Girl's Night

Two weekends ago I had the opportunity to watch a little bit of the General Relief Society Meeting. I was supposed to watch the meeting at a local Stake Center with a friend but Houston had a bunch of friends over and I felt like I had to play hostess, so I told her to go on without me. By the time all the boys were full and didn't need anymore food I started to wish I had gone to the meeting. To my surprise the meeting was being broadcast on tv so I got to catch the tail end of it and I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed President Uchtdorf's talk and just thought I would share a few of my thoughts on it. He told us women that we are highly valued daughters of God. We are loved just as we are. We may feel inadequate, that we don't do things well or right according to society's standards, but in actuality our Heavenly Father values all things we do especially when we put forth our best effort. No matter what it is, our best effort is good enough. Our happiness in life can come from creation and compassion. As soon as President Uchtdorf started talking about creation my first thought was "ok, here it goes again." I love when leaders of our church talk about the divine role of women to be mothers but I guess I just expected that message to come up at some point during his talk. So, I was pleasantly surprised when his talk took a different turn. How often when we talk about creation do we talk about little things, like making someone smile? Creation is bringing into existance something that did not exist before. The examples he had of creation made me think of things in a different light. We can create and use this ability to create as an opportunity to serve others and by being compassionate and serving others we lose sight of our own selfishness and find true happiness. President Uchtdorf's talk really made me think of things differently and gave me a renewed interest in doing nice things for others. It encouraged me to actually ACT upon the thoughts that I have. I always think "oh I should do this for so and so" but how often do I get caught up in my own busy life that I don't put that thought into action. So, all in all, our best is good enough, each of us is special, and it's important to create and use that ability to serve others, this selflessness and love is what will bring us happiness in life.

I hope you enjoyed my few little musings about life! I left a few of my favorite quotes from his talk below and at the very bottom is a link to the actual talk if you're interested.

• I’m sure it comes as no surprise, but the differences between men and women can often be quite striking—physically and mentally, as well as emotionally.
• To me it appears that our splendid sisters sometimes undervalue their abilities—they focus on what is lacking or imperfect rather than what has been accomplished and who they really are. Perhaps you recognize this trait in someone you know really well. The good news is that this also points to an admirable quality: the innate desire to please the Lord to the best of your ability.
• Creating and being compassionate are two objectives that contribute to our Heavenly Father’s perfect happiness. Creating and being compassionate are two activities that we as His spirit children can and should emulate.
• The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.
• If you are a mother, you participate with God in His work of creation—not only by providing physical bodies for your children but also by teaching and nurturing them. If you are not a mother now, the creative talents you develop will prepare you for that day, in this life or the next.
• Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter. What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. So what if the eggs are greasy or the toast is burned? Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside. If you still feel incapable of creating, start small. Try to see how many smiles you can create, write a letter of appreciation, learn a new skill, identify a space and beautify it.
• The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. That is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come. Sisters, trust and rely on the Spirit. As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you.
• True words of encouragement require only a loving and caring heart but may have an eternal impact on the life of those around you.
• In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance. Let us open our eyes and see the heavy hearts, notice the loneliness and despair; let us feel the silent prayers of others around us, and let us be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to answer those prayers.
• You are choice daughters of our Heavenly Father, and through the things you create and by your compassionate service, you are a great power for good. You will make the world a better place. Lift up your chin; walk tall. God loves you.

Happiness, Your Heritage