Walk This WAY!!

LOVE this walkway! I know this is a random post, but this design is a keeper!!! ;)

PP Integrity Ex1 Final

Workers cut slabs of granite in Little Cottonwood Canyon (c. 1872), about twenty miles southeast of Salt Lake City, for use in building the Salt Lake Temple. In the early years, the granite was moved to the temple site by ox team, a four-day journey, and after twenty years, by railroad. Stereoscopic image. Photographer: C.W. Carter.

MY Personal Progress
Integrity
Experience 1 Final

Work and Self Reliance
We are to utilize our own unique talents to become self reliant.
To:
...use the blessing and abilities given by God to care for self and family.
...find solutions for own problems ~ 'work out own salvation.'
...learn to work with the Lord and others
GOAL: MORE WILLINGLY PARTICIPATE WITH JOY IN THE WORK NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN OUR HOME. BETTER HANDLE THE SACRED FUNDS OF OUR FAMILY ~ MORE WISELY SPEND; LIVE WITHIN MEANS; BUILD SAVINGS; NO DEBT.

And now...

Go Forward with Faith
The standards presented in For the Strength of Youth are a guide to help me make correct choices. I will review the standards often and ask, "Am I living the way the Lord wants me to live?" and "How have I been blessed by living these standards?"

Pray; Study the Scriptures; Be obedient; Attend the Temple; Follow the teachings of the Prophets; Be humble and willing to listen to the Holy Ghost and respond to His promptings. Place the wisdom of the Lord above my own.

As I do these things, the Lord will make much more out of my life than I can by myself. He will increase my opportunities, expand my vision, and strengthen me. He will give me the help I need to meet my trial and challenges. I will gain a stronger testimony and find true joy as I come to know my Father in Heaven better and His Son, Jesus Christ, and feel their love for me. I KNOW THIS IS TRUE!!

2 Nephi 31: 16-21

 16 And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall ^aendure to the end, in following the ^bexample of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved.

 17 Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and ^abaptism by water; and then cometh a ^bremissionof your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.

 18 And then are ye in this ^astrait and narrow ^bpath which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which ^cwitnesses of the ^dFatherand the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.

 19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow ^apath, I would ask if all is ^bdone? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken ^cfaith in him, ^drelying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to ^esave.

 20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a ^asteadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of ^bhope, and a ^clove of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and ^dendure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have ^eeternal life.

 21 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the ^away; and there is ^bnone other way nor ^cname given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the ^ddoctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the^eFather, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is ^fone God, without end. Amen.

PP Integrity Ex1 P5

MY Personal Progress
Integrity
Experience 1, Part 5

I have covenanted to put all 'on the altar'...my time & talents in serving and building the kingdom; sacrificing the world and keeping myself pure before the Lord; giving of the abundance the Lord provides through tithes and offerings...and I am GRATEFUL!

Service
I FOLLOW the example of the Savior as I devote myself to serving others~being an extension of Christ in the lives of His children.
GOAL: PRAY DAILY FOR THE SPIRIT THAT I MAY KNOW/DISCERN OPPORTUNITIES TO WITNESS TO OTHERS OF GOD'S LOVE FOR THEM, TO HELP BEAR ANOTHER'S BURDEN, TO MOURN WITH, TO COMFORT; AND HOW TO DO THESE THINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH FATHER'S WILL FOR THEIR BEST GOOD.

Sexual Purity
As I am chaste I am promised our marriage will be strong and we will be ENABLED to support an eternal and loving family. In purity I feel confident, truly happy and improve in my ability to make good decisions. The Spirit will help me know when I am at risk and give me strength to FLEE. I TRUST THE SAVIOR.
GOAL: AVOID/SHUN ANY INFLUENCE THAT WOULD WEAKEN MY ABIITY TO BE CHASTE AND PURE. I COMMIT TO BE PURE.

Tithes and Offerings
It is a sacred privilege to pay tithing ~ paid because I love the Lord and have faith in Him, and have a thankful heart for all of His tender mercies. Through honest and heartfelt obedient payment of tithes I receive both spiritual and temporal blessings.
GOAL: BE MORE AWARE & CONSCIOUS OF BEGINNING A FAST: WITH PURPOSE AND WITH PRAYER; AT LEAST ON FAST SUNDAY AND AS OFTEN AS INSPIRED TO DO SO BY THE SPIRIT THROUGH THE MONTH.

