"The covenants we make with the associated ordinances we receive in the temple become our credentials for admission into God's presence ... These covenants elevate us beyond the limits of our own power and perspective, We make covenants to show our devotion to build up the kingdom."

Women who make themselves worthy to attend the temple bring to the Lord "a pure heart and a contrite spirit. Personal worthiness is an essential requirement to enjoy the blessings of the temple."

Second counselor, Sister Barbara Thompson, said Relief Society magnifies the talents and faith of each woman through offering the opportunities to bless the lives of others. Women can seek to help "a neighbor who is ill, a child who needs instruction, a teen needing a friend or a family who has lost their income and needs assistance to get back on their feet. "We hear of calamities, storms or personal tragedy in the lives of our sisters everywhere. We need not rush about trying to find things to do or causes to take up."

She said most often the help is needed is "in our own homes, neighborhoods and communities. A kind word of encouragement, a note of thanks, a phone call, a loving smile, a helpful deed and a remind that God loves us is often what is needed most."

The meeting, was broadcast live via satellite to LDS buildings in many parts of the world, is an annual event directed to several million female members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who comprise what is believed to be the largest women's organization in the world.

Music was provided by a combined choir of women from six LDS stakes in the Highland-Alpine area.

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E-mail: carrie@desnews.com