~by Beth

When my husband and I were first married, we lived in the northwest part of the United States, where he played on the ward softball team. In one of those games, his wedding ring spun off his hand into the dirt, and he couldn’t find it again. I had bought the ring for him, and I got mad at him about that mishap, even though it was only an accident. I was the one working at the time, while he was a student and “I” bought him another ring, with money “I” earned, then I kept feeling snippy.  Every now and then I would remind him about it in not-especially-kind ways.  

Fast forward a few years, and we were traveling from our home to Northern California, with a baby on board. Our son filled his (cloth) diaper just before we pulled into a wayside gas station. I took my rings off to rinse out the diaper, and then I forgot them, leaving them on the back of a toilet tank is some obscure Oregon town.  

I didn’t realize I had lost the rings until later that night.  I had a very humbling moment when I realized it, and told him. What he did was one of the many shining moments of our marriage. He managed to keep his face completely neutral, and then he helped me do what we could to get the rings back. They were long gone. And he didn’t say anything about the fact that my rings were more expensive, because they had a diamond. He bought me a modest band sometime soon, which was exactly fit with our financial circumstances at the time.  

Fast forward again. A few years later, he had a career and we were living in comfortable financial circumstances. One quiet Sunday afternoon, when all our kids were napping, he asked me if I wanted a diamond ring. He didn’t even say “another” diamond ring. He asked it like it was a spontaneous idea with no history, and a cheerful gift thought. I decided I didn’t really want another one, because I imagined — when I looked at my left hand with NO diamond — I thought of the value of having a husband who forgives me. 

And when he forgave me again for something else (an ongoing story, after 44 years), I imagined the immaterial gem of forgiveness growing in weight.  It now outstrips the Hope Diamond.  

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One of the things I appreciate about being a part of this effort is to read the words of my fellow brothers and sisters. Their perspectives and experience enrich my experience engaging the words of the prophets. Of course, we don’t want our posts to replace the words of the prophets, but we hope perhaps this project will inspire you in some way, as it has us.   

The other posts from this week’s reading, which focused on the Sunday Afternoon Session of the October 1972 General Conference, are at the bottom of the post. (I’ve also included links to last week’s posts.)

There were a lot of things that stood out to me from this week’s reading for the General Conference Odyssey, but there is one message I feel most pressed to record for my life’s record.

The quote I will center my thoughts around in from Hartman Rector, Jr.

“[D]o the right thing because you love the Lord. It is so vitally important that, I feel, if you do anything in righteousness for any other reason than you love the Lord, you are wrong—at least you are on very shaky ground. And, somewhere your reasons for acting in righteousness will not be strong enough to see you through. You will give way to expediency, or peer group pressure, or honor, or fame, or applause, or the thrill of the moment, or some other worldly reason. Unless your motives are built upon the firm foundation of love of the Lord, you will not be able to stand.”

As a recovering perfectionist and people-pleaser, this concept of doing things for the right reasons is a critical life principle for me. I repeat the phrase “Do it for God” on almost a daily basis. But I can feel that God wants me to understand this little mantra of mine more deeply. This week, the concept of offering all that I do to God (and God alone) has come through in multiple ways: in a movie my daughter and I watched a week ago, in my 12-step meeting this week, in Relief Society on Sunday.

One hand, it seems so simple. Just do good because you love God. I think few of us who are religious choose such a life without some measure of love for God. And yet, the natural-man tendencies to want human reassurance are strong for me. As Elder Carl B. Cook said in his 2012 General Conference talk, “Look Up”:

I think the challenge for all of us…is to try not to look sideways to see how others are viewing our lives but to look up to see how Heavenly Father sees us. He doesn’t look on the outward appearance but on the heart (see 1 Samuel 16:7). And He knows, better than anyone else, what each one of us needs.

In addition to having the fear of man inside of me, I also am coming to realize that while I have always loved God and tried to be obedient, I have also feared Him. I have misunderstood His character. I spent four decades thought somehow I had to earn His love through my behavior and mistake-free living. I had grown up believing that God was somehow keeping score on my life, and I could never measure up. I wore myself out by trying to earn something that was freely given and always available.

I am still basking in this quote from Elder Rector, and the power of the scripture he shared as well.

