Here Am I, Send Me

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the General Relief Society session of the October 2002 conference.

In April 2005 I had the privilege of being a presenter at BYU Women's Conference. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I've always wished I could do it again and again. On the day of the conference as I made my way toward the Marriot Center in Provo, I was greeted by Sister Bonnie Parkin, Relief Society General President, who gathered me into her arms for a big hug and said, "We're so glad you're here with us!" I felt I'd died and gone to heaven. She didn't know me, but her expression of love was so warm and genuine that it gave me just the boost I needed.

Sister Parkin and her counselors were sustained in April 2002 and this is their first General Relief Society meeting in October 2002. They chose the theme "Here Am I, Send Me" and each spoke in different ways on that subject. I'm just going to share the quotes that touched me the most.

Sister Parkin: 

• Making covenants is the expression of a willing heart; keeping covenants, the expression of a faithful heart.
• . . . when we obey the prophet's guidance, we are keeping a covenant.
• Women of covenant stand firm when evil is called good and good is called evil. Whether it be in the college classroom, around the water cooler, or watching TV's latest "experts", remembering our covenants keeps us from being led astray.
• Sisters, the Lord needs women who will teach children to work and learn and serve and believe.
• The spiritual integrity to keep our covenants comes from consistency in scripture study, prayer, service, and sacrifice.

Sister Kathleen H. Hughes, First Counselor

• . . . modesty is a battle worth fighting because it so often affects more serious moral issues.
• The theme of this conference is "Here am I, send me." The words are a promise to the Lord and an expression of our willingness to serve. If we keep our covenants, the promises we receive in return are great.

Sister Anne C. Pingree, Second Counselor

• We, as covenant women, have consecrated ourselves to the cause of Christ through our baptismal and temple covenants. We can alter the face of the earth one family and one home at a time through charity, our small and simple acts of pure love.
• Little by little our charitable acts change our natures, define our characters, and ultimately make us women with the courage to say to the Lord, "Here am I; send me."
• Dear sisters, what you are doing with your families matters! It matters so very, very much.
• Beloved Relief Society sisters, I know that wherever we live, in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, we, as covenant women, united in righteousness, can alter the face of the earth.

President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, was the concluding speaker. He spoke for almost twenty-four minutes! It was a powerful address.

• Sisters, whatever your circumstances, you all need to have oil in your lamps. This means being prepared.
• Quoting President Spencer W. Kimball, ". . . spiritual preparedness cannot be shared in an instant. . . . In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living. Attendance at sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years. Fasting, family prayer, home teaching, control of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptures--each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. Deeds of kindness, payment of offerings and tithes, chaste thoughts and actions, marriage in the covenant for eternity--these too, contribute importantly to the oil with which we can at midnight refuel our exhausted lamps."
• My testimony, based upon 59 years of family life, is that my Ruth's participation in Relief Society has brought enriched spirituality and harmony to our home. This divinely inspired organization has not only blessed her life but also the lives of each of our family members. Involvement in Relief Society can help you replenish the oil in your lamps. It can provide for you much of the stability and stamina you will need as you weather the storms of life and journey through mortality.

(President Faust's last statement is the ideal that I'd love to see return to the Relief Society organization. We've lost much of the education and service that used to be the standard for improving women's lives and serving in the world.)

Come to Zion!

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday afternoon session of the October 2002 conference.

This talk resonated with me because I'm striving to use my time more wisely, and I long for the day of Zion.

Bishop Keith B. McMullin, Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric spoke of a "challenge that seems universal: having enough time to do everything that needs doing." He said, "The challenge is daunting because time is fixed; man can neither lengthen out the day nor extend the year."

I remember a mother of a large family saying that when she gets to be a god and creates a world, she's going to organize it with eight days in a week. On the night of the seventh day all children under the age of 18 go to sleep and sleep through the eighth day so that parents can get things done and have some time to themselves. She said this to me before I was a parent so I didn't understand her longing. After I became one I totally understood! Alas, we can't do that here and have to manage our time wisely.

