Monday, December 5, 2011

Signs of the Second Coming Lesson #43 Stacy L November 20

I was thinking about signs this week. Our world is surrounded with them. Signs can give us warning, or direction. Signs can also signal us that things are going to happen or change.

Here I stand feeling much like an overstuffed turkey two weeks away from my due date wondering when I will go into labor and when this baby will come. Right now I am looking for signs from my body that will let me know that I am in labor. But really I can’t know for sure the day or time that it will happen. So in the mean time I have been preparing because it could happen any day.

Some of my preparations have been going to the temple one last time. Washing and organizing all the baby clothes, buying the diapers and wipes. Cleaning and re-cleaning my house, getting all the Christmas shopping done…the list goes on. The more prepared I get the more at ease I feel about her coming, because I feel that I will be ready.

In a sense this is similar to preparing for the second coming. No one knows when it will happen, but it has been prophesied that the Savior will come.
*The Lord gives us signs to warn us, but why do you think it is important that he doesn’t just tell us the exact time the Savior will come again?  Procrastination. We can’t become the people we need to be if we wait until the last moment to prepare. Or it won’t happen in my lifetime so why prepare?
Because he gives us these signs and warnings we can put our lives in order and prepare ourselves and our families for those things yet to come.
Many of the signs are terrifying and dreadful. But as we pass through these things, if we are prepared we do not need to fear.

*What are some of the more frightening signs of the Second Coming?

·    False Christs and false prophets, deceiving many.
·     Wars and rumors of wars, with nation rising against nation.
·    Earthquakes in divers places.
·    Famine and pestilence.
·    An overflowing scourge, a desolating sickness covering the land.
·    Iniquity abounding.
·    The whole earth in commotion.
·    Men’s hearts failing them.

Quote #1: Dallin H Oaks, April 2004 Conference: “These signs of the Second Coming are all around us and seem to be increasing in frequency and intensity. For example, the list of major earthquakes in The World Almanac and Book of Facts, 2004 shows twice as many earthquakes in the decades of the 1980s and 1990s as in the two preceding decades. It also shows further sharp increases in the first several years of this century. The list of notable floods and tidal waves and the list of hurricanes, typhoons, and blizzards worldwide show similar increases in recent years. Increases by comparison with 50 years ago can be dismissed as changes in reporting criteria, but the accelerating pattern of natural disasters in the last few decades is ominous.”

However, not all the events preceding the Second Coming are dreadful. Many of them bring joy to the world.
The Restoration of the Gospel
The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon
The Gospel Preached to All the World
The Coming of Elijah
Lehi’s Descendants Will Become a Great People
Building of the New Jerusalem

We are promised that if we are prepared we shall not fear so…
Let’s talk about how we can prepare for the second coming?

Most of us are familiar with the story of the 10 virgins:
As we read, see if you can figure out what the oil in this parable represents.
Matthew 25:1-13 “The Savior … compared the kingdom of God unto ten virgins, which took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom. “And five of them were wise and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them; But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. At midnight there was a cry made, Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you; but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
*What does the Oil represent?  Our faith and testimony, our purity and dedication, our good works, and our keeping of covenants.
Quote #2: Dallin H. Oaks said: “What if the day of His coming were tomorrow? If we knew that we would meet the Lord tomorrow—through our premature death or through His unexpected coming—what would we do today? What confessions would we make? What practices would we discontinue? What accounts would we settle? What forgivenesses would we extend? What testimonies would we bear?
*If we would do those things then, why not now? Why not seek peace while peace can be obtained? If our lamps of preparation are drawn down, let us start immediately to replenish them.”
We have been warned of calamities and told to prepare for them, but we can also look forward to the coming of the Savior and be glad. The Lord said, “Be not troubled, for, when all these things [the signs] shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled” (D&C 45:35). He said those who are righteous when He comes will not be destroyed “but shall abide the day. And the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance; … and their children shall grow up without sin. … For the Lord shall be in their midst, and his glory shall be upon them, and he will be their king and their lawgiver” (D&C 45:57–59).

