Sunday, May 08, 2011

Sunday thoughts

Today we had great speakers in sacrament meeting and in a joint Relief Society/Young Women meeting. Plus, the Primary children sang two songs to the mothers – I love that.

We heard many anecdotes about women who have had great impact – in some cases, by doing small and simple things.
  • One man shared something his wife tells him occasionally: "We parent with faith, not out of fear." Definitely something I want to make a new motto!
  • Another spoke of an older woman who befriended him when he was a boy, who went out of her way to be kind to him over the years and became a meaningful example and support in his life.
  • Women have innate gifts to nurture, bless and minister.
  • There is nothing more noble or beautiful than daughters of God applying the healing balm of the Savior.
  • If you seek it, you will find your true identity.
  • "Some Christians condemn Eve for her act, concluding that she and her daughters are somehow flawed by it. Not the Latter-day Saints! Informed by revelation, we celebrate Eve’s act and honor her wisdom and courage in the great episode called the Fall." - Dallin H. Oaks
We closed with As Sisters in Zion:

As sisters in Zion, we'll all work together,
The blessings of God on our labors we'll seek:
We'll build up His kingdom with earnest endeavor;
We'll comfort the weary, and strengthen the weak.


The errand of angels is given to women;
And this is a gift that, as sisters, we claim;
To do whatsoever is gentle and human;
To cheer and to bless in humanity's name.

How vast are our labors; how broad is our mission,
If we but fulfill it in spirit and deed;
Oh! naught but the Spirit's divinest tuition—
Can give us the wisdom to truly succeed.

I always find it stirring to sing this hymn in a group of women. (I especially love the second verse.)

I am so glad that I know I am a daughter of God.
I am thankful for the sisterhood of strong, beautiful women that I enjoy – in my family, and in the church.
I am grateful to be a mother, to have the amazing opportunity to learn sacrifice, service, love, and to be refined by this experience.

Happy Mother's Day.

3 comments:

Susan said...

Such wonderful thoughts! I had quite the same kind of day, with wonderful talks! Sometimes Mother's Day talks are horrid. Today, fabulous! I actually liked the day, and sometimes I don't find joy in it.

I too, love the identity that I know to be true as a woman of God. It sounds like you had a rewarding day, enjoying your role as a mother and making commitments to some new ideas too. Happy Mother's Day to you. You are one amazing mother.

Charlotte said...

I love that song too! It sounds like you had wonderful church meetings. Sometimes Mother's Day church meetings err on the side of sappy sentimental, and I'm always grateful when the messages encompass womanhood and sisterhood along with motherhood.

And I love that quote of Elder Oaks. I'm glad that Eve knew what she doing and that we can follow her example of courage and wisdom.

Happy Mother's Day!

jenn said...

My meetings were not so enlightening but I always draw strength from your joy in being a mother. Happy Mother's Day friend.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...