PP Integrity Ex1 P4

                                                     ('Gethsemane' James Christensen)

MY Personal Progress
Integrity
Experience 1, Part 4

Physical and Emotional Health
Because of, and thru the power of, the ATONEMENT OF CHRIST, I am enabled to change and have strength to obey. My body is a temple, a gift from God. Thru keeping the stewardship of caring for my body, I am promised:
Health, strength, wisdom, knowledge, freedom, control of agency, companionship of the Holy Ghost, ability to be prepared to serve the Lord, ability to fulfill my divine potential, to name just a few.
GOAL: TO SEEK HEALTHY SOLUTIONS, SAFEGUARD PHYSICAL & EMOTIONAL HEALTH CARE WITH NUTRITIOUS AND NURTURING FOOD, EXERCISE, AND SLEEP. PRACTICE BALANCE & MODERATION...KEEPING MY APPETITES INLINE WITH THE BOUNDS THE LORD HAS SET. OBEY THE WORD OF WISDOM. BE A COVENANT KEEPER

Repentance
As I see & acknowledge my weakness and dependance on God, and then, because I love Him and have a sincere desire to be obedient, I release any and all things that are not 'clean' and in harmony with Gods will for my happiness and wholeness, I am brought to my knees before Him and seek His forgiveness. And then, thru Christ's grace (the enabling power of the Atonement) and His love FOR ME, I am forgiven and cleansed and feel the light and peace of the Lord, I will become more like Him, and He will remember my sins NO MORE.
GOAL: BE CONSTANTLY VIGILANT IN RE-ALIGNING MY WILL TO GOD'S...RE, RE, AND RE REPENT.

Sabbath Day Observance
AMAZING scriptures associated with this topic:
Isaiah 58:13-14: Call sabbath a delight, the HOLY of the Lord, Honorable. And HONOR Him = doing His way, His pleasure, HIS word, especially on this HIS day. THEN shalt delight thyself in the Lord, ride upon HIGH PLACES of the earth, & be fed with the HERITAGE OF JACOB.
Doctrine & Covenants 59:9-13: To keep self unspotted from the world, go to the house of prayer and offer up sacraments on HIS HOLY day. A day appointed to : REst from MY labors; pay devotions to God; vows offered up in righteousness ~ renewing covenants & confessing sins before the Lord; prepare food in singleness of heart, that fasting (hungering & thirsting after righteousness) may be perfect ~ or that MY JOY MAY BE FULL.
AGAIN, just another 'command' given to benefit & lift US.
GOAL: MAKE A MORE CONSCIOUS EFFORT TO HONOR GOD BY KEEPING HIS DAY HOLY...REMEMBERING HIM BY OBEYING HIS COMMANDS FOR HIS HOLY DAY

PP Integrity Ex1 P3

MY Personal Progress
Integrity
Experience 1, Part 3

Honesty
Not deceiving in any way ~ myself, others & God
Give FULL amount of 'work' for my 'pay'
Behavior = to knowledge
KEEP PROMISES ~ my word is my bond
GOAL: NO FALSEHOOD OF ANY SORT TO PASS MY LIPS

Language
Never speak in anger, criticism, or gossip ~ LEAVE THEM UNSAID
ONLY use Gods name in power & purpose. 'In Vain' = to no avail; fruitlessly; w/out power; ineffectual.
GOAL: SPEAK ONLY WORDS WHICH REFLECT WHO & WHOSE I AM, AND WHICH UPLIFT, ENCOURAGE, & COMPLIMENT SPIRIT; ARE FILLED WITH FAITH, HOPE & CHARITY

Music and Dancing
Attitude, music, lyrics, will contribute to WHOLESOME atmosphere where SPIRIT may be present
GOAL: MAKE SURE ALWAYS ABLE TO HEAR THE WHISPERINGS OF THE SPIRIT

PP Integrity Ex1 P2

MY Personal Progress
Integrity
Experience 1, Part 2

Family
Be more CHEERFUL
Look OUTSIDE myself more often. Strong families require effort..do my part to strengthen it. As I keep the commandments it strengthens and unifies our family.
GOAL: REFOCUS EFFORTS FOR PRAYER & FHE

Friends
STRENGTHEN & ENCOURAGE others. Friends will help me be a better person and will make it easier for me to live the gospel.
Be good EXAMPLE of the BELIEVERS
GOAL: LESS COMPARING, JUDGING OR CRITICIZING

Gratitude
As I receive ALL things with THANKFULNESS I will be made GLORIOUS. Gratitude will turn my heart to the Lord and Help me recognize His influence and blessings in my life.
GOAL: BETTER ACKNOWLEDGE & SHARE FATHERS BLESSINGS WITH OTHERS

PP Integrity Ex1

                                                ("After Clouds, Sun"; James Christensen)

MY Personal Progress
Integrity
Experience 1: Integrity is the willingness and desire to LIVE by our beliefs and standards.

