It has been a big topic in the church and media recently regarding women and the priesthood. There have been a lot of women fighting for more equality within the church, and with Sheri Dew being such a strong exemplar for women in the church it would seem fit to have her discuss the topic of women and our roles. She just came out with a new book called "Women and The Priesthood" and I am excited to say it has been added to my to read list! ;)
In "The Beginning of Better Days: Divine Instruction to Women from The Prophet Joseph Smith", Sheri Dew explains how women of the church have complete access to the priesthood.
I first want to highlight what Sister Dew explains in "The Beginning of Better Days" as the proper way to define the priesthood. She explains that the priesthood is God's power which heals wounds, cleanses from sin, comforts, heals the sick, and so on. At one time or another all of us women have prayed for these things and have received answers to those prayers.
Also, think of the power which comes in the gifts we have been given. The gifts our patriarchal blessings talk about and the gifts that others say that we have. We have been given so many and to each of us different ones.
Bruce R. McConkie states, "Where spiritual things are concerned, as pertaining to all of the gifts of the Spirit, with reference to the receipt of revelation, the gaining of testimonies, the seeing of visions, in all matters that pertain to godliness and holiness and which are brought to pass as a result of personal righteousness-in all these things men and women stand in a position of absolute equality before the Lord."
Aren't those gifts from God? Gifts that work within God's power? And if the priesthood is literally "the power of God Himself", then aren't we working with the powers of the priesthood?
Joseph Smith taught, "While the sisters have not been given the Priesthood,...that does not mean that the Lord has not given unto them authority. Authority and Priesthood are two different things. A person may have authority given to him, or a sister to her, to do certain things in the Church that are binding and absolutely necessary for our salvation, such as the work our sisters do in the House of the Lord."
Sister Dew goes on explaining how it is incorrect to say, "We would like to thank the priesthood for setting up the chairs" or "I'm so grateful to have the priesthood in my home". She says these statements do not do the priesthood justice, for the priesthood is not the men in our church, it is the power of God. We need to keep this in mind.
Just think, every man in the church has to hold the priesthood in order to have a calling, attend the temple, etc. Women do not. Us women have been blessed with other enate gifts such as charity, love, and a natural need to nurture. Most of these gifts come so naturally for us and they benefit us and others in so many ways.
Boyd K. Packer said, "however much priesthood power and authority the men may possess-however much wisdom and experience they may accumulate-the safety of the family, the integrity of the doctrine, the ordinances, the covenants, indeed the future of the church, rests equally upon the women."
And to end, all I can do is quote Sister Dew because she says it so beautifully: "Gender is not, and has never been, a qualifier for receiving the blessings of priesthood power."
With Love,
jm
"Neglect not the gift that is within thee." 1 Timothy 4:14
"For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby." D&C 46:11-12
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Becoming Our Husband's Solace
This photo below is one of my most favorite things EVER! I find it so adorable. Or maybe it is just because I am in love with the 1950's. I dream of becoming the cute house wife Doris Day portrays in all of her movies.
After reading this I think of how different times have changed since then... We now have women standing up for more women equality, women fighting for the priesthood, gay marriages, and so much more. Women are now working more than men and it is very seldom you see a full 'traditional' family with a mother and a father with children from the same set of parents. Times are much different.
The reason I love this newspaper clipping so much is not only to see how things have changed in 50+ years, but also to see something else...
How much of an opportunity we have to serve our husbands.
The clipping above might be a bit extreme, but I believe there is nothing better that can uplift a husband's spirit than to have his own wife serve him with love.
Joseph Smith said, "Treat (your husbands) with mildness and affection. When a man is borne down with trouble, when he is perplexed, if he can meet a smile, not an argument, if he can meet with mildness, it will calm down his soul and soothe his feelings. When the mind is going to despair, it needs a solace."
We as wives can be our husbands solace. We are the ones preparing the home to be a temple. We are the peacemakers of our home. We are the the ones who have prepared our homes to be a place for love and we have the power to make it how we would like it.
In "The Beginning of Better Days: Divine Instruction to Women from the Prophet Joseph Smith", Sister Pearce says, "In our society, men often feel constrained to always seem strong, to never look as if they feel inadequate, to talk as if no mountain is too steep or too difficult. But in the sacredness of a covenant relationship, a man's perplexities and troubles-even despair-can find expression. And it is our supreme privilege to reassure, support, and offer our undying love and loyalty."
Times have definitely changed since the 1950's, but the covenants we have made and the love we need to show our husbands have stayed the same.