It seems that, at this day and time, everything is in a state of change. There appears to be nothing in this life that is not subject to erosion, or decay, or just change for the sake of change—like the new automobile models each year. There is only one place where we can go and find consistency, and that is where Joseph went: to the Lord, for “he is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.” And the most important fact is that there is no place you can go where he is not. In the words of the psalmist,

“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

“If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

“If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

“Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

“If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

“Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.” (Ps. 139:7–12.)

I’m reminded of the quote from the last General Conference that left me weeping and still leaves me rejoicing. (*See footnote) Elder Holland said,

“My brothers and sisters, the first great commandment of all eternity is to love God with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength—that’s the first great commandment. But the first great truth of all eternity is that God loves us with all of His heart, might, mind, and strength. That love is the foundation stone of eternity, and it should be the foundation stone of our daily life. Indeed it is only with that reassurance burning in our soul that we can have the confidence to keep trying to improve, keep seeking forgiveness for our sins, and keep extending that grace to our neighbor.”

President Uchtdorf also testified, “The sheep is worthy of divine rescue simply because it is loved by the Good Shepherd.”

I use my little mantra, “Do it for God” whenever I feel myself slipping into insecurities, or worrying about what people think of me, or second-guessing myself, or trying to explain/justify/defend myself to get someone’s approval, or trying to manipulate or control someone else. But even after writing this post I’m realizing that the real message of “Do it for God” is more something like this:

Believe that His love for you and everyone else really is that big, so there is no reason to worry. He’s got this.

I am so grateful to be learning more in a heart-deep kind of way how much He loves us all. How much He loves me.

– – – –

*God is amazing. He knows how to prepare the ground of my heart for truths I most desperately need. He uses many ways and means (see Alma 37:7) for my salvation. My heart had been prepared for Elder Holland’s words months before General Conference, in part because of chapter in a book by by Max Lucado (creator of children’s books about a beloved character named Punchinello). The chapter was about the New Testament story of the woman who washed Jesus’ feet — a story that has become a favorite of mine in the past year. Lucado talks about how often we try to willpower our way to Christlike living — and fail in our efforts.

“[W]e try. Teeth clenched. Jaw firm. We’re going to love [serve God and others, obey] if it kills us. And it may do just that.

“Could it be that we are missing a step? Could it be that the first step of love is not toward [others] but toward [God]?…. (1 John 4:19)

“Long to be more loving? Begin by accepting your place as a dearly loved child…. (Eph. 5:1-2)

“Want to learn to forgive? Then consider how you have been forgiven…. (Eph. 4:32)

Finding it hard to put others first? Think of the way Christ put your first…. (Phil. 2:6)

Need more patience? Drink from the patience of God” (2 Pet. 3:9). Is generosity an elusive virtue? Then consider how generous God has been with you (Rom. 5:8). Having trouble putting up with ungrateful relatives or cranky neighbors? God puts up with you when you act the same…. (Luke 6:35)

(Cast of Characters, p. 24; scripture references included in original; NIV is used by author)

As John said, “We love him, because he first loved us.” The next time I think of doing whatever I’m doing for God, I’m going to also remind myself to consider all He has done and continues to do for me. Loving Him is so much easier when I first let Him love me.

– – – –

This week’s posts from the General Conference Odyssey:

A Little Weird is the Best Case Scenario

God of the Gaps

https://symphonyofdissent.wordpress.com/2016/06/14/the-gospel-is-never-more-beautiful/

“That Is How Christ Feels, and So Should We”

http://rainscamedown.blogspot.com/2016/06/hands-of-god.html
http://light-in-leaves.blogspot.com/2016/06/i-cannot-go-back.html

Last week’s posts, discussing the Sunday morning session of October 1972’s General Conference:

• Saviors in the Home by Nathaniel Givens
• A Home Where Mission is Part of Life by G
• Satan’s Effort to Influence and Control the Human Mind by Daniel Ortner
• Abomination and Understanding, Works and Grace by Ralph Hancock
• Divorce, Pornography, Turner, Persky, and Being a Mormon Woman by SilverRain
• Zombies, Mormons, and Ants by Jan Tolman
• We are the catalyst by Marilyn Nielson

The post Do it for God (i.e., Let Him love you!) #ldsconf Odyssey appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

In the United States, today is the day of LOVE. It’s Valentine’s Day! Truth be told, it’s never been my favorite holiday, but I do think we can’t talk enough about LOVE — and who doesn’t need a nudge to show that love to people they care about?