Do my actions reflect my knowledge and testimony? One of my greatest fears is that those I love, my husband and children and grandchildren, and those with whom I serve, will see inconsistency between what I say I know and what I do and how I live my life. Acknowledging that I am mortal and still in the  PROCESS of becoming like God, my hope is that they will see the honest 'striving' and sincere desire in me to BE what the Spirit has witnessed to me we are capable of becoming. Especially because of the nearness of our experience together, it is evident how many times I stumble and don't 'get it right.' My deepest hope is that in this 'not giving up,' the glory of Gods mercy and grace are seen in the evidence of my life.


To 'deny myself of all ungodliness' (Mor 10:30-33) me to me that in all things, I desire to stand as a witness that I am the Lords...ALL things. "Thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son..." (W 45:4). Do all that thou doest in the name of Christ ~ for His sake ~ for His glory ~ according to HIS will & pleasure (NOT mine...my vanity, pride or will). "...that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." "Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (3 N 12:16).

I want to be a window to His love,
so when you look at me you will see Him.
I want to be so pure and clear that you won't even know I'm here,
'cause His love will shine brightly through me.
(A Window To His Love; Words and Music by Julie de Azevedo)

FOR THE STRENGTH OF YOUTH
From the First Presidency:

1. Promise ~ As keep covenants & standards will be:
~ Helped w/important choices
~ Blessed w/companionship of the Holy Ghost
~ Faith & Testimony will grow stronger
~ Enjoy increasing happiness
2. In all do, stay focused on the Temple
3. Heavenly Father has placed great trust in me
~ He has a work for me to do
~ Seek guidance from Him & counsel with Him and trusted others
4. Remain steadfast and valiant & trust in the Savior and His promises. As I do:
~ Will be an influence for good in helping to build the Kingdom & prepare world for the second coming of Savior.

Agency & Accountability
OBEY & be better accountable for the use of my time
GOAL: USE TIME BETTER/WISER THIS WEEK

Dating
PLAN time to be together, make it a high priority, and make it happen.
Be enthusiastic about being together (reinforce the reasons you got together in the first place)!
PRACTICE holiness together.
GOAL: PLAN A DATE NIGHT (AT TEMPLE~SEALINGS) THIS WEEK

Dress & Appearance
RESPECT BODY & keep it SACRED. Only the best in and out.
SHOW I love Him: well groomed & modestly dressed; clean & neat; w/dignity.
GOAL: SHOWER AND APPLY CLEAN LINEN & CLOTHES EACH DAY

Education
SEEK principles of intelligence.
THROUGH CHRIST’S GRACE I may be instructed more perfectly “…that I may be prepared in ALL things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling (wife/mother/etc.) whereunto I have called you, and the mission (to build a family & home, teach, etc.) with which I have commissioned you.” (DC 88:80)
GOAL: CONTINUE TO IMPLEMENT & FOLLOW THE SAVIORS PLAN FOR ME EACH DAY

Entertainment & Media
SEEK after things (and the use of my time) which are virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.
CHOOSE WISELY to ‘spend’ time for things which will increase my ability to learn, communicate, and become a force for good in the world; which will UPLIFT & strengthen.
Have the COURAGE to obey…as virtue garnishes my thoughts/actions UNCEASINGLY, THEN shall my confidence wax strong in the presence of God.
GOAL: DETERMINE ~ IS WHAT I WANT TO ‘SPEND’ MY TIME (OR $) ON UPLIFTING, VIRTUOUS, LOVELY, OF GOOD REPORT, OR PRAISEWORTHY? YES? THEN DO IT!
GOAL: BE ACCOUNTABLE…SEEK AFTER ‘THESE’ THINGS!

PP Faith Ex4

MY Personal Progress
Faith
Experience 4: The Sacrament


I am so grateful for the opportunity to experience the Sacramental Covenant each week. I look forward to it. I believe that as I, with forethought, partake of the symbols of His body and blood, that I am remembering how much Father and the Savior love me; and acknowledging the price that was paid to make me His.