November 27 Lesson given by BriAnna S

Lesson from Elder Dallin H. Oaks’ talk on Desire
Main Point: “Desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions.” – Elder Dallin H. Oaks
·        There are lots of things we want/need but we need to prioritize our desires because the things at the top of our lists is what we work hardest to achieve.
§  Elder Oaks said, “Readjusting our desires to give highest priority to the things of eternity is not easy.  We are all tempted to desire that worldly quartet of property, prominence, pride, and power.  We might desire these, but we should not fix them as our highest priorities.”
·        What should be our highest desire?
o   Be an eternal being
o   What does becoming an eternal being mean to you?
o   What qualities are required to become an eternal being?
§  Forgive all who have wronged you
§  Put welfare of others before yourself
§  Love all of God’s children
o   These things can be difficult.  “If this seems too difficult – and surely it is not easy for any of us – then we should begin with a desire for such qualities and call upon our loving Heavenly Father for help with our feelings.” –Elder Oaks
o   Moroni 7:48 “pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that [we] may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons [daughters] of God;”
How do we develop desires?
·        “When we have a vision of what we can become our desire and our power to act increase enormously.”
·        Let’s talk about 3 essential desires
o   Food – basic need, but we can overcome this desire by a stronger desire to fast. 
o   Shelter – another basic need, but can be overcome by a stronger desire…Elder Oaks’ desire to fulfill a boy scout requirement to spend a night in the woods.
o   Sleep – I so don’t get enough! Story about Captain Cox of the Richfield National Guard during the Korean War.  One night, when the enemy had broken through the front lines, the captain told his perimeter guards to phone him each hour on the hour all night long.  This kept the guards as well as this Captain awake.  He was asked, “How could you do that?” His answer, “I knew that if we ever got home, I would be meeting the parents of those boys on the streets in our small town, and I didn’t want to face any of them if their son didn’t make it home because of anything I failed to do as his commander.”

Let’s turn to the Book of Mormon to learn the importance of desire.
·        Does anyone know the story of Enos?
·        He was praying for forgiveness, and after he received it he then “began to feel a desire for the welfare of [his] brethren” (verse 9).
·        Now before we read verse 12, I want you to watch for 3 essentials that preceded the promised blessing.  “And…after I had prayed and labored with all diligence, the Lord said unto me: I will grant unto thee according to thy desires, because of thy faith.” What are the three things? Desire, labor, faith

§  Last week, on Friday, when Craig was getting off the bus, the lens of his glasses fell out.  He ran home in tears to tell me what happened.  I decided to take this opportunity to teach Craig about prayer and faith.  My desire as a parent is to teach my children the right.  After he calmed down, we sat down and I asked him what he thought we should do?  He didn’t know.  So I asked him, “would you like to say a prayer? Do you believe that Heavenly Father can help us? He said, “Yes”.  So he said a very sweet prayer asking that his bus driving might be able to find his lens.  I then called the school and told them the situation and they said they would call the bus driver and get back to me.  In the meantime, I told Craig that we should go look for it by the bus stop, just in case it had fallen in the street or on the sidewalk.  So we looked, and didn’t find it.  The school called back and said the bus driver didn’t find it, but I could call transportation to see if they could do a more thorough search.  So, I called them and they said when the bus got back, they would sweep and look.  A little while later, they called back and said “Sorry, we didn’t find it”.  We were a little disheartened, but I told Craig that maybe it fell out before he got on the bus and we would just have to wait out the weekend until I could call the school.  He said okay.  Monday morning rolls around and I’m thinking I’m just going to have to go buy a new lens.  Craig reminded me to call the school before he left for school.  So I call the school just thinking there’s no way a tiny clear lens is going to be found.  The secretary looks in her “box” and it’s not there.  I knew Craig would be sad, but I just decided that I’d just go order a new one.  About 20 minutes after I called the school, the school called me…Craig’s lens had been found.  I was a little shocked and extremely grateful.  Craig was ecstatic and when we got home, we said a prayer of thanks.  I know this seems like a silly story, but with my desire to teach my son, my son’s faith, and a lot of labor, we were able to be a part of a little miracle.  I believe that Heavenly Father knew the desire of my heart and helped me teach Craig a simple principle that will help strengthen his testimony. 
I just want to close with this quote from Neal A. Maxwell,
          “When people are described as having lost their desire for sin, it is they, and they only, who deliberately decided to lose those wrong desires by being willing to ‘give away all [their] sins’ in order to know God.  Therefore, what we insistently desire, over time, is what we will eventually become and what we will receive in eternity.”
I am striving to hopefully one day return to our Heavenly Father’s presence, and I know that I will get there by doing the little things and asking for my Heavenly Father’s help with my righteous desires.  I know that if I set my priorities right and make correct choices, Heavenly Father will help because I know he wants each of us to come live with him again. 
I challenge you all to reevaluate your desires and priorities and make changes if necessary to stay on the path of righteous desires.  And remember, it’s your choice. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

FACEBOOK Information How to GET BACK into the LOOP of e-mails and INFORMATION!