The title of this post comes from a classic scene in The Princess Bride where the evil Humperdink is faking love for a woman in order to get her to marry him and help him take over the kingdom. If you have seen the movie, you know how hilarious the scene is because the priest’s voice is so unexpected.

But tonight I’m sitting here thinking about how tragic the scene is, too. Humperdink has no time for the sermon the priest wants to give on true love and what it means to truly cherish someone else.

Sounds a bit like what is happening in our culture. It seems so much of our world has little time or interest in divine truths about marriage, about sexual purity and high moral standards, about honesty, about respect. More and more we see pornography pushed and peddled not on the fringe where it belongs, but in previews at wholesome movies, in stores where you buy milk and shoes, and continually through our TVs and various modes of product marketing. That normalization is now including mainstreaming what has to this point only existed in the shadows of society — violent, sexist, abusive sexual relationships. (Yes, especially today, I’m looking straight at you, 50 Shades. 100 million copies in multiple languages? Has our society gone mad?)

So I just wanted to put my voice out there today on the day of love to celebrate what love is. To me, love includes things like respect (for self and the other), honor, virtue (in marriage, too!), truth-telling, and truth-living.

Perhaps if we can fill the world more with pictures and words and videos and movies and quotes of what love really is, the counterfeits will be recognized more readily by more people.

So, what does “wuv, twue wuv” mean to you? I invite you to include a photo, video, or post through your own social media connections about what true love looks like. Of course, this applies to love in marriage, but can also apply to family relationships, friendships, and even the loving actions that exist between strangers.

Let’s celebrate true love today. Happy Valentine’s Day!

The post Wuv, twue wuv = _________________ appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

This year’s Women’s Conference provided me with a wealth of material to ponder and integrate into my life. Here are some of my favorite quotes from the classes I attended.

“Lord, who needs me today? Tell me her name.” -Elaine S. Marshall quoting her then Relief Society President – Ann Madsen

I have used this sentence prayer in the days since Women’s Conference and by doing so I have invited the spirit of revelation into my life. Names and faces have been provided and opportunities for service made manifest. I was not surprised when the names provided were my own husband and children, but other names have been provided as well. I’m printing this quote out and taping it onto my bathroom mirror, it’s just that good.

“How many spiritual experiences have we missed because we ran to tell instead of lingering and waiting on the Lord?” – Paraphrasing Camille Fronk Olson.

Eric Huntsman and Camille Fronk Olson co-taught a class on women disciples where they felt that the reason Mary Magdalene was privileged enough to be the first person to see the Lord in His resurrected form is clearly recorded in the gospel of John: she lingered. Since hearing these words I have tried to linger longer when I feel the Holy Spirit’s presence. This Sunday I made a point to find the mothers of children who had born their testimonies in Primary and tell them word for word what their child said. We stood and hugged, with tears stinging as we marveled at the faith of children. If I had hurried home (as I normally do after church) I would have missed these sweet moments with my friends.

“The best ways to preserve traditional marriage and families is to participate in them.” 

This was a summary thought I had after listening to Stacey Edgington and Ann Takasaki’s class entitled Defending, Preserving and Protecting Traditional Marriage. Stacey Edgington taught, “There are absolute truths. It is important to create an environment where eternal truths can be taught. We need to 1. understand the doctrines of God  2. teach them to our children 3. be examples of discipleship by living and teaching truths to our posterity…. How we live will preserve the sanctity of marriage.” When the Women’s Conference transcripts come out, this will be the first talk I re-read. Another great quote they shared in the class was from Spencer W. Kimball, “Many of the social restraints which in the past have helped to reinforce and to shore up the family are disappearing. The time will come when only those who believe deeply and actively in the family will be able to preserve their families in the midst of the gathering evil around us.” I was impressed by the strength and tenderness of these women and the compassion they showed while still standing firm in the defense of traditional marriage. This class stood out from the pack as a must read from Women’s Conference.

“Be brilliant in the basics.” – Julie B. Beck 

Stacey Edgington quoted Julie B. Beck in the Protecting Traditional Marriage class as a method for preserving family life. What are the basics? Personal and family prayer, consistent Family Home Evening and scripture study, tenderness, work, eating meals together. When I got back home from Conference I felt re energized in my commitment to live the basics. In lieu of the large family calendar that used to loom over me in my office daily, I have transferred all of our appointments to my phone and compiled a small checklist that lives in my kitchen.  My Monday through Sunday wipe board is where I tally check marks when I complete “the basics.” This way I can prioritize what is truly important and let work assignments, piano lessons, and book club meetings get the second tier level of importance they deserve.