My baptismal covenants which I renew are:
1. To come into the fold of God by becoming an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ.
2. To take upon me the name of Christ and be called His daughter...to remember Him always.
3. To bear others' burdens, that they may be light; mourn with those that mourn; and comfort those in need of comfort...to do as the Savior would do if He were in my place...to be His hands, His heart.
4. To stand as a witness of God at all time and in all things and in all places; to testify of Christ and set an example of the believers.
5. To serve God and keep His commandment; be quick to hear and obey with exactness.

If I am willing and striving to keep my covenant, the Lord covenants to:
1. Forgive my sins.
2. Pour His Spirit more abundantly upon me.
3. Redeem me that I might be numbered with those of the first resurrection and have eternal life with Heavenly Father and my Savior and family.

My typical Sacrament experience is to try to be aware and remember before going to Sacrament Meeting. I sing and try to feel deeply the Sacrament Hymn. I repeat in my mind (first person~see below) the prayers of the Sacrament, after the priesthood. I think about who these young men represent as I am presented the trays. I try to remember what the bread and water represent as I receive each and take them into my body, as if I'm taking a portion of Christ within me. I remember Christ. Then I think, remember and assess: where can I become more like Christ? What one thing could I do~repent of~realign this week so that I am more as the Savior would have me be? I listen for the Spirit to teach me. And I feel the Love of the Lord. Most Sunday's I leave that chapel as clean as the day of my baptism; it is truly a miracle! And I need it again a week later :) I am VERY grateful!!

First Person Sacrament Prayers:
O God, the Eternal Father, I ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to my soul as I partake of it; that I may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that I am willing to take upon me the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given me, that I may always have his Spirit to be with me. Amen.

O God, the Eternal Father, I ask thee, in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this water to my soul as I drink of it, that I do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for me; that I may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that I do always remember him, that I may have his Spirit to be with me. Amen.

Great message given by Elder Holland:
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1995/10/this-do-in-remembrance-of-me?lang=eng

PP Faith Ex2

MY Personal Progress
Faith
Experience 2

WHAT QUALITIES does a woman need in order to teach children to
*have faith in Jesus Christ?
*base decisions on Gospel Truths?

As a woman has these qualities within herself (faith and works, as above) and 'demonstrates' them, she 'teaches' them to others.

Alma 56:45-48: These young men testified of and exemplified the knowledge and behavior of their mothers ~ that they (Mothers) knew and did not doubt = Faith

Alma 57:21: ~ that they (Mothers) did obey and observed to perform every word of command they were given with exactness = based decisions on gospel truths

Alma 57:21: ~ and they shared with/trained their children to do it with them = they taught them.

The pattern here seems to be that they followed Christ's example of loving and leading, and in the process training up themselves and those WITH whom they labored. We will be blessed, and those following after (with) us, by involving AS WE LABOR all those around us to labor WITH us, sharing our thoughts and feelings and impressions as we go, and in the process all are strengthened together. This takes courage, and patience, and determination; and I testify that it is SO worth it!

What does The Proclamation say about a mother's role:
*It is an equal partnership with her husband with eternal potential
*ordained of God
*we have been commanded to multiply and replenish the earth
*solem responsibility to love and care for each other and our children
*a sacred duty to
     ~rear children in love and righteousness
     ~provide for their physical and spiritual needs
     ~ teach them to
          ^love and serve one another
          ^observe the commandments of God
          ^be law-abiding citizens
*will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations
*honor marital vows with complete fidelity
*found family life upon the teachings of Christ
*establish and maintain family on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities
*primary responsibility for the nurture of the children
*promote measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

I testify that these things are true!

Am I Comfortable and Content???

"To the duty designated by His Father, [the Savior] turned His face, pledged His heart, and gave His life. And what a sinless, selfless, noble, and divine life it was. Jesus labored. Jesus loved. Jesus served. Jesus testified. What finer example could we strive to emulate? Let us begin now, this very night, to do so. Cast off forever will be the old self and with it defeat, despair, doubt, and disbelief. To a newness of life we come—a life of faith, hope, courage, and joy. No task looms too large; no responsibility weighs too heavily; no duty is a burden. All things become possible."

—Thomas S. Monson, "Examples of Righteousness", Liahona and Ensign, May 2008

Amen, AMEN, and amen!

