripture study, temple attendance and

service blessed you with the peace and tranquility you need

during the ups and downs of your life?

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Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin states:

“We are faced with a choice. We can

trust in our own strength, or we can

journey to higher ground and

Come unto Christ.”

— October 2005 General Conference

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It wasn’t until my husband and I visited Yellowstone National

Park this past August (2013) that I began to recognize a

connection to the multiple messages the Lord was instilling within

me on this topic of “Doing Good.”

A loving Father in Heaven allow us to go through challenging

times of growth, acting as a sieve, a purifier of sorts, learning

valuable lessons from such experiences, so that we might then

begin to see the needs of others more clearly.

I was fascinated by all of the beautiful natural phenomena and

anticipated each day for a new adventure, even though I was

initially disheartened by the aftermath still visible from the

devastating fires 25 years ago.

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Photo taken by Renée Packer

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Photo taken by Renée Packer

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Photo taken by Renée Packer

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Photo taken by Renée Packer

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Photo taken by Renée Packer

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On August 20, 1988, Yellowstone experienced

more acres burned on this particular day than

all of its history of fires combined. The

combined fires of that summer alone were the

worst in the history of the park.

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I eventually began to see the beautiful,

symbolic, and natural consequences of leaving

nature as it was after such a horrific fire.

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Photo taken by Renée Packer

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Nature has a sense of knowing how to purge itself

to help new growth immerge. It was apparent that the

fallen trees acted as barriers for possible future

erosion, and that the ashes were filled with rich

minerals to quickly reseed new growth.

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The tall barren, trees still standing were also

symbolic as a reminder to us of what had

happened, acting as sentinels of the forest.

These scenes actually became beautiful to me.

We were enthralled by the stories we continued

to hear from the forest rangers on the

miraculous blessings and purposes of good

from this captivating and ferocious fire.

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Photo taken by Renée Packer

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One sweet lesson we learned while visiting, was about the Lodgepole pine

cones. Stated in the National Parks Traveler, we read, “As quickly as

they burned, Yellowstone's forests also quickly came back to life. Even

while fires were actively being fought in some parts of the park, other

areas that had been burned were bursting with vegetation. Lodgepole

pine cones are sealed with a sticky resin and actually need flames to open

them so they can drop their seeds. So as the flames spread through areas,

seemingly leaving them blackened and barren, they actually were

reseeding the areas as they went. The result were tens of thousands of

replacement trees that would sprout in the ensuing years.”

— Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on June 25, 2008

of the National Parks Traveler

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Photo taken by Renée Packer

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This Yellowstone experience intrigued me and I began to

make the stark parallel of how the Lord allows each of

us, young or older to go through our own refining fires,

catastrophic storm, or even just a small whirlwind, to

bless and refine our lives in the very same way that these

major disasters will. Most often our hearts are humbled

and turned toward God, then spurred with a desire to

express gratitude, compassion, love, and acts of kindness,

then helping others through their own fiery furnace.

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Linda S. Reeves shared with us, “My dear sisters, the Lord

allows us to be tried and tested, sometimes to our maximum

capacity. We have seen the lives of loved ones—and maybe

our own—figuratively burned to the ground and have

wondered why a loving and caring Heavenly Father would

allow such things to happen. But He does not leave us in the

ashes; He stands with open arms, eagerly inviting us to come

to Him. He is building our lives into magnificent temples

where His Spirit can dwell eternally.”

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What would happen if we only waited

for calamities to occur before we serve?

We would be missing out on hundreds

of opportunities each day.

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Just recently, my daughter, Camille, from Oregon, published

her monthly blog for the month of December 2013.

Coming from a strong prompting to create a more lasting

Christmas memory for her children, my daughter proposed

to her husband and 5 small children a new idea. It was

apparent that there was no need for turbulence to be present

in their family to cause such impressions to take place.

Even though I was aware of their experience, it wasn’t

until I read her blog that I knew more intimately the

tender outcome of their experience.

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Photo taken by Camille Duckworth

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Each day throughout the month of December,

their family focused on random or even

planned acts of service. At the end, the

children agreed that this was their favorite

Christmas ever! There is not time to share her

beautiful story, but I love what she

said at the end.

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“On Christmas morning, instead of ripping through presents

and making a mess of my house, we were in the Hospital

bringing cheer to all those who had to work that morning,

which brought an amazing Christmas spirit that my children

were able to really get this year. By giving of themselves, they

were able to get so much in return. It WAS a busy month.