It has come to attention that because of facebook changing their system; a lot of sisters are not receiving notifications about our Steilacoom Relief Society Group. I think I may have found a solution and instructions that will hopefully help.

When you are in the Steilacoom Relief Society Group page, at the top right of the screen you will see a box that says “Notifications”, click on it. You can then click on your choice of what posts you will get notified of. In this same box, click on the blue words “To receive emails for this group you have to edit your notifications settings”. This will bring up your settings. At the top you will see a highlighted box that says “Email Frequency”, uncheck that box to be able to edit your settings. Click on “Groups” from the list, click on the blue words “Change email settings for individual groups”, make sure Steilacoom Relief Society is checked so that you can receive email notifications. Click Save.

I hope this helps get information out to more sisters. It’s hard to get all information out to everyone, so please go to the Steilacoom Relief Society facebook page and the Steilacoom Relief Society blog frequently to stay on top of all the schedules, lessons, activities, and information. Thanks! www.steilacoomrs.blogspot.com

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Journal Jar Questions

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Several people asked me for the journal jar questions.  I have posted a link below where you can retrieve them.  I used 12x12 scrapbook paper that was white on one side. I cut the paper down to 8.5x11. I could not find scrapbook paper smaller than 12x12... card stock but not paper. I used both my inkjet and my laser printer both worked fine.  Have fun! Great gift for Christmas!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oOQXmdjFwuU67c6_ecdKy6_pNGZJzCVwy18RqmISqKo/edit?hl=en_US

Monday, October 10, 2011

October 9th RS Lesson Led by Tami G

            Tami did a great job on her first lesson as a new teacher for Sunday RS meetings.
            I wish I had had a camera to take a picture of her table display! She had a quilt hanging off the board that had been made at a family reunion. It was a photo quilt with pictures of her grandparents. What a treasure! She also had pictures of her mother back five generations of women in a frame. So smart she put the names of each on the back of the picture frame!

Image            Hmmm do you wonder what our lesson was about? You guessed it Temple Work and Family History Chapter 40.
            What does it mean to be sealed? "What so ever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven" Matt 16:19; D&C 132:7. As we go through this life we are joined as families for this life. These families are the only relationships you will carry with you from your birth to your death. How does it seem fair that this life would be the end of those relationships? We know because of the restored gospel it is not true that these relationships end. We have opportunities to go to the Temples the House of the Lord and their receive ordinances and to be sealed to husbands and children forever. We discussed the need for us to be faithful so as not to be the ones to break those bonds from generation to generation. How important it is for us to keep our covenants or promises so we can live eternally with our families.
            So knowing that our Heavenly Father is a merciful God. We know that he has prepared a plan for those who have not received the knowledge and blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ or of temples. But it is up to us, those of us still living to search out those members of our families that need our help to gain these blessings.
            So how do we do this? What are the basic steps of doing family history work?

1. Identify our ancestors-some ideas for how to do this are to gather information! Even if you have no time right now to compile and make sense of it...just gather! Visit with your Aunts and Uncles, Parents and Grandparents. KEEP e-mails between you. My Dad kept many letters he wrote in the 60's from relatives in his attempts to learn more about his ancestors. I have read and re-read those letters and each time it seems I find new information that had not occurred to me before! At some point all those people will be gone and there is no more asking questions. I heard someone say one time "When someone dies a library burns!" All that wonderful information is gone. Here are some links to places that may also help you in finding information about your family history.
Above is the social security Death Index which will help you find relatives that lived and worked from about 1935 to present.
This site is growing every day. They are loading information as fast as people that are working hard on the indexing work can get it done!
Census records are the GREATEST! If you have a library card you can go to the above site and log into Heritage Quest for free from the comfort of your own home! On census records you will find your families. They entered the whole family, anyone that was living in that home at the time of the census. So sometimes you get lucky and find Aunts and Uncles and Grandma's and Grandpa's. It will also list the ages at the time of the census, so you will glean from this the approximate birth year, they also give what state they were born in. If they immigrated sometimes it gives the immigration date. Also, what each did for a living, if they were literate, if they owned their home or if they rented. In these records these people can come to life before your very eyes, seeing them as more than just names but people who lived and worked loved and cared.
new.familysearch.org is where you can also search for family and collaborate with others who are or have been also looking for your family. You will need to register if you have not already. So you need certain information such as your baptismal date and your membership # maybe even your confirmation date, you can gain this information on your temple recommends or by visiting with the ward clerk.
This has tons of specific information resources, this is a gold mine of resources
This site is run by volunteers who adopt a county and put information pertaining to that county on-line
Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness is a site where people all over volunteer their time to do look ups for you.  The site has requirements you have to follow...such as the amount of requests you can ask of people etc...but a great resource...
Sister Probst is our ward FH specialist you may contact her if you need help as well
Family History Center Address and Contact Information and Hours 
5915 S 12th St
Tacoma, Pierce, Washington, United States
Phone: 253-564-1103
Hours: M, - 9am to 4pm; T, W & Th - 9am-9pm; F & S - 9am to 5pm

