History is NOT boring

Attention ladies: are we all aware of the General Relief Society Presidency's most recent project? See image below:

New website for the recent publication of "Daughters in my Kingdom: The history and work of Relief Society". 

I've already started reading and just from the preface I can tell it's going to be great. Many of you might be like me and have wondered at one time or other why the Relief Society has been putting so much focus on their history. Yes, I understand we can learn from the past and better the future. But what about change, innovation and new ideas? Sure, the past can be helpful, but can't we come up with our own way of thinking and progressing this society?

After this year and after reading parts of "Daughters in my Kingdom," I'm realizing how sorely mistaken I've been. Knowing the history of RS is crucial because it teaches us today how women in the past implemented the great work God intended for women to participate in. If you look past the frilly-nilly design and pastel pallet, you'll learn quickly that this book contains content rich with insight, inspiration and intellect. You learn the Savior's view of women and what unique purposes He has for them. You also get an idea of how you, as an individual woman, fit in to the gestalt of God's daughters across the world. And in the right spirit, you realize that we don't need to feel threatened by our similarities or differences. We don't have to worry about getting lost in the sea of faces because, in truth, we are all involved in a great work. We all have a divine purpose. And all those millions of individual purposes combine to create a spiritual force that (as the RS aims to do) increases your faith and commitment to the gospel, strengthens your family and home and helps you provide service and relief to those in need of the kind of love only a sister in the gospel can give. (Is anyone else noticing a theme here? This consistent idea that as you invest in Relief Society you benefit the most? Hmm...let's hop on that sisters).

My testimony of Relief Society has grown gradually over the past four years. To be honest, it's taken time and a gradual rubbing away of my arrogance for me to appreciate the sisters in my wards. As an 18-year-old I didn't understand (or want to understand) what a powerful facet Relief Society would be in my life. When I moved up to BYU I softened a little (being on your own does that sometimes), but still resisted some of the outreach of the program. Fortunately, God gives us lots of chances to open our hearts. I had persistent leaders who ever-so-lovingly nudged me to "give it a try"; I had good roommates who helped me see the value of being involved in my callings; I had outstanding examples of older students who picked me out and motivated me to be better; I had cousins and family members who challenged me to see life and the church from an eternal perspective;  and I had friends with strong testimonies rubbing off on me left and right. I recall very clearly the visiting teaching experiences responsible for shaping my developing love and tender feelings for the organization. Of course, not all my experiences were peachy and meaningful. I've had plenty of awkward visits and conversations with woman in and out of the church. But the rare occasions I've had when I felt the spirit as a result of my efforts and the sisters around me make my continuous investment in RS worth every spiritual, emotional and physical penny.

I wish I could share all the salient experience I've had because of RS, but just know that I have a testimony of it. I know my conviction will only grow in my lifetime, and I am grateful our RS leaders are constantly helping me in my quest. Because ultimately, RS is about helping women (and men) reach their potential and return to Heavenly Father. It's not about the baskets of goodies or the weekly RS lessons and meetings. Those are certainly nice things to do, but RS has a much greater reward. It's about the love and spirit each sister (and member of the church) feels when a sister in the gospel has identified a need and run to the rescue, just as the Savior would have done. In 1842 that need was to sew quilts and cook food for low-income families who had men working day in and day out on the Nauvoo temple. In 2011, that service might be a half hour visit simply listening to a sister who needs to talk to someone she can confide in.

Like I said, the book is great. I look forward to reading it this semester. If you are interested in taking a gander, you can download the PDF version here. (Just scroll down the page and you'll see a picture of the book where is says, "Download").

In closing I simply want to thank every woman who has come in and out of my life and who continues to influence me. Many of you are probably unaware of how much I appreciate your individuality and the way it's served me. Just know that a twenty-something-year-old in Provo is aware of you and your awesomeness :-) 

Good Examples

Brother Stephen and Sister Elaine Dalton, image via

For the past year or so I've developed a keen interest in hearing the life events of our general authorities. I especially love hearing the humorous and even heart wrenching love stories of how they all met and fell in love with their sweet hearts.