As I was in the Temple the other day, I was struck by the very first covenant made and who Adam and Eve each covenanted to. We, as women, have a specific covenential relationship with the Savior…another way that we ‘are His.’ Elder James E Talmage testified, ‘The world’s greatest champion of women and womanhood is Jesus the Christ (DIMK, pg 3).” I know this is so. We are His special stewardship, as the Priesthood is to the Father. We are nurturers and creators of life, just as He is. Powerful.

In the foreword to DIMK, The First Presidency states, “We…recognize that you are beloved daughters of Heavenly Father and dedicated (covenanted, pledged, etc) disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.” This seems to be another evidence of this connection with the Savior.

So, where do my ‘loyalties’ lie? Am I ready to forsake ‘my will’ and be a covenant woman? I was just reading this devotional talk given at BYUH (11/23/2010) by Clark Gilbert entitled, ‘On the Frontier.’ He says:

“As I think of overcoming these twin constraints of pride and fear, I think of the parable of the rich young ruler and his invitation to follow the Savior to a place that was new and unfamiliar to him.  In Matthew 19 we read: “And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”  When reminded of the commandments, the young ruler replies, “All these things I have kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.  But when the young man heard that saying he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” A wise friend once helped me understand this scripture though the artwork of Carl Heinrich Bloch. In the painting, Christ is showing the rich young ruler a better way.  But instead of looking to where the Lord might take him, the young man appears to be contemplating all that he might give up. What he failed to see was the light on the horizon the Savior was pointing him to.  Like the rich young ruler, when all we consider are our own possessions, identity, and circumstance, we are blind to the blessings that come only at the frontier. As we let go of our pride and fear, we can look to Christ to see a better way.”

This pulls at my heart! I have great possessions – temporal and spiritual. How often am I ‘contemplating (consciously or un) all that He might ask me to give up?’ Or should I say, all I know He’s invited me to let go of already. And I go on ‘sorrowful.’ Oh, I pray I can release my pride and fear and receive from Christ this better way!

Brother Gilbert:

“At the conclusion of a discussion about changes happening at the university (BYUI), [President Clark] made the following statement: “If you want to know the Savior, go to the frontier because that is where you will see him in action.  It is at the frontier where he does His work.”  Suddenly, all of the personal changes and sacrifices seemed less of a burden because I realized the opportunity I had been given.  The Savior was inviting me to be part of His work, but I would have to go places I had never been.  I would have to go to the frontier.

“We all will face frontiers, both personal and institutional.  Part of what will impact our ability to grow in life will be our willingness to leave the familiar and to journey to the frontier.  When those frontiers are the Savior’s, we will also be granted the opportunity to get to know Him, both because we are doing His work, but also because something changes in us when we let go of ourselves and follow Him.”

He continues, “What Laman and Lemuel could not see was that when we go to the Lord’s frontiers we are not relying on our own understanding.  If we go to the Lord’s frontiers, He will take us to places we could never even imagine, if we recognize our entire dependence on Him.  Nephi didn’t know how to build a ship.  He didn’t even know how to build tools to construct a ship.  But he immediately asked the Lord where he could go to find ore to molten that he might make tools to construct a ship, and here is the key, ‘after the manner which thou has shown me.’ Nephi wasn’t going to a frontier of his choosing.  He certainly wasn’t going to a frontier on his own. ‘And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led.’ After Nephi and his family built the ship and sailed to the promised land, they knew it was by the hand of the Lord that they had been led.”

“Each of us will face our own personal frontiers.  In these moments, we will have to decide whether we are willing to go where the Lord will lead us or whether we will stay where we are comfortable and content.”

GO, WENDY, GO!!!!!!

Exodus: Sustained by Covenants

DIMK

“Cleave unto the Covenants”

Exodus: Sustained by Covenants

The first Relief Society sisters were, like the ancient people of Ammon, “distinguished for their zeal towards God” and were “firm in the faith of Christ.” They had been taught by the Prophet Joseph Smith, and they had been blessed through their formal organization under the authority of the priesthood. Now they needed the blessings of the temple. More than 5,000 Saints thronged the Nauvoo Temple after its dedication so they could receive the endowment and the sealing ordinance before embarking on their journey into an unknown future. They came to the temple all day and long into the night. President Brigham Young wrote that they were so anxious to receive their ordinances that “I have given myself up entirely to the work of the Lord in the Temple night and day, not taking more than four hours sleep, upon an average, per day, and going home but once a week.”

