January 6, 2011

Tonight I read a beautiful talk from the last General Conference by Elder Per G. Malm called Rest Unto Your Souls. Finding this rest includes a "peace of mind and heart, which is the result of learning and following the doctrine of Christ, and becoming Christ's extended hands in serving and helping other." I can say with total honesty of heart that I do feel such a constant daily peace in my soul. I feel such calm and comfort and I know it is a gift from God as a result of my willingness to be obedient to His commandments. I am so grateful for this gift of peace when there is so much confusion, worry, doubt, fear and calamity swarming around on every side. I know this is a gift I've received because of my faithfulness and obedience and I want to always be worthy of it. I want to spend the days of my probation being productive, improving upon my weaknesses, working hard, showing faith and diligence, and serving others. I am grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It truly does give me "the strength to stand tall and strong and to have [my] soul filled with light, understanding, joy and love." This is a wonderful, beautiful place to be.

October 3, 2010

I read Alma 32:1-12. Alma is teaching and a group of people come to him who are very poor. Because of their poverty, they have been cast out of their synagogues. The scriptures say numerous times that they had been "truly humbled" as a result of their afflictions. This illustrates the necessity of humility prior to learning spiritual things. It also illustrates a way I can become humble: through my afflictions. Because they are humble, they are now capable of "learning wisdom." This, to me, shows how important humility is as a necessary first step in learning the things that matter most.

September 26, 2010

Tonight I read a General Conference talk by M. Russell Ballard called Mothers and Daughters. A few things stood out to me, especially in relation to my study on gender. He says that, "all women have within their divine nature both the inherent talent and the stewardship to mother." He encourages women and girls to "find joy in nurturing children. This is where their love and talents can have the greatest eternal significance." "The most precious element of a woman's divine nature [is] the nature to nurture." These stood out to me as key components of what the Lord expects from His righteous daughters: a mothering, nurturing being who is focused on directing her talents and gifts towards children - the rising generation.

The other thing that really stood out to me from this talk is how important it is, as a parent, to teach by example. My kids will be watching me "to see if [my] actions match [my] words." I know that as a child I certainly watched my parents in that way and I determined in my youth that as a parent, my words and actions would match up. He also says that "in these last days it is essential - even critical - that parents and children listen to and learn from one another." I believe that is so important to remember... the learning is a two-way street. I know my children will have much to teach me as well and I look forward to listening and learning from them.

September 8, 2010

Tonight I read an article from the July 2010 Ensign by the Sunday School General President, Russell T. Osguthorpe called A Work For Us to Do. I loved this article! He brought home the point that the most important learning occurs when we do something and invite others to do something as well, "rather than merely talking about a gospel principle." It's teaching that changes behavior. Within the home is the most powerful place for this kind of gospel teaching to occur. In the three examples given in the article, the teaching moments were not planned, but were spontaneous. I think that's an interesting concept. It implies that i must always be living worthy of the Spirit in order to know when and how to act on those most opportune powerful teaching opportunities. My responsibility as a parent is to be preparing my children for missions and marriage. I really liked this article and it gave me added momentum to be the kind of parent I want to be and that I know the Lord wants me to be as well.