Through the Mormon Channel, you can hear these stories on the podcast channel called Mormon Conversations. In these podcasts, Sheri Dew and Ruth Todd take turns interviewing different church members/leaders about their relationships or life-changing experiences. The point of the interviews is to show people how you can use the gospel to live a happy and productive life, especially when life gets complicated and hard. My perspective of trusting in the Lord has been greatly enhanced as I've repetitively studied the examples of our church leaders. I feel peace as I let their testimonies speak to me personally.

There are a few podcasts I listen to over and over again. One of them is the interview of Brother and Sister Dalton. The interview covers many topics ranging from marriage to children to running marathons to how Sister Dalton was being prepared years in advance to become the General Young Women's President. Their story has taught me a lot about principles of love, sacrifice, faith, and endurance.

I am an audio learner, so listening to something is a huge benefit to my learning process. Even if you're not that way, I highly recommend you listen to these podcasts. They give a wonderful view of our church leaders: real people with real struggles and real accomplishments. And who better to learn from than the wonderful examples God has appointed?

Life is not perfect and people are not perfect. But the gospel is. And we can use the gospel to find solutions to any problem or struggle. If you don't know how to apply the gospel, listen to the examples of those who have figured it out :-)

Check out their story here. 

There is always a solution

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"Mary and Joseph learned early in life that for every problem God has a solution. To Mary, the angel said: “Fear not. … For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:30, 37).

"Sometimes young adults are confronted with a problem that seems like Mount Everest. They believe it is just too high and too tough to climb. Because they see no solution, they become discouraged—perhaps even negative and pessimistic—about their futures. But, like Mary and Joseph, you can learn that however unsolvable the problems of life may seem, God always has a solution." (Elder Tad Callister, Fear Not, December 2010 Ensign). 


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Perhaps you're wondering why I haven't shared much of my personal ramblings lately. I mean c'mon, it's obvious you're biting your nails in anticipation to see what I'll post next. Alas, I'm currently in a rut with little to say. Actually, I always have lots to say, but at the moment nothing extremely important or insightful. And I lack the mental energy to take simple, every-day life events and turn them into an enlightening, witty post. Like THIS BLOG for example. (I LOVE her writing, btw).

So instead of boring you (and me) with my thoughts as of late, I've opted to share nuggets of truth from profound and helpful sources. For the past few days I've shared with you quotes and pictures that have helped me make sense of important doctrine. Concepts like timing, God's will, hope, faith, and love.

In my search for insight, I have slowly but surely begun to understand the gospel offers solutions to any concern or question. There is no problem it cannot solve. No fear it cannot trump. No hurt it cannot address. No joy it cannot relate to.

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In advertising we often tell our clients to construct a reliable, creative business strategy that will help them achieve long term and short term goals (i.e. increase market share, increase consumer satisfaction, or increase product awareness). If companies do not reach their desired outcomes, it is often because employees or managers made a mistake in executing the strategy (assuming the strategy is sound). Either they didn't understand it, or they made small/slight changes that eventually grew into a big mistake. Misunderstandings or imposed changes aren't always the reason for undesired results, because sometimes life events happen that no company can predict. But overall, a sound strategy can lead a group of people to accomplish extraordinary things. It instructs them where to focus and how to move forward. But they must believe in the strategy, or else they won't every really live it. And if the strategy isn't implemented properly, then the consequences are discouraging.

In this sense, the gospel is like a strategy. But instead of increasing sales or market share, it was created to increase our happiness. And just as employees must correctly execute the strategy, so must we, as members of the church, believe in and accurately understand the gospel so its application can result in an increase in happiness. Sheri Dew once said the following about members' understanding of the gospel:

"One would think it would be easy to embrace and have faith in the gift of the Atonement. But I fear that some people know just enough about the gospel to feel guilty that they are not measuring up to some undefinable standard but not enough about the Atonement to feel the peace and strength it affords us. Perhaps some of us don’t know how to draw the power of the Atonement into our lives; others aren’t willing to seek its blessings. And some don’t ask because they don’t feel worthy. It is quite the irony—that the gospel of Jesus Christ, which contains the power to save every human being and to strengthen every soul, is sometimes interpreted in such a way that feelings of inadequacy result." (This Is a Test, Ensign July 2000). 