The strength, power, and blessings of temple covenants would sustain the Latter-day Saints during their journey, when they would suffer cold, heat, hunger, poverty, sickness, accidents, and death. They were strengthened and empowered— spiritually prepared to leave Nauvoo on their arduous journey into the wilderness. Sister Sarah Rich (a sister called to be a temple worker by BYoung) implied that the exodus was not a “leap in the dark” for faithful Latter-day Saint women. They were sustained by their covenants. Like the children of Israel anciently, they followed a prophet into the wilderness in the hope of deliverance. In preparation for the exodus, President Brigham Young made the following declaration to the Saints: “This shall be our covenant—that we will walk in all the ordinances of the Lord.” Latter-day Saints walked into the wilderness bound by covenant to God, their families, and their fellow sojourners.

All this can be said of today: the strength, power, and blessings of temple covenants will sustain us during our journey, when we will suffer hardships and challenges. We are strengthened and empowered – spiritually prepared to go forward on our arduous journey in the ‘wilderness’ of this earth life. We are sustained by our covenants. We follow a prophet today in the hope of deliverance. This shall be OUR covenant – that we will walk in all the ordinances of the Lord and be found within the walls of His holy Temple as often as possible. 

“That We May All Sit Down in Heaven Together”

DIMK

“That We May All Sit Down in Heaven Together”

Elder John A. Widtsoe of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles described the foundational work of the Relief Society: “Relief of poverty, relief of illness; relief of doubt, relief of ignorance—relief of all that hinders the joy and progress of woman. What a magnificent commission!”

Latter-day Saint women, strong in faith and testimony, have truly been given the “errand of angels.” Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “Every sister in this Church who has made covenants with the Lord has a divine mandate to help save souls, to lead the women of the world, to strengthen the homes of Zion, and to build the kingdom of God.”

This work continues today. Guided by the principles Joseph Smith taught, Relief Society sisters work together to prepare women and their families for God’s greatest blessings. They joyfully follow the counsel of Joseph Smith’s mother, Lucy Mack Smith: “We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together.”

I am very grateful to be part of this ‘magnificent commission!” I feel deeply the desire and responsibility to build a home – a temple – my kingdom – to the Lord, where His Spirit may dwell, to lift, protect, and strengthen our family. Also, within our home and with Steven & our family I will develop those characteristics that will prepare me to receive all the blessings Father has prepared for me. I am ever so grateful!

Provide Relief by Seeking Out and Helping Those in Need

In Nauvoo, Illinois, Emma and Joseph Smith led efforts to help the hungry, homeless, and sick. 

Provide Relief by Seeking Out and Helping Those in Need

With the Relief Society organized under priesthood authority, the effort to help those building the Nauvoo Temple was even greater. From the hearts of these sisters flowed a great desire to engage in good works. They did so with wool and wagons, soap and sewing, food and finery, time and talents. Through their new society, the women of the Church acted according to their natural sympathies to build up the Lord’s Church.

Joseph said: “Don’t be limited in your views with regard to your neighbors’ virtues. . . . You must enlarge your souls toward others if you’d do like Jesus. . . . As you increase in innocence and virtue, as you increase in goodness, let your hearts expand—let them be enlarged towards others—you must be longsuffering and bear with the faults and errors of mankind. How precious are the souls of men!”

In another Relief Society meeting, he taught: “Nothing is so much calculated to lead people to forsake sin as to take them by the hand and watch over them with tenderness. When persons manifest the least kindness and love to me, O what power it has over my mind, while the opposite course has a tendency to harrow up all the harsh feelings and depress the human mind.”

This is a gift I seek after and desire to refine: to be able to know how to, and then actually serve those around me, especially our family, and those who I’ve been given stewardship over. I feel impressions regarding acts of kindness or service, but then almost talk myself out of them, or react so slowly on them that I get distracted and/or forget them. I’m going to make a more concentrated effort to follow the promptings of the Spirit and to seek after opportunities to serve and lift.

Preparing to Enter the Temple

Strengthen Families and Homes, cont.

Preparing to Enter the Temple (Initially and every time)

Believe in Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.

Cultivate a testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the restored gospel.

Sustain and follow the living prophet.

Qualify for a temple recommend by being morally clean, keeping the Word of Wisdom, paying a full tithing, and living in harmony with the teachings of the Church.

Give time, talents, and means to help build the Lord’s kingdom.

Participate in family history work.

Be teachable and reverent.

Dress modestly and be well groomed.

I know that by me being in the Temple as often as possible, I am allowing Father to strengthen me, and my family and home. It is one of the single most powerful things I can do to bring this to pass. Oh, may I be found there more regularly!