Bishop McMullin said, "As the world grapples with more efficient ways of managing time, it lures us into more and more earthly pursuits. But life is not a struggle with time--it is a struggle between good and evil. . . . Use the gospel plan to set proper priorities."

I feel a bit distraught when I hear sisters in Relief Society talk about not having enough time to minister or study the gospel or hold a calling or attend functions, then hear the same women talk of the latest TV show, or shopping, or pursuing more in their career. Sounds judgmental, but I wonder if their priorities are mixed up. We each get the same twenty-four hours in a day, how we chose to use those hours reveals what we value most.

Bishop McMullin said, "The establishment of Zion should be the aim of every member of this Church. It can be safely said: As we seek with all our hearts to bring forth and establish Zion, the vexations of too little time will disappear." He went on to say, "Zion is established and flourishes because of the God-inspired lives and labors of its citizens. Zion comes not as a gift but because virtuous covenant people are drawn together and build it. President Spencer W. Kimball observed, 'As we sing together, "Come to Zion," we mean . . . come to the ward, the branch, the mission, the stake, and give assistance to build up Zion."'

I liked what Elder Gong said in the most recent conference, "For some time I have felt that, in many places in the Church, a few more ward activities, of course planned and implemented with gospel purpose, could knit us together with even greater belonging and unity." That sounds like Zion building to me.

Bishop McMullin spoke of four doctrinal principles that help us build Zion: love, work, self-reliance, and consecration. "These principles . . . are God given. Those who embrace them and govern themselves accordingly become pure in heart. Righteous unity is the hallmark of their society. Their peace and harmony become an ensign to the nations. . . . The kingdom of God is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and will become Zion in all her beauty." 

I try to do my part as best I can. I believe Zion will come about as we minister to and encourage each other in living our covenants more fully. No one can achieve Zion alone, it is a group effort. And I believe that it will grow organically rather than by assignment.

A Woman of Faith

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday morning session of the October 2002 conference.

An old song suggests, "What the world needs now, is love, sweet love, . . ." and while that is always true, I want to suggest that what the world needs right now is virtuous, faithful women of God.

Sister Margaret D. Nadauld, Young Women General President (just released), said, "A Latter-day Saint woman who follows Christ's example in her daily living begins to fulfill the plan of our Heavenly Father for her. By so doing she can be a powerful influence for the good in today's world and meet the challenges of mortality. . . . She is a woman of faith who trusts God and is confident and fearless."

Our world could be so much better if the influencers on social media were women of God, full of faith in Him, confident of her identities as a daughter of God, a mother in Zion, and a light to the world.

In Relief Society this past Sunday we discussed Elder D. Todd Christofferson's talk on becoming One in Christ. The doctrine in the talk is unity, becoming Zion, etc.  He said, "Unity does not require sameness, but it does require harmony." We sometimes forget (at least I do) that we don't have to chose the same path through life to be united. Each faithful woman adds to the whole. God has directed us individually to fulfill His purposes and plans. As we faithfully trust Him we will be led in the right direction and guided to our desired destination.

Sister Nadauld's description of a confident woman makes me want to be and do better. 

A woman of faith is confident because she understands the divine plan of our Heavenly Father and her role to bless lives. She is confident that any sacrifice she makes is worth something in an eternal sense. She knows about sacrifice from knowing of the life of the Savior. She knows that her sacrifice may be small by comparison, but she knows that Heavenly Father understands and values what she does to strengthen her home and her family and the world in which she lives. Her confidence grows because she is virtuous and lovely and gracious, which is even better than beautiful.

 

I never felt it was a sacrifice to give up a job to stay home with our first baby, and stay there to have four more. It was what I had wanted my whole life. Other women feel differently, but I think, and hope, that all women want to be good wives and mothers, as well as a good influence in the greater world outside our homes. 

