My Sunday thoughts today come from my notes from last week's stake conference.
A woman (the wife of our former stake president) stood to speak. I don't know her, but I have observed her at girls' camp. I have always thought of her as a wonderful example – a woman of refinement, a woman of grace and poise, yet who also knows how to have fun.
So I was a bit surprised when she said that she grew up in an angry home, and that when she had children of her own, she was an angry mother. She described realizing that she did not want to be that kind of mother, and the transformation that she experienced through the atonement.
She spoke about developing Christlike attributes, such as:
knowledge
humility
charity
love
obedience
diligence
patience
virtue
faith
hope
She asked a few questions about how well we did in some of these areas during the last week. The natural tendency is for us to feel guilty, to feel our shortcomings keenly. We do not want to dwell on these negative feelings, but they can be useful if they lead us to change.
Unless we know that we come up short, we don't know that we need a Savior.
Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. (2 Nephi 4:28)
Don't get caught up in the doing and forget about the becoming.
There is no place for hypocrisy in our hearts or in our church.
The Lord can work miracles on our hearts. All we have to do is desire to change, and be willing to take direction.
With the atonement of Christ, even the worst of us can be made worthy.
He offers repentance. That's the good news, that we can be changed! (if that isn't reason for hope, I don't know what is)
Our Heavenly Father and our Savior can be with us in everything we do, if we let them.
She and her husband were just called to preside over the mission in Ghana. I think those missionaries are in for a treat!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
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6 comments:
You take such good notes Michelle.
I'm grateful for good examples -- people who teach us how to implement what we know. This woman sounds like one of those great people to learn from.
I always look forward to your Sunday Thoughts. I feel uplifted and equal to the task of improving.
We had a great sacrament meeting today as well...but I never take notes! Guess I should rethink that.
I agree, the missionaries that she will touch are in for a treat.
I loved that post. I needed those bullet points. Thank you for being my tender mercy tonight Michelle!
I think it is so powerful that the Lord can change hearts. When he changes my own heart I feel so free yet calm.
"Don't get caught up in the doing and forget about the becoming." I love this and need this reminder all the time.
I like Jill's quote too.
I think I am often an angry mother, and I don't want to be! Did she happen to mention any specifics on how she changed, or perhaps how long it took? ;) Only a little bit kidding.
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