Strengthen Families and Homes

Strengthen Families and Homes

 Although the early Relief Society sisters were involved in their community and ready to serve their neighbors, they never lost sight of their responsibilities toward their own families and homes. They were true to their innate gifts as mothers and nurturers. They were also true to revelations the Lord had given through Joseph Smith about family responsibilities:

“The office of thy calling shall be for a comfort unto . . . thy husband, in his afflictions, with consoling words, in the spirit of meekness.”

“Inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents.

“For this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized.

“And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands.

“And they shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord.”

“I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth. . . .

“First set in order thy house. . . .

“What I say unto one I say unto all. . . .

“. . . See that [family members] are more diligent and concerned at home, and pray always.”

Excerpts from the minutes of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo indicate that Joseph Smith and the sisters never lost sight of the principles in these revelations. Their words and actions showed that their homes and the homes of others were uppermost in their minds. For example, Emma Smith taught that “it was high time for mothers to watch over their daughters and exhort them to keep the path of virtue.” The Prophet Joseph expressed special concern about the relationship between husband and wife. He counseled the sisters:

“Let this society teach how to act towards husbands, to treat them with mildness and affection. When a man is borne down with trouble—when he is perplexed, if he can meet a smile, not an argument—if he can meet with mildness, it will calm down his soul and soothe his feelings. When the mind is going to despair, it needs a solace. . . . When you go home never give a cross word, but let kindness, charity and love, crown your works.”

In other settings, the Prophet gave similar counsel to men, saying that a husband’s duty is to “love, cherish, and nourish his wife” and “regard her feelings with tenderness.”

I know that as I serve Steven, and our children, I am utilizing the greatest tool Father has given us to become like Him. In this service I develop all the god-like qualities within me. These can then reach beyond our home to others within my sphere of influence.

In January of 2010 I was seeking direction from Heavenly Father as to what aspect of service He would have me focus on developing during the coming year. The tender call came: 'Choose to serve your husband.' Not to be a servant to – but to serve my husband as Christ serves me.

I testify that to the degree I have applied this principle each day, everything else in my life has been affected for the better: I have been a more capable and caring mother and grandmother; daughter and sister; relative, friend, and neighbor. I have been able to manage my time in such a way that every needful thing is accomplished. I have been able to receive the word of the Lord with greater understanding. I have been able to serve in my calling with a greater capacity to testify of truth. I have felt a greater sense of urgency, accomplishment and satisfaction in building up and managing a home for our family. I have felt a real and tangible connection to my family on the other side of the veil. I have been drawn with a longing to be found inside the Temple as often as possible. I have felt balance and direction in my interests outside of our home.

I have also felt peace and joy and wonder at the outpouring of love, grace and mercy from our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ, as they tutor me, sustain me and forgive me each day, as I continue to strive to be full of charity and follow after the patterns of the Savior in my life.

Sometimes the Spirit Touches Us Through Our Weakness

'Sometimes the Spirit Touches Us Through Our Weakness' & 'After Clouds, Sun'

James Christensen

Increase in Faith and Personal Righteousness

 Joseph Smith taught sisters that they had a solemn obligation to seek their own salvation.

He said, “We can only live by worshipping our God—all must do it for themselves—none can do it for another.” He taught them to be righteous individuals, to become a holy people, and to prepare for temple ordinances and covenants. He encouraged them to be at peace with the Lord, with those around them, and with themselves: “Sisters . . . , shall there be strife among you? I will not have it—you must repent and get the love of God.” “Not war, not jangle, not contradiction, but meekness, love, purity, these are the things that should magnify us.”

In one Relief Society meeting, the Prophet Joseph discussed chapter 12 of the book of 1 Corinthians, emphasizing that each sister, fulfilling her own role, was important to the entire Church. He gave “instructions respecting the different offices [in the Church], and the necessity of every individual acting in the sphere allotted him or her; and filling the several offices to which they were appointed.” He also warned against the disposition to “consider the lower offices in the Church dishonorable and to look with jealous eyes upon the standing of others.” This, he said, “was the nonsense of the human heart, for a person to be aspiring to other stations than appointed of God.” Through such teachings, he helped the sisters walk “in holiness before the Lord.”

“If we would come before God,” Joseph Smith told the Relief Society sisters, “let us be pure ourselves.”

