President's Message

Karl and I discussed some of the things I have been reading and studying on faith in conjunction with Presidents Searle's challenge.  In lectures on faith, Joseph Smith says that having an actual knowledge that the course of life which one is pursuing is according to God's will.  It is necessary in order for any intelligent being to exercise faith.  In Alma 32, Alma speaks of desire.  Desire is the real moving force behind our faith.  We desire to learn of God and his ways, therefore our faith has grown.  If you do not desire to be part of God's kingdom, you don't keep the commandments and then your life takes a different course that isn't in accordance with God's will, then your faith isn't exercised.  The world grabs so many people's desire (or what your heart really wants) and turns them away from his wonderful plan of happiness.  Grateful is hardly adequate for the expression I, we, feel for the faith we have.  Sister Strupp