“Elaine, You cannot live your life in Gethsemane, Jesus was already there. You must find yourself in another garden.” – Elaine S. Marshall quoting her mother

Due to the fall of Adam, all of us will find ourselves confronted by the ugliness of mortality. The longer I live the more I am convinced that this “rock bottom” moment is part of the plan.  Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” I believe that mortality forces us to choose Jesus Christ (or some form of God) or to arrogantly choose a path that ultimately leads to spiritual death. I recently found myself in the Garden of Gethsemane fighting a crippling battle with anxiety. The racing thoughts, panic attacks and my self defeating beliefs took me to a very dark place. A friend felt prompted to send me her testimony of the power of Christ’s atonement and what equated to the first two steps in the 12 step program for addicts and co-dependents as used by our church. Using her prescribed method and humbly recognizing that I was fallen and that Jesus Christ was and is the “way, the truth and the life”out of my hell I began to pray in such a way that light and healing began to pour into my heart and mind. I had found my way into another garden through the atonement of Jesus Christ.

“Charity is the pure love of Christ.” – Moroni 7:47

Kevin J. Worthen turned my life upside down when he shed a new perspective on this well known scripture. I have always thought this verse of scripture as a description of Christ’s love for us. His perfect love is what we aspire to have when interacting with our brothers and sisters here on earth. But in a simple story that Brother Worthen shared about a time when he was annoyed with an ill performing co-worker that turned into a teaching moment, Kevin Worthen found that choosing to love God (that first great commandment) quickly led his heart to loving his brother as himself (the second great commandment.) Brother Worthen taught me that when I struggle to love another, try loving God is a path to charity. With that in mind, let’s read Moroni 7:47 again “But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.” Doesn’t Kevin Worthen’s take on this scripture make charity so much more achievable? What a lovely thought!

Two other themes that I saw throughout the entire Conference were understanding the doctrines of the Priesthood and feeling joy despite hardship. I recommend the broadcasts and written transcripts to you as edifying and worthwhile material for study and learning. We will be linking to these talks in the near future to make it easy for you to find and enjoy.

Let me just leave you with the scripture theme for the 2013 Women’s Conference at BYU:

Therefore, continue your journey and let your hearts rejoice: for behold, and lo, I am with you even unto the end. D&C 100:12

The post Notable Quotables from the 2013 Women’s Conference at BYU appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

~by Michelle

Years ago, when I was a teacher in the Young Women program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I attended Young Women Camp. I don’t remember the exact theme, but I think it had something to do with angels, because I remember singing the song, “Angels Among Us” around the campfire.

I was reminded of this song last night. It was dark and late, but I needed to run to the store to get milk for the kiddos. Sunday night, I had driven around a bit and run the air conditioner, and before I knew it, I had run my car nearly to empty — to the point where I wasn’t sure I’d make it home. We typically try not to purchase things on Sunday, so I’d waited until last night to deal with it.

I had a nervous knot in my stomach as I started the van. I hoped that I had enough “fumes” to get me the half mile to the gas station by the grocery store.

I turned the ignition. (Good start … at least it started!) But then I watched in confusion as the gas needle went well above 1/8 of a tank. Our driveway isn’t slanted…why is it giving me a wrong reading? Maybe the gauge is broken.  

As I started to drive, expecting that maybe it would then settle into showing me the truth, the needle nudged up even a little more. And then it hit me.

Someone put gas in my car.

The feeling that I had was unlike anything I’ve felt for quite a while. I know I’m loved, but to have someone do something so utterly unexpected like that? It was simply amazing.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gave a talk about angels that I’m going to write another post about (because Mormons do believe in angels of the heavenly kind).

But Elder Holland also reminds us that:

“[W]hen we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with—here, now, every day. Some of them reside in our own neighborhoods.”

And some of them carry a gas can.

– – –

Tell me about the angels in your life. 

And is there someone in your life who could use a little help, for whom you could be an angel today?

We … have the opportunity to assist the Lord by providing relief for others, which is the greatest, fastest solution to loneliness and hopelessness and a sure way to obtain the companionship of the Spirit. All we need to do to start offering relief is get on our knees and ask, “Who needs my help?” – Julie B. Beck

p.s. This video is obviously old, but just in case you wanted to listen to the song “Angels Among Us” by Alabama, here it is:

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My original plan was to run to the store before heading to the temple. As is often the case, however, I left the house behind schedule. While in the car, I had a quiet idea come to change the order of things — to attend the temple first and run errands later.