A woman of faith is fearless. She fears no evil, for God is with her. There is no ambiguity, no uncertain trump in her life. She can live a principled life because she studies the doctrine and teachings of a perfect teacher, the Master. She is a noble example to all who know her. She is less than perfect, of course, not because she doesn't have perfect principles or the perfect example in Christ, but because she is human. She stays away from the evil influence and the unclean thing, and if it encroaches on her territory, she is a lioness protecting her cubs. . . . She has a certain style of her own that is attractive and joyful and bright and good. Our little girls and our young women can safely trust in her example.

I appreciate that she says, "She has a certain style of her own . . . ". Many years ago I did a topical study in the scriptures of everything about clothing and modesty. It was an interesting study and I learned a great deal about how the Lord feels about what we wear and how we present ourselves to the world. In the Doctrine and Covenants He says, ". . . let all thy garments be plain, and their beauty the beauty of the work of thine own hands; And let all things be done in cleanliness before me." (D&C 42:40-41) I looked up the word "plain" and found that it didn't necessarily mean unadorned, but could mean clear, evident, obvious. So I understood the verse to mean 'let it be obvious by your dress that you are a follower of Jesus, and when the fashions of the world are not appropriate for a woman of covenant, make your own! Be clean from the stain of worldly vulgarity and immodesty.' I think that's what Sister Nadauld was talking about when she said, "She has a certain style of her own".

A woman of faith loves the Lord. She wants Him to know it by the life she lives, by the words she speaks, by the service she renders to His children, by her every action. She knows that He loves her even though she is imperfect and still trying to be better. She knows that when she does her very best, that it is enough, as President Hinckley has told us.

We have to figuratively gird up our loins and fresh courage take as we continue to face the challenges of being women (and men) of faith living in a disintegrating world of evil. We can do it! Together as women of faith. 

 

 

I Believe I Can, I Knew I Could

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood session of the October 2002 conference.

President James E. Faust shared the classic children's story of The Little Engine That Could. I used to read that to our children endlessly. It was a favorite!

Likening the story to the priesthood holders he said, "At times all of us are called upon to stretch ourselves and do more than we think we can." I know we all can relate to that. This earth life is hard, and doesn't get easier with age. It won't get any easier the closer we get to the Savior's return. 

"To get on the right track," he says, "we must honor and sustain those who hold the presiding priesthood keys. We are reminded that many are 'called, but few are chosen.' When are we chosen? We are chosen by the Lord only when we have done our best to move this holy work forward through our consecrated efforts and talents. Our efforts must always be guided by the righteous principles set forth by the Lord in the 121st section of the Doctrine and Covenants: . . ."

Today I thought about all the things I have learned from being a mother, especially of sons who have not followed the gospel path. I have "endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things." 

President Faust teaches, "I hope we can all be like the 'Little Engine That Could.' It wasn't very big, had only been used for switching cars, and had never been over a mountain, but it was willing. . . . Each of us must climb mountains that we have never climbed before."

I have learned that being willing is most of the battle, against the natural man, against the pull of the adversary, and against the ways of the world. When we willingly serve, accept God's will, and press forward with steadfastness in Christ, we are given the strength to get over those mountains.

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday afternoon session of the October 2002 conference.

What a delight to find another talk by then Elder Russell M. Nelson about being peacemakers. I've been studying the conference talks from April 2023 in preparation for the upcoming conference. It's wonderful to have another witness of the importance of being a peacemaker.

Virtually all parts of the world are plagued by acts of terror previously unknown. Confusion comes to many who pray for peace but fearfully face this foe of terror. . . . [some of ] the flames of hostility have been fueled by family feuding.

 Belligerence is as old as Cain and Abel. We see it today in conflicts around the world, one group angry at another, desiring revenge, or to take land or possessions away from others for perceived wrongs. I've seen a few (out of many) videos of "Karens" who have taken upon themselves the role of policeman, or even god, screaming at neighbors and strangers alike in attempts to control behavior and actions. It is disturbing and disgusting. They come across as possessed and demonic. They are the opposite of peacemakers.