With Love,
jm
"Wherefore, lift up they heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made. Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride. Let they soul delight in thy husband, and the glory which shall come upon him." D&C 25:13-14
After reading this I think of how different times have changed since then... We now have women standing up for more women equality, women fighting for the priesthood, gay marriages, and so much more. Women are now working more than men and it is very seldom you see a full 'traditional' family with a mother and a father with children from the same set of parents. Times are much different.
The reason I love this newspaper clipping so much is not only to see how things have changed in 50+ years, but also to see something else...
How much of an opportunity we have to serve our husbands.
The clipping above might be a bit extreme, but I believe there is nothing better that can uplift a husband's spirit than to have his own wife serve him with love.
Joseph Smith said, "Treat (your husbands) with mildness and affection. When a man is borne down with trouble, when he is perplexed, if he can meet a smile, not an argument, if he can meet with mildness, it will calm down his soul and soothe his feelings. When the mind is going to despair, it needs a solace."
We as wives can be our husbands solace. We are the ones preparing the home to be a temple. We are the peacemakers of our home. We are the the ones who have prepared our homes to be a place for love and we have the power to make it how we would like it.
In "The Beginning of Better Days: Divine Instruction to Women from the Prophet Joseph Smith", Sister Pearce says, "In our society, men often feel constrained to always seem strong, to never look as if they feel inadequate, to talk as if no mountain is too steep or too difficult. But in the sacredness of a covenant relationship, a man's perplexities and troubles-even despair-can find expression. And it is our supreme privilege to reassure, support, and offer our undying love and loyalty."
Times have definitely changed since the 1950's, but the covenants we have made and the love we need to show our husbands have stayed the same.
With Love,
jm
"Wherefore, lift up they heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made. Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride. Let they soul delight in thy husband, and the glory which shall come upon him." D&C 25:13-14
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Creating 'Joyful' and 'Productive' To Do Lists
We are men and women living in a fast paced world... are we not? I cannot even begin to explain how I have trouble slowing down. I have my to-do list and each task has a due date. I constantly run from one thing to another in hopes to get it all done in time. And I don't even have any kids yet... So who knows how I will be when I have other human beings to look after besides myself and my husband.
It is so easy to get caught up in the little things on our to-do list. My husband always says, "There is a difference in being busy and being productive." OH it is so true... I can be so busy all day long, going from one place to another, and somehow never getting anything important done. How can this be?!!
Something I need to work on is keeping the right perspective. Having an eternal perspective can be hard and challenging.
Virginia H. Pearce in "The Beginning of Better Days: Divine Instruction to Women from the Prophet Joseph Smith" said she "came to appreciate more fully the reality that we are each in a mortal moment-with a pre-mortal history behind us and a glorious future ahead". Oh how important it is for us to do so. She then goes on explaining how we should be more careful with our to do lists. How we should be more prayerful about what goes on them than helping us get it all done.
This opened my eyes tremendously! Every morning and night I pray for help to accomplish all of the things I need to accomplish that day or the coming day. When in reality I should be praying to be inspired on what to accomplish that day. For it is the day the Lord has given me right? I owe it to him to make it his day in completing things he would have me do.
President Henry B. Eyring said, "The promise to you and me in the last days is that after seeking God and serving his children with unwearyingness, we will come to know his will. The promise is not just that I will have the power to do what's on my list of tasks but that I will know what to put there. On those occasions when I have known what should be there, I've found myself glancing at the list as a source of joy, not anxiety."
What an amazing blessing would that be...?! To be able to glance "at (our) list as a source of joy, not anxiety."
With Love,
jm
"Nevertheless, it is now restored unto you again; therefore see that you are faithful and continue on unto the finishing of the remainder of the work-Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength and means provided-Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work." D&C 10:3-5
It is so easy to get caught up in the little things on our to-do list. My husband always says, "There is a difference in being busy and being productive." OH it is so true... I can be so busy all day long, going from one place to another, and somehow never getting anything important done. How can this be?!!
Something I need to work on is keeping the right perspective. Having an eternal perspective can be hard and challenging.
Virginia H. Pearce in "The Beginning of Better Days: Divine Instruction to Women from the Prophet Joseph Smith" said she "came to appreciate more fully the reality that we are each in a mortal moment-with a pre-mortal history behind us and a glorious future ahead". Oh how important it is for us to do so. She then goes on explaining how we should be more careful with our to do lists. How we should be more prayerful about what goes on them than helping us get it all done.