I don’t pretend to always get inspiration right, but this time, I think I did.

I decided to do initiatory ordinance work. It’s something I love to do. I find a great power and peace in performing these ordinances, and I feel bathed in God’s love when I do.

On this day, I needed that kind of healing experience. The little voice in my head that chants, “Not enough, not enough” had been rather loud and persistent, and I was feeling emotionally weary.

As I sat on the bench waiting for my turn, I couldn’t help but overhear a conversation going on between a temple worker and a patron. The patron caught my attention. She had such a light in her countenance. She radiated a strong, humble spirit. Something about her and their conversation triggered memories of a time when I felt had made a complete fool of myself.

The voice in my head got louder. And I couldn’t help it; I started to cry.

The woman I had noticed was invited to take her turn helping with the ordinances. I tried to compose myself before they called my name.

I confess that I had a hard time concentrating and enjoying my experience that day. After completing my service, I returned to my locker to change back into my street clothes. But as I shut the door, all I could do was slump down on the little seat in the dressing stall and sob. I poured my heart out silently to Heavenly Father. I was confused. This isn’t supposed to happen in the temple, I thought. I come here to feel peace, not pain.

I don’t know how long I sat there, but I finally I closed my prayer, got dressed, and started to leave the dressing room.

And wouldn’t you know it? The woman I had seen before was just leaving as well. She should have been long gone, given the fact that she had been several minutes ahead of me in line, and also given the amount of time I had lingered in my dressing stall.

My heart started pounding. For reasons too complex to explain here, an unspoken prayer I’d had was that perhaps I’d have the chance to talk to this woman, but I hardly dare hope that she’d still be there.

There’s no way to adequately capture the conversation that ensued, but I can tell you this. She was an angel for me that day. I opened up to her — a stranger until that moment — in ways that, in my weaker moments, used to leave me battling that voice and feeling foolish all over again. (I said too much. I kept her too long. I blubbered like a baby.)

But she was kind and gracious. I felt that God had put her in my path. I felt that He was letting me know He knew of my pain, and that He wanted me to know of His love. He was inviting me to put the past behind me, to challenge the pesky voice in my head, and to listen more for His voice.

When self-doubt threatens to “destroy my peace and afflict my soul,” I try to remember moments like this when I know God has been aware of me and has reached out to me in spite of — and maybe because of — my weakness. I am grateful to know that we worship a God of perfect love and gentle patience, who has an intimate awareness of our lives.

I’m also grateful for people who are willing and ready to be instruments in His hands as this dear sister was. This experience is a reminder to me that we never know when a simple gesture of kindness may be an answer to someone’s prayer or a salve for someone’s soul.

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The Savior, Jesus Christ, reminded us that it’s important for us to not judge others. President Thomas S. Monson reminds us of the reality that so often, we don’t really see clearly when making judgments about others. His talk on charity is the foundation for this new Mormon Messages video, “Looking through Windows.”

Are we looking through a window which needs cleaning? Are we making judgments when we don’t have all the facts? What do we see when we look at others? What judgments do we make about them?

Said the Savior, “Judge not.” 1 He continued, “Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” 2 Or, to paraphrase, why beholdest thou what you think is dirty laundry at your neighbor’s house but considerest not the soiled window in your own house?

None of us is perfect. I know of no one who would profess to be so. And yet for some reason, despite our own imperfections, we have a tendency to point out those of others. We make judgments concerning their actions or inactions.

There is really no way we can know the heart, the intentions, or the circumstances of someone who might say or do something we find reason to criticize. Thus the commandment: “Judge not.” – President Thomas S. Monson, “Charity Never Faileth“

The post Motes and Beams — Looking through Windows video appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

And then if you have an iPad or an Android tablet you can download a free, interactive app that children might enjoy.

The desire to have and show charity intensifies during the Christmas season. How can we continue to find ways to show charity to others, to watch for those in need? Our challenge to you as we begin a new year is to think and look for ways to continue to serve the poor, to relieve suffering, to cheer a friend, to help a stranger.

The post The Coat — Video Story and Free Interactive App appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

The post The Coat: A Children’s Story of Charity appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

This video reminds me to be a little more kind.

The post It’s the little things appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.