Peace can prevail only when that natural inclination to fight is superseded by self-determination to live on a loftier lever. Coming unto Jesus Christ as the "Prince of Peace" is the pathway to peace on earth and goodwill among men. He made a promise to us: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."

I think I say this every week, that the answer to all of the world's ills is by learning and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Elder Nelson explains that Jesus taught people how to live by reminding us of the two great commandments: to love God and to love our neighbors. He, Jesus, also added that we are to love our enemies. Jesus taught us the Golden Rule.

. . . the gospel did not begin with the birth of the Babe in Bethlehem. It is everlasting. It was proclaimed in the beginning to Adam and Eve. Portions of the gospel have been preserved in many cultures. Even heathen mythologies have been enriched by fragments of truth from earlier dispensations. . . . Wherever it is found and however it is expressed, the Golden Rule encompasses the moral code of the Kingdom of God. 

Isn't that a thought! Inside the Kingdom of God the citizens live by the moral code expressed in the Golden Rule. I want to live there!! It behooves me to live by the rule myself so I'll fit in easily. 

The hope of the world is the Prince of Peace--our Creator, Savior, Jehovah, and Judge. He offers us the good life, the abundant life, and eternal life. Peaceful--even prosperous--living can come to those who abide His precepts and follow His pathway to peace. This I declare to all the world.

I felt the Spirit so strongly as I listened to that paragraph. Elder Nelson, now President Nelson is a man of God. He is a powerful witness of and for Christ. I know he is a prophet, the chief apostle at this time.

My mission president taught us that the General Authorities very seldom say, "Thus sayeth the Lord" to command us to do something. They usually use phrases like I encourage you to, we suggest that you, I plead (or pray) that you will, and such. President LeGrand Curtis (my mission president) told us that this was the authorities polite way of telling us what is expected of us. Elder Nelson concludes this talk with a long paragraph of "shoulds":

As individuals, we should "follow after the things which make for peace." We should be personal peacemakers. We should live peacefully--as couples, families and neighbors. We should live by the Golden Rule. We have the writings of the descendants of Judah as now merged with the writings of Ephraim. We should employ them and expand our circle of love to embrace the whole human family. We should bring divine love and revealed doctrines of restored religion to our neighbors and friends. We should serve them according to our abilities and opportunities. We should keep our principles on a high level and stand for the right. We should continue to gather scattered Israel from the four corners of the earth and offer the ordinances and covenants that seal families together forever. These blessings we are to bring to people of all nations.

I think that gives me enough to work on for the next while.  You too?

My cat Timothy who left six years ago and never returned. He was a delight.

 

 

 

 

Is There Ever a Time of Peace and Tranquility?

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday morning session of the October 2002 conference.

A year after the terrorist attacks on September 11, many talks referred to the turmoil and uncertainty of the time. Of course, when you live long enough you can see that there is never a time of peace and unity. Troubles and problems abound, whether personal or global. Evil is constant and grows more pervasive with each generation. Having apostles and prophets to lead us is calming and encouraging.