And yet every day, I felt no stress. At the end of the day I

looked forward to the next. I enjoyed my kids, I enjoyed the

holiday and I enjoyed feeling so much joy and peace. The peace

of our Savior, whose birth we were celebrating.”

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Photo taken by Camille Duckworth

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I will never forget the hundreds of times I have been blessed by those from my

family, parents, neighbors, visiting teachers, and even strangers,

with their kind and generous gestures.

I remember most vividly shortly after the birth of our 5th child, my husband had

just been called to serve in his first bishopric. My oldest at the time was only 6

years old. I hadn’t even thought of what life would be like without his help during

the Sacrament meeting hour, but as soon as he stood up to leave to sit on the stand,

the new bishop’s wife also stood up and sat in his place with me and my 5 young

children, during the years of their service in the bishopric. Bless her!

She quickly found out what life on the “Packer Bench” was like. From then on, I

knew all would be well. Her example of what Sister Linda K. Burton, our

General Relief Society President recently said, “First observe, then serve,” was

clearly manifested by this sister’s desire to be the Lord’s hands. I will forever be

grateful for her loving example.

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“First Observe,

Then Serve”

— Sister Linda K. Burton

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President Dieter F. Uchtdorf shared, “In the end,

the number of prayers we say may contribute to our

happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may

be of even greater importance. Let us open our eyes

and see the heavy hearts, notice the loneliness and

despair; let us feel the silent prayers of others around

us, and let us be an instrument in the hands of the

Lord to answer those prayers.”

— September 2008 General RS Meeting

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Sisters, as we face the oppositions and the storms of our day, the Father

of all lies, even Lucifer, relishes to use such times in our life to bring us

down to harrow up in self-pity, turn inward, causing anger and malice

to fill our hearts. When we are in the midst of always doing good, our

hearts are lifted and have no more disposition to do evil.

When we begin to see through the Lord’s eyes, we will see the blessings

and benefits of the challenges that come our way and how the Lord will

help us to see new vistas. Selfishness, greed, and thoughtlessness will

greatly diminish when a family focuses on each other and seeks to make

others feel loved, often preventing storms of adversity in their path.

This is the gospel in action. President Eyring has stated:

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“As we give devoted service to

Him, He draws closer to

those we love in our families.”— Pres. Henry B. Eyring

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We have each been issued a special call by our Prophets to hasten

the work of salvation. It becomes much more feasible when you

couple it with service. This is how hearts are warmed and opened

to hear the messages of the gospel. We all can rise to this call.

Young Women and Relief Society sisters, right now, you may each

be receiving personal guidance of how you might be the Lord’s

hands. Write it down, don’t delay, and then return home and act on

your impressions. As you respond to these promptings, the Lord

will bless you with a sense of calmness in your storm, peace in your

busy life, and joy to continue on your path.

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Wherefore, be not weary in well-

doing, for ye are the foundation

of a great work. And out of

small things proceedeth that

which is great.

— D&C 64:33

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There are individuals and families all around us who are in great need of

our attention and love. As Elder Ballard expressed,

“There is power in our love for God and for His

children, and when that love is tangibly manifest in

millions of acts of Christian kindness, it will

sweeten and nourish the world with the life-sustaining

nectar of faith, hope, and charity.”

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When I think upon the joy of serving others, I

begin to see a kaleidoscope of blessings as we use

our hands and hearts just as the Savior did.

My daughter, Sister Rebecca Packer, now serving

in the CA, Rancho Cucamonga Mission, recently

shared this special message at Christmas time.

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Photo taken by Renée Packer

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“As I have come to know my Savior better while serving him as a

missionary, I have tried to develop some of His same attributes, mainly

that of service. As I have done so, I have seen many miracles similar to

those performed by the Savior. I have seen the spiritually lame begin to

walk the straight and narrow path, I have seen those who would never

listen, give a listening ear, and I have seen people’s eyes opened to the

message of the restoration and the love of their Savior.

I have seen lives and hearts change.

“Christ served those around him his entire life,

and continues to serve to this day.”

— Sister Rebecca Packer

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Even though we all long for a sense of serenity, peace from the

personal storms of life.

Serenity does not come only in the absence of

turmoil, war, or personal tragedy, but in the

presence of Christ-like attributes, such as

compassion, benevolence, brotherly kindness,

empathy, and charity–the Pure Love of Christ.

To this I testify.

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