2. Find out which ancestors need temple ordinances performed for them.
You will go to https://new.familysearch.org/en/action/unsec/welcome  to ready names for the temple.

3. Make certain that the ordinances are performed for them.
Part of the discussion was the importance of allowing your teens the blessing of doing the baptisms for your family as often as possible! There are spiritual moments that happen as we engage in this work, powerful testimony was bore during our meeting of the joy you can feel as members of your family except the gospel.

      Tami showed the cutest books that were auctioned off at one of her family reunions. Children's books of Great Grandma and Great Grandpa with pictures and stories to help the children in their families to know their families that have gone on before them.
  If you are interested in helping with the progress the church is making in getting information on line so people can search and learn of their families on line free of charge follow the link below to register to help in the indexing program.
Wow and look what else I found...a place on line to take lessons on how to do research...fun
You can see that resources seriously feel endless!  Jump in and get the bug...it is a good bug to get! ;o)




Sunday, October 9, 2011

September 25th Joint Relief Society/Priesthood Meeting about mormon.org

http://mormon.org/me/3PTR
http://mormon.org/me/2T5N
Above a couple I am Mormon segments shared at the meeting.

           My family has reported to me that the "I Am a Mormon" campaign is in full swing! I myself have not seen anything about it. But I lead a sheltered life LOL...
Bro. Poyfair lead our discussion on September 25th:
            First and foremost there is still a push for members to complete their mormon.org profile. The reasoning is that when people ask you, statistically 50% of adults and 99% of your teenagers will be asked about the church, you then will be able to send them to your personal mormon.org profile site so they can read your feelings on line. I would say this gives you an opportunity to be prayerful and thoughtful about how you would respond without having to be put on the spot. So if you still have not done the profile it is never too late.
            Did you know the church was the 4th largest church and 50% of population of the U.S. do not know who we are?
            Per 2009 research study this is what people see us as: cultish, controlling, family minded, anti gay, weird, pushy, sexist, secretive, dedicated. The purpose of this media blitz is to dispel the inaccuracies of these beliefs. Who we really are and to help people recognize our belief and devotion to Jesus Christ.
            One of the questions that we have been warned people will have a tendency to ask is, Are you doing this because two Mormons are running for President? Obviously the answer is no, the church ran the same media initiative in NY last year, the church has always tried in different ways to help people understand who we really are and to dispel those wrong impressions they have of the church and its members.
            The media will be everywhere: 30 second commercials "I Am a Mormon" on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, on the sides of buses, bill boards, internet presence, facebook, you tube, twitter and of course mormon.org

            Expectations are:
**Increased talk about the church
**50% of adults will be asked questions
**99% of our teens will be asked
**Making some progress in dispelling myths and misconceptions about the church and their members
**Increase visits to mormon.org
**Give opportunities to help people learn about Christ
**Give others the opportunity to learn about the Gospel of Jesus Christ

            Members are encouraged to:
**Go to mormon.org and become familiar with it
**Create a profile
**Regularly share the mormon.org and "I'm a Mormon" pass a-long cards, which they handed out at the meeting if you ask one of the Bishopric they will be thrilled to give you some.
**Ask family and friends if they have seen ads and what do they think of them to start a conversation
**Direct people that are showing an interest to the full time missionaries
            We have been counseled by our Area Authorities, Stake President and Bishop to be prayerful during this time when opportunities will arise! Follow the promptings of the Lord and respond...remember this is the Lords work and he has a purpose for this great work...we are his hands! 

