Brothers and sisters, Jesus has asked that we “live together in love” The Savior is often referred to as the Prince of Peace. It was He who taught emphatically that contention is of the devil. Below are thoughts and promises from men sustained as prophets seers and revelators - concerning living together in peace and avoiding contention. I ask and pray that you review their words - instead of thinking about everyone you know that needs this message - do as the disciples of old did when the Savior revealed that one of them would betray him - ask yourself “IS IT I” When asked, “Master, which is the great commandment?” the Savior replied to “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,” followed by, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” [Matthew 22:36–39]. The Savior’s response reinforces our heavenly duty. An ancient prophet commanded “that there should be no contention one with another, but that [we] should look forward … having [our] hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another” [Mosiah 18:21] George Albert Smith taught that “unkind things are not usually said under the inspiration of the Lord. The Spirit of the Lord is a spirit of kindness; it is a spirit of patience; it is a spirit of charity and love and forbearance and long suffering. … “… But if we have the spirit of fault finding … in a destructive manner, that never comes as a result of the companionship of the Spirit of our Heavenly Father and is always harmful. “… Kindness is the power that God has given us to unlock hard hearts and subdue stubborn souls.” Contention is a tool of the adversary. Peace is a tool of our Savior. What a wonderful tribute we pay people when we describe them as being gentle, firm, and calm! Contention stops progress. Love brings eternal progression. Where contention prevails, there can be no united effort in any purposeful direction. Where people have that Spirit with them, we may expect harmony. The Spirit puts the testimony of truth in our hearts, which unifies those who share that testimony. The Spirit of God never generates contention. More regrettable than the Church being accused of not being Christian is when Church members act to in an un-Christlike way! Be careful of those who promote controversy and contention, “for verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me,” saith the Lord I am convinced that when we give unconditional love; when our interest is first in serving, building, edifying, strengthening without thought of self; when we do not expect an automatic return for each act of kindness, generosity, or sincere effort to help; when we are not concerned about what we will receive or what others will say or whether our own burdens will be diminished, but selflessly seek to build another, the miracle of the power of the gospel is released in our lives. When we permit the Lord to work through us to bless others, that sacred experience releases power in our own lives, and miracles occur. Well did the Master say, “For inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of these, ye do it unto me.” May our conversations with others always be marked by the fruits of the Spirit—“love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, [and] temperance” I love you all SERVICE OPPORTUNITY: Warm Springs Natural Area October 9, 2021 11:30-1:00: complementary lunch at the Warm Springs Natural Area provided by the Southern Nevada Water Authority. 1:00-4:00: service project (installing 2000 native plants at the Warm Springs Natural Area). 4:00-9:00: Swimming and dinner at the Church’s Recreation Camp. The service project will be at the Warm Springs Natural Area which is adjacent to the Church’s Recreation camp. 4333 W Warm Springs Rd, Moapa, Nevada 89025 Please start signing up on the website (use link below or see attached flyer for more information). https://www.eventbrite.com/e/warm-springs-natural-area-green-up-tickets-165045528619 Sent by David Jay Anderson, whose calling is Stake President.

Elder Dylan Wilson has returned after serving his mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in Tuscon, Arizona, Brisbane, Australia and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Marshelle and Jaydel Wilson of the Mesquite 2nd Ward are his parents. Elder Dylan Wilson will speak August 22 at 11:00 in the Littlefield Chapel. Welcome home Elder! Elder Wilson Testimony I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and is the way we can have eternal life with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I know that the Book of Mormon is true because of how much it has taught me about Jesus Christ and His character, but also because of the strength I’ve gained from reading it. I know that God is aware of all of His children and that no one is forgotten by Him, His plan is all inclusive. I say all of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Burden to Blessing Clothing Drive What Is a “Burdens to Blessings” Clothing Drive? As the weather gets cooler for fall, many people in our valley are “burdened” with gently used clothing they no longer need or that no longer fits. The clothing drive is a chance to unburden closets and dressers, so unburden your closets by dropping off clean, gently-used clothing (any sizes) on the evening of October 28, 2021, or the morning of November 6, 2021. Then, those burdens will become blessings to someone else, who can choose clothing, at no cost! Everyone in our community is invited to come choose clothing on the morning of November 13, 2021. You do not need to donate anything to participate. If you have any questions please contact Janarah Hollingshead 702-561-0273