Be pure…and be at peace. There are many days when these two commands seem at war with each other within me. I feel un-pure and thus un-peaceful. Joseph Smith taught ‘to be at peace with the Lord…and with themselves.’ I remember a day of deep sorrow over my seeming complete lack of ability to be pure; as I prayed for forgiveness and understanding, these words came to my mind:

“A commandment I give unto thee: Revile no more against thyself, because of the darkness of thy heart or because of thy weakness before me. Remember thy weakness, that through ME thou art made whole.”

This tender admonition is found throughout the scriptures:

“Because thou hast seen thy weakness thou shalt be made strong.” Ether 12:37

In Sister Anne C Pingree’s (2^nd counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency at the time) message, Making Weak Things Become Strong, she testified:

Turning to the Lord

“Sometimes, in spite of all we do to “make weak things become strong,” the Lord, in His infinite wisdom, does not take away our weakness. The Apostle Paul struggled throughout his life with “a thorn in the flesh,” which he said served to humble him “lest [he] should be exalted above measure” (2 Cor. 12:7). Three times Paul asked the Lord to take away his weakness, and three times the Lord declined to do so. The Lord then explained that His grace was sufficient for Paul and that, in fact, His strength was actually “made perfect in weakness.” Then Paul wrote, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Cor. 12:9–10).

“Like Paul, we can find positive meaning in weaknesses that are not taken away. Surely nothing is quite as humbling as having a weakness that we cannot overcome but must continue to struggle with throughout our life. Such a weakness teaches us, in a very personal way, that after all we can do we must rely on the grace of Christ to make up the difference.

“As we humbly submit our will to the Lord’s, we find that our weaknesses can indeed become sources of strength if we put our trust in Him.” (Ensign, Dec, 2004)

So, may I ‘most gladly... glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me,’ that I may humbly submit my will to God’s and find in my weakness a source of strength as I put my whole trust in Him.

Early Excitement about Relief Society

Early Excitement about Relief Society

Sisters in Nauvoo clamored to join the Relief Society. They were excited to give temporal and spiritual aid in an organized, authorized way. They also recognized the unparalleled opportunity to be taught by a prophet in preparation for higher spiritual knowledge and the blessings of the temple. They loved being unified with one another and with their priesthood brethren in these great causes.

President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said many years later, “It is as obligatory upon a woman to draw into her life the virtues that are fostered by the Relief Society as it is an obligation for the men to build into their lives the patterns of character fostered by the priesthood.”

The Relief Society was not just another group of women trying to do good in the world. It was different. It was “something better” because it was organized under priesthood

authority. Its organization was a necessary step in the unfolding of God’s work on the earth. It prepared the women of the Church to receive priesthood ordinances and covenants, and it helped them with their family responsibilities.

I have a great longing to be taught by the Prophet and the Apostles. I love the General Conference of the Church. I have always considered it a personal tender mercy that Fall Conference falls near my birthday in October. I have always had the feeling that I as I listen, I am being taught from the Lord, Himself. I usually try to determine 3 messages that will be my ‘focus’ for the next 6 months. This last session I approached Conference with a question in mind also. I was amazed at how answers were evident in many of the messages. It is such a miracle.

Elder Neil L Andersen, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, in his message, ‘What Thinks Christ of Me?’ promised the following regarding conference:

“The messages we have heard during this conference are guideposts from the Lord on our journey of discipleship. As we have listened during the past two days, praying for spiritual guidance, and as we study and pray about these messages in the days ahead, the Lord blesses us with customized direction through the gift of the Holy Ghost. These feelings turn us even more toward God, repenting, obeying, believing, and trusting. The Savior responds to our acts of faith. “If a man [or woman] love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.””

Other messages regarding Conference from former Prophets:

Pres Ezra T Benson:

“For the next six months your conference edition of the Ensign should stand next to your standard works and be referred to frequently. As my dear friend and brother Harold B Lee said, we should let these conference addresses ‘be the guide to [our] walk and talk during the next six months.’ These are the important matters the Lord sees fit to reveal to this people in this day.”

Pres Spencer W Kimball:

“I hope that you will get your copy of [the Conference talks] and underline the pertinent thoughts and keep it with you for continual reference. No text or volume outside the standard works of the Church should have such prominent place on your personal library shelves.”

Pres Gordon B Hinckley:

“[For] family home evening…I hope that fathers and mothers will gather their children about them and talk of some of the things they have heard in this conference. I would wish they might even write down some of these things, reflect on them, and remember them.”