Thursday, September 22, 2011

September 4th Relief Society Lesson Given by Sharleen Pearson

I Will Consecrate Myself to Building the Kingdom
            A story has been told about a chicken and a pig who found themselves discussing their contributions to the farmer’s breakfast table. The hen bemoaned having to donate her eggs for the breakfast. The pig replied, “Yes, but for you, it’s just a small sacrifice. For me, it’s a total commitment!”
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            What lessons does this little anecdote contain for us as members?
Consecrate means...to set apart or dedicate something to the service of the Lord
*Quote 1: "Consecration is the giving of one's time, talents, and means to care for those in need—whether spiritually or temporally—and in building the Lord's kingdom. In Welfare Services, members consecrate as they labor on production projects, donate materials to Deseret Industries, share their professional talents, give a generous fast offering, and respond to ward and quorum service projects. They consecrate their time in their home or visiting teaching. We consecrate when we give of ourselves" (Spencer W. Kimball, in Conference Report, Oct. 1977, 124).
**During the lesson Sharleen made three headings on the chalkboard

Time               Talents                       Possessions

She asked the question "How do we consecrate our time, talents, possessions?
Stop for a moment and see what you come up with...the board was full of wonderful thoughtful responses.  Isn't it wonderful to be given opportunities to do some reflecting on our lives!
*Quote 2: "For now, consecration may not require giving up worldly possessions so much as being less possessed by them" (Neal A. Maxwell, "Settle This in Your Hearts," Ensign, Nov. 1992, 67).
What are the purposes of the law of consecration? Why not just tithing?
*Quote 3: "For Zion can only be built up by the law that God revealed for that purpose, which is the law of consecration—not the law of tithing. . . . If the law of consecration were observed, the Lord would have plenty in His storehouse and could accomplish a vast deal more, and none would lack. All the energies and power of the people would be concentrated in the direction He chose, the people giving all their labor, talent and possessions, if required, for the accomplishment of the purposes of God" (Joseph F. Smith, Millennial Star, June 18, 1894, 386).
The following scriptures you can use in a study of the law of consecration...
D&C 42:30
D&C 42:35
D&C 42:40
D&C 42:42
D&C 51:9
D&C 78:3-7
D&C 78:14
D&C 82:17-19
How can living the law of consecration help the Lord's people develop greater charity?
Wasn’t the Law of Consecration a law of the past? Why are we still talking about it? (***The command to live the United Order was repealed but the law of consecration is a Celestial Law)
            Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained: “I shall now set forth some of the principles of sacrifice and consecration to which the true saints must conform if they are ever to go where God and Christ are and have an inheritance with the faithful saints of ages past.
“. . . The law of sacrifice is a celestial law; so is the law of consecration. . . .
          “Sacrifice and consecration are inseparably intertwined. The law of consecration is that we consecrate our time, our talents, and our money and property to the cause of the Church; such are to be available to the extent they are needed to further the Lord’s interests on earth.
            “The law of sacrifice is that we are willing to sacrifice all that we have for the truth’s sake—our character and reputation; our honor and applause; our good name among men; our houses, lands, and families; all things, even our very lives if need be.
            “We are not always called upon to live the whole law of consecration and give all of our time, talents, and means to the building up of the Lord’s earthly kingdom. Few of us are called upon to sacrifice much of what we possess, and at the moment there is only an occasional martyr in the cause of revealed religion.
            (The Lord tells us in Doctrine & Covenants 88:22, “He who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory.”) What the scriptural account means is that to gain celestial salvation we must be able to live these laws to the full if we are called upon to do so.
            “Now I think it is perfectly clear that the Lord expects far more of us than we sometimes render in response. We are not as other men. We are the saints of God and have the revelations of heaven. Where much is given much is expected. We are to put first in our lives the things of his kingdom.” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1975, pp. 74–76; or Ensign, May 1975, pp. 50–51 .)
            About 20 years ago Neal A. Maxwell sent out a call for greater consecration to the essentially “honorable” members who he said are skimming over the surface instead of deepening their discipleship. He identified some such members as those who accept callings but not all of the accompanying responsibilities thereby leaving the work to be done by those already anxiously engaged; those who regard themselves as merely resting in between Church callings but he said we are never in between the call from Jesus “What manner of men [and women] ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.” He said that some of these members may even pass through our holy temples, but, alas, they do not let the holy temples pass through them.”
*How are we doing in heeding his call?
*What keeps us from living a more consecrated life?