This opened my eyes tremendously! Every morning and night I pray for help to accomplish all of the things I need to accomplish that day or the coming day. When in reality I should be praying to be inspired on what to accomplish that day. For it is the day the Lord has given me right? I owe it to him to make it his day in completing things he would have me do.
President Henry B. Eyring said, "The promise to you and me in the last days is that after seeking God and serving his children with unwearyingness, we will come to know his will. The promise is not just that I will have the power to do what's on my list of tasks but that I will know what to put there. On those occasions when I have known what should be there, I've found myself glancing at the list as a source of joy, not anxiety."
What an amazing blessing would that be...?! To be able to glance "at (our) list as a source of joy, not anxiety."
With Love,
jm
"Nevertheless, it is now restored unto you again; therefore see that you are faithful and continue on unto the finishing of the remainder of the work-Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength and means provided-Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work." D&C 10:3-5
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Happy New Year!
It would only seem necessary, on this day, to post my new mission statement for 2014 as well as the list of my new year resolutions.
Mission Statement - 2014
I am steadfast, immoveable, strong, and successful.
I have the ability to be consistent and balanced in all that I do.
I have the power to use all energy, whether positive or negative, for adrenaline
to move forward and be excellent in all of my responsibilities.
I am confident and proactive in every task I encounter.
I will give it my all. Then, once I have given my all, I will give more.
I will take every day as a new and glorious day that is filled with light, excitement, and possibility.
I choose to be happy and I will hold on my way.
New Year Resolutions - 2014
* Read 30 Minutes Every Day
* Read Two Non-Fiction Books a Month
* Wake Up Every Week Day at 6:30am
*Make Frequent Phone Calls to Family and Friends
* Make Birthday Phone Calls
Now, it is your job to hold me accountable. ;)
With Love,
jm
"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments." -Jim Rohn
Saturday, November 30, 2013
"Let Your Hearts Expand"
I would like to share a story Virginia H. Pearce shared in "The Beginning of Better Days: Divine Instruction to Women from the Prophet Joseph Smith":
"In the last stage of my husband's illness, he wore a mask over his mouth and nose to enable him to breathe more easily. He depended on others to situate the mask properly so that the air forced through it didn't escape and blow into his eyes. One morning, for whatever reason, I was having difficulty fitting the mask successfully. I thought I was doing what I had always done, and then he would signal that it wasn't working. I tried again and again as he waiting patiently, and I became slightly frustrated. I finally got it right, and just as I turned to attend to something else, he said something. I couldn't understand him, and he repeated it. Still unable to understand him through the mask, I took it off, only to find that he just wanted to thank me. Of course, now I had to go through the frustration of trying to get it on right yet again! The amazing part of this little tale is not my frustration and annoyance, but Jim's interpretation and reaction it. He didn't say anything immediately, but when the nurse came that afternoon, he asked her-with great effort-to "help Ginny with the mask, She's losing her confidence." (pg.17-18 "The Beginning of Better Days")
Sister Pearce later lost her husband. I cannot imagine going through the trial of loosing a spouse. That would be real heartache.
In this story her husband shows perfect charity. Sister Pearce states, "Rather than be offended and hurt by my behavior, he interpreted my actions as having come from a place of ignorance rather than flawed character." President Thomas S. Monson stated, "I have in mind the charity that impels us to be sympathetic, compassionate, and merciful, not only in times of sickness and affliction and distress but also in times of weakness or error on the part of others."
How many times do we have charity for those who are sick or afflicted, but then forget to have charity on those who have wronged us?
How many times do we excuse someone who has a problem physically or mentally, but then blame someone else when they have hurt you or done something wrong?
How many times are we offended by something someone did, when in reality they weren't there to offend in the first place?
Sheri Dew shared in this book something Marvin J. Ashton told her once. He said to her, "Sheri, don't ever allow yourself to be offended by someone who is learning his job." Aren't we all learning our job and what we are supposed to be on this earth?
We should go about our everyday remembering that the people around us are people too. They are all trying to do good and any mistake they make are only mistakes.
With Love,
jm
Joseph Smith said, "Let your hearts expand-let them be enlarged towards others-you must be long suffering and bear with the faults and errors of mankind."
"In the last stage of my husband's illness, he wore a mask over his mouth and nose to enable him to breathe more easily. He depended on others to situate the mask properly so that the air forced through it didn't escape and blow into his eyes. One morning, for whatever reason, I was having difficulty fitting the mask successfully. I