Finding Peace and Joy

Liz McGuire, Second Counselor in the Stake Relief Society Presidency shares thoughts on finding and recognizing purpose in our lives. She describes that the gospel helps give us purpose, even amid the disappointments and trials that plague us in life. Our ultimate purpose is to become like Christ and our Heavenly Parents. Everything we do can be centered around this path. And while aiming for this overarching goal of being better disciples can seem daunting, especially in a year when so many goals have been put on hold, Liz reminds that part of mortality is the hardship; this was always the plan to help us grow. 

Celeste Tutko, a member of the Southbury ward, shares a beautiful testimony of the power that peace and joy bring to our souls. She encourages us to claim the Lord’s promises that allow us to actively have these virtues in our lives, particularly in times of trouble and challenge. Celeste walks through personal experiences, the words of scriptures, and messages from our modern leaders to convey the many ways we can find peace and joy when we truly, humbly seek them.

Celeste Tutko, miembro del barrio de Southbury, comparte un hermoso testimonio del poder que la paz y la alegría traen a nuestras almas. Ella nos anima a reclamar las promesas del Señor que nos permiten tener estas virtudes activamente en nuestra vida, particularmente en tiempos de problemas y desafíos. Celeste analiza las experiencias personales, las palabras de las Escrituras y los mensajes de nuestros líderes modernos para transmitir las muchas formas en que podemos encontrar paz y gozo cuando los buscamos con humildad.

Tara Passey, a mother of four and grandmother of one, shares how she has found peace and joy in the blessings and trials of motherhood. She notes how usually her home and life aren’t as blissful as she would ideally like, but she has found solace in seeking peace from within. She describes the times she has come to her knees, calling upon the Lord for support amid sorrow. She also relates the happiness and healing she has found from the simple things, such as the special moments of one-on-one time with her kids and the happy times singing together as a group around the piano.

Ruth Ray, secretaria de la Presidencia de la Sociedad de Socorro de estaca, comparte cómo encontró paz, gozo, y gratitud durante un tiempo de inmensa pérdida. En un corto período de tiempo, tres de sus familiares cercanos fallecieron y ella misma cayó en una depresión como nunca antes se había sentido. Con la ayuda del Señor, pudo encontrar la paz en este momento de dolor.

Mirta Fuente, miembro del barrio Waterbury 2, comparte un hermoso tributo a la paz y el gozo que se obtienen al vivir el Evangelio, incluso en medio de la tribulación. Mirta describe cómo ha pasado por muchas dificultades y, a veces, pensó que sería más fácil salir adelante sin el evangelio. Sin embargo, a medida que ella se volvió en fe y esperanza hacia el Salvador, la luz del Salvador cambió su corazón y su mente y le permitió aferrarse al Evangelio. Ella relata que ha encontrado apoyo en las pruebas al confiar en el Salvador y dedicarse a la oración, el estudio de las Escrituras y la asistencia al templo.

Stake President Scott Martin and his wife Robin share stories and thoughts about how they have found peace and joy in family life. Recalling times of happiness and others of hardship, the Martins point out that as we draw closer to the Savior, we are better able to cope with the various twists and turns. From striving to make our homes a “house of order” during the chaos of a pandemic, to finding ways to “mourn with those who mourn” and support family members struggling with addiction, the Martins provide hopeful thoughts on various elements that come from family life. 

Jeana Boren, Stake Relief Society President, shares how the power of choice and agency are linked to bringing peace and joy to our lives. In the setting of 2020, where much is out of our control, she notes that we still are able to be agents and have the power to act. She describes that she has had to work to find peace in her life and outlines three things in the past year that have brought her peace while she used her agency to act. In righteously exercising agency, Jeana relates how she has been able to quiet her fears and increase her trust in Christ. 

Hannah Lambert, a member of the YSA branch in New Haven, shares how she has found solace in scripture. As a Master’s student studying the Hebrew Bible, Hannah offers perspectives on the different types of accounts written in scripture. She shares ways she has benefited from studying both the Word of God described in these sacred texts, and also how she has gained valuable lessons in stories and accounts that are not directly communications from divinity (such as accounts of wars or genealogical records). Hannah describes how she has found peace by inviting the Spirit into her study of scripture.

Bronwen Hale Dearden, a member of the New Haven ward, shares ways she has found peace and joy in the ups and downs of full time motherhood. This journey has been both a pleasure  and a challenge, "too easy and too hard all at the same time," she says. While every woman's experience is different, Bronwen relates four points that have helped her balance the burdens and the delights of raising her young son, and connects these powerfully to key gospel principles.