Sister Dew's description of the shallow understanding most members have of the gospel inspired me to reflect on my own perceptions. Do I actually believe that by truly understanding and living the gospel we can be happy in this life? Do I believe God wants me to have peace and joy amidst all the trials, weaknesses, and challenges I face daily? Do I really believe in God's strategy?

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Now, when I say problems and concerns I'm referring to the very specific problems and concerns we face daily in the quiet corners of your heart. I'm talking about the anxiety you might feel when you wake up every morning and imagine your future; the sorrow weighing you down whenever you think of a loved one suffering from a chronic disease; the paralysis of analysis that causes you to stumble repetitively as you attempt to trump fears and make wise choices; the bitterness that eats aware our joy when we feel someone has wronged us; the self-condemnation that sucks away any feelings of self worth; the hopelessness of addiction; or the grief surrounding death.

What would you say is the solution to these "problems"?

A lot of people scoff when they hear, "The gospel is the answer," because it seems to be the most basic primary response in the book. Yet even though this answer stands blatantly in front of our faces, we still have thousands of members of the church struggling immensely to find purpose and hope in their lives. So many women, for example, struggle with depression and anxiety. Men feel defeated in their attempts to fulfill priesthood duties, often wondering if it even matters. Young Single Adults walk away from testimonies and experiences that once fervently lit up their eyes and glowed in their countenance. Some might resent the simplicity in saying the gospel is the answer, but too primary-ish or not, the gospel is the answer. Jeffrey R. Holland once made a great comparison explaining the levels of depth in which we pursue the gospel to solve our problems.  He said the following:

"When crises come in our lives—and they will—the philosophies of men interlaced with a few scriptures and poems just won't do. Are we really nurturing our[selves] in a way that will sustain [us] when the stresses of life appear? Or are we giving [ourselves] a kind of theological Twinkie—spiritually empty calories?" (A Teacher Come from God, Ensign May 1998).  

As you are seeking answers to questions or concerns, consider how much you are sacrificing for the solutions. How much time and energy are you investing in your cause? Reading a scripture here or a paragraph from a conference talk there with little desire to understand and apply discussed principles will offer minimal help compared to the revelation we receive when we commit to the pondering and searching and praying God requires. Granted, the Lord knows when you are giving all you can give, when you are trying your best. So find hope in the fact that "God is pleased with every effort" (Elder D. Todd Christoffersen, Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread, CES Fireside January 2011).

If you sincerely seek answers to your problems, then be genuine in your study of the gospel. Search for stories that apply to your situation. Study the insights of our ecclesiastical leaders. Ask questions. And then more questions. Challenge yourself to be consistent. If you don't understand something, seek help and reassurance, always trusting that God will often answer your prayers through others.

No matter how big or small your current concerns, the answer to solving our problems is the same: "God always has a solution," (Fear Not). And that solution--that strategy--is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. If you will make time every day to make a study of the gospel and then live the principles you learn, you will begin to feel, see, think, and hear the atonement changing you into a happier version of yourself amidst any concern, fear, weakness, limitation, or burden you are currently dealing with. 


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I don't wonder why God asked Mary and Joseph to bring the Savior into the world. Their testimonies of His power and desire to lead his children through this life made it possible for them to endure their arduous task. Great blessings await those who trust in God, fear not, and seek to use the gospel as the way to be happy. 

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Next post: The Inconvenient Study*: How Young Single Adults can learn how to accurately understand and effectively use the gospel to solve their problems.

Next, next post: The Mosaic of Our Testimony: Why consistency matters in our study of the gospel.


*I discovered the term while reading this blog.