This past summer I had one of the most amazing experiences of my life. A few months ago I got a phone call telling me someone (an angel in my life) applied for a scholarship on mine and my best friend’s behalf to go on church history tour “senior trip” with 50 other Latter Day Saints youth. As soon as I got the phone call I was super excited and humbled that someone would do that for me. Fast forward to July 15th and I was on a plane to New York City feeling so excited but also nervous at the same time. Once we got to New York and met everyone all my nervous butterflies went away and I knew it was going to be the best 10 days ever. The first couple of days we explored New York City and did all the touristy things. Then Sunday came around, which was in my opinion the best day of the whole trip. We started our day off with a sacrament meeting in the Palmyra chapel and after, we headed to the Sacred Grove. The feeling I got walking into the grove was so powerful. I couldn’t help but feel so much peace and assurance that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church on the earth today and that Joseph Smith is a true prophet. Later that day after we all had our personal time in the grove, we had a testimony meeting to share about our experience in the grove. It was so amazing to me that we all did the same thing, but we all got something different out of it. It was also a testament to me that the Spirit speaks to us personally in our own ways. Recently I have been troubled with decisions like where to go to school and whether or not I should serve a mission and going into the grove with this in mind I got just what I needed. As I was walking along the rocky and muddy path I felt prompted to “look up”. Although the trees were absolutely beautiful, I knew it was my Heavenly Father telling me to look to Him and trust Him in all my endeavors. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to go on this trip and although I don’t know who submitted the scholarship, I am so thankful to whoever it was. Being in the places where our church was brought about made it so much more real to me and solidified my testimony of the Restoration and the prophet Joseph Smith. I’m grateful for the gospel and the places and the people it has brought me to. I not only got to see some of the most amazing things but I also got to meet some of the most amazing people. I’m grateful for the knowledge that I have and the opportunity I have to share it with others and I leave all of this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Parent, We are looking forward to a great school year and the opportunity of teaching your student in Seminary! Please join us on Sunday, August 1st, at 6 pm in the Mesquite Nevada Stake Center located on 100 S Arrowhead Lane for our Seminary Kickoff. Your student will be able to sign up for a Seminary class period there. It would be helpful to have your student already registered prior to the Kickoff. The following link will help you register your student using the myseminary and the Seminary and Institute app: https://youtu.be/9fn0KVCXuhg We hope to see you there! Mesquite Nevada Seminary Seminary Kickoff Sun., Aug. 1st, at 6 pm Stake Center, 100 S Arrowhead Ln Seminary class period signup there Register Help Link: https://youtu.be/9fn0KVCXuhg Deon Felshaw Administrative Assistant Mesquite Nevada Seminary (702) 346-7299 (435) 862-5455 mobile deon.felshaw@churchofjesuschrist.org

Brother and Sister Taylor will serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They will serve in the in the England Birmingham Mission for 18 months.. Dennis and Mary Lee Taylor are serving as MLS (Member Leader Support) missionaries. They arrived July 23rd and are in quarantine for the next 10 days. Brother and Sister Taylor are members of the Mesquite 2nd Ward. Sister Taylor writes: We have felt His love in our lives and know He blesses us in our needs.

Pvt. Jackson Price graduated from Marine Corps boot camp at MCRD San Diego on July 16, 2021. He is the son of Jarrod and Brianna Price of Mesquite 2nd ward. Jackson will now attend combat training at Camp Pendleton, followed by his MOS (military occupational specialty) in electronics. Congratulations!

Sister Areli Ponce has been called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sister Ponce will serve in the Mexico, Oaxaca Mission in the Spanish language. Areli will be starting her training online through the Mexico MTC August 11. Edward and Ruth Ponce of the Spanish Branch are her parents. Sister Areli Ponce will speak on August 8th, 2:00 pm in the Whipple Chapel.

Girls camp 2021 was a success. Our theme this year was Line upon line small and simple things lead to a great work. We had 140 young women and about 50 adult women leaders and wonderful priesthood leaders who all did their part in making this years girls camp a successful one. We met together for opening and closing each day where we would sing, pray and either raise or lower the flag. There were activities provided as options for the wards to bring their young women to during the day. There were some spiritual rotations that all of the young women got to participate in. The wards got the majority of the day to spend with their young women how they felt necessary, to bond, build testimonies, sing, serve,do physical activities, play games or make crafts. It was fun to go around to different camp sites and see the different things taking place. One ward made homemade jelly, another made their own miniature golf course (we tried and were not par for the course). Other wards were found singing and others painting, another making bracelets, and another dancing. One ward was even celebrating Christmas in July. No matter what Ward we visited we felt the spirit of camp within their camp. We were there for only 2 1/2 days and yet I feel like we all came back a little better and a little closer to the Lord than before we left. Our stake camp director this year was Malia McOmie, a young woman from the Mesquite 2nd ward. She did an amazing job! From Stake YW President Kris Bingham

Mern Hafen graduated today from the Marine Boot Camp. He will receive additional training at Camp Pendleton for the next nine weeks. Mern will resume going to BYU Provo for the winter semester and will continue with his major in economics. Congratulations!