Elder L. Tom Perry said, "We live in a world that is crying out for righteous leadership based on trustworthy principles." I think it still is! He went on, "When we arrive in the celestial kingdom of God, we shall find the most perfect order and harmony existing, because there is the perfect pattern, the most perfect order of government carried out, . . . and when the government of God shall be more extensively adopted [here], and when Jesus' prayer, that He taught His disciples is answered, and God's kingdom comes on earth, and His will is done here as in heaven, then, and not till then, will universal love, peace, harmony, and union prevail." He spoke further of priesthood leadership in the home and the church. What a wonderful day it will be when only the righteous remain and Zion prevails. In the meantime, we can have mini Zions in our homes and church units for practice.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, at that time of the Presidency of the Seventy, asked, ". . . how many of us permit our fears to take control in this time of international tension, economical and political uncertainties, and personal challenges." Probably many of us. He spoke of listening to and following the living prophet, who speaks in the name of the Lord. "It is our responsibility not only to listen but also to act upon His word, that we may claim the blessings of the ordinances and covenants of the restored gospel." He asks some Alma chapter five type questions: "Are we diligent in living the commandments of God, without running beyond our strength? Or are we just leisurely strolling along? Are we using our time, talents, and means wisely? Are we focused on the things which matter most? Are we following the inspired counsel of the prophets?" It made me stop and consider how I'm doing. As I examine myself I find I'm doing well in some areas and not so well in others. Sometimes I think living the gospel is like holding jello in a mesh bag. I'm always juggling to keep stuff from oozing out. Elder Uchtdorf ended with this tender admonition, "Let us in humility and faith refresh our dedication and our commitment to follow the prophets, seers, and revelators in all diligence. Let us listen and be instructed and edified by those who hold all the keys of the kingdom. And as we attend this conference, may our hearts be changed, that there will be a great desire to do good, and that we will be pioneers in building a spiritual foundation that will establish the Church in our part of the world." This was significant to me because I've been pondering how I can be a better missionary and minister to build up our little branch. I still don't have complete answers but I feel that they will come as I continue to seek.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell gave an eloquent address. He began, "In the churn of crises and the sinister swirl of global events, true disciples will maintain faith in a revealing, loving God and in His plan for redeeming His children, which is the why of all that God does!" Other highlights, "The Atonement was accomplished, bringing a universal resurrection to billions and billions, lifting all from the grave--regardless of how and when we got there!" Such a  comforting reminder in those moments when I'm missing our gone too soon son. ". . . matching our behavior more closely with our beliefs will bring relentless reminders about the ongoing duties of discipleship." Another reminder to examine ourselves to improve. "The doctrines and revelations can likewise lift us--even amid 'wars and rumors of wars.'" And, "Regarding trials, including of our faith and patience, there are no exemptions--only variations." Exactly! No one, absolutely no one, gets through life without trials of some kind. And to outsiders, what might appear to be a gift or blessing, might be a sore trial, and vice versa. Finally, "Part of God's 'ample provision' consists of imperfect people like you and me, committed to shining and serving in our appointed orbits, knowing all the while that we are encircled 'in the arms of [His] love.'" (Which reminded me of Elder Holland's talk in April 2013 where he talked of God having only imperfect people to work with.)

President James E. Faust closed out the session with a wonderful talk about overcoming selfishness. He told of helping to settle the estate of a couple and the disputes that occurred among the heirs. "I learned from this that selfishness and greed bring bitterness and contention; on the other hand sacrifice and giving bring peace and contentment." I know a little of that. After my mother died there were problems and unkind feelings about the disposal of her possessions. My father put a clause into his will that anyone disputing anything would be cut out and not receive a thing. Fortunately, we learned from our mistakes and were much kinder to each other when Dad died. President Faust said, "I have learned that selfishness has more to do with how we feel about our possessions than how much we have." I've struggled with overcoming a scarcity mentality which can be detrimental and cause selfishness due to insecurity. President Faust instructed, "Taking up one's cross and following the Savior means overcoming selfishness; it is a commitment to serve others. . . . nothing is really [ours]--it all come from the Lord--we are only the custodians of what He has given us." Thinking of my possessions in that way helps me let go more easily to share with others. And lastly, "Almost every day brings opportunities to perform unselfish acts for others. Such acts are unlimited and can be as simple as a kind word, a helping hand, or a gracious smile." 

The answers to all the ills of the world, from the very personal and familial, to the global jockeying for power, can be found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings of living apostles and prophets every six months in General Conference. What a blessing to have the miracles of technology to hear, see and read their words. We don't have to be afraid of current or future events when we are founded on the Rock of Our Redeemer. We can have the Savior's peace in our hearts and extend that peace unselfishly to others through our words and actions.