            Brigham Young counseled the Saints on this very subject. Said he: “Stop! Wait! When you get up in the morning, before you suffer yourselves to eat one mouthful of food, … bow down before the Lord, ask him to forgive your sins, and protect you through the day, to preserve you from temptation and all evil, to guide your steps aright, that you may do something that day that shall be beneficial to the kingdom of God on the earth. Have you time to do this? … This is the counsel I have for the Latter-day Saints to day. Stop, do not be in a hurry. … You are in too much of a hurry; you do not go to meeting enough, you do not pray enough, you do not read the Scriptures enough, you do not meditate enough, you are all the time on the wing, and in such a hurry that you do not know what to do first. … Let me reduce this to a simple saying—one of the most simple and homely that can be used—‘Keep your dish right side up,’ so that when the shower of porridge does come you can catch your dish full.” 1
            Neal A. Maxwell spoke concerning fear. He said: “In pondering and pursuing consecration, understandably we tremble inwardly at what may be required. Yet the Lord has said consolingly, “My grace is sufficient for you” (D&C 17:8). Do we really believe Him? He has also promised to make weak things strong (see Ether 12:27). Are we really willing to submit to that process? Yet if we desire fullness, we cannot hold back part!
            Having our wills increasingly swallowed up by the will of the Father actually means an enhanced individuality, stretched and more capable of receiving “all that [God] hath” (D&C 84:38). Besides, how could we be entrusted with His “all” until our wills are much more like His? Nor could His “all” be fully appreciated by the partially committed.
            So many of us are kept from eventual consecration because we mistakenly think that, somehow, by letting our will be swallowed up in the will of God, we lose our individuality (see Mosiah 15:7). What we are really worried about, of course, is not giving up self, but selfish things—like our roles, our time, our preeminence, and our possessions. No wonder we are instructed by the Savior to lose ourselves (see Luke 9:24). He is only asking us to lose the old self in order to find the new self. It is not a question of one’s losing identity but of finding his true identity! Ironically, so many people already lose themselves anyway in their consuming hobbies and preoccupations but with far, far lesser things.
            Consecration involves pressing forward “with a steadfastness in Christ” with a “brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men … [while] feasting upon the word of Christ” (2 Ne. 31:20). Jesus pressed forward sublimely. He did not shrink, such as by going only 60 percent of the distance toward the full atonement. Instead, He “finished [His] preparations” for all mankind, bringing a universal resurrection.”
            Sharleen closes with her testimony and final thoughts: Reflect on the story at the beginning of the lesson today much during this next month.  Decide today to take Brigham Young’s counsel and consecrate yourself to Heavenly Father in prayer each morning. Our consecration will not happen with one single act. Offering ourselves for sacred uses might simply mean maintaining a consistent attitude of meek willingness to offer all we are capable of giving at any given time while we help those about us do the same. Consecration is a day-to-day process of dedication, humility, refinement, and purification as we follow the example of the most consecrated person of all time—our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ.



Thursday, September 8, 2011

By ANDRA STEFANONI The Morning Sun Posted May 25, 2008

Loved this...thought you young Mom's would enjoy the read...it is so beautifully written!

On a day when I was wondering why no one had nominated me for a major award because I was able to get three beds stripped and cleaned and remade, a colorful and balanced supper on the table, a toddler entertained on my own from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., an entertaining column written and submitted, and a first grader taken to school with everything he needed and brought home with nothing that he didn't, I received this in my inbox.

I am grateful to Mother-in-Law for passing it along. I can give no credit to the author, because I don't know who wrote it, but from the sound of things she seeks none.

Religious or not, an at-home-mom or professional mom, read it and take from it what you need.

Invisible Mother

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, “Can't you see I'm on the phone?' Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The Invisible Mom.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this?
Can you open this??

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, “What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, “Right around 5:30, please.”

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!?

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in.

I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, “I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription:

To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.

These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, “Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof, no one will ever see it.” And the workman replied, “Because God sees.”

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, “I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.”

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, '”My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.” That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, “You're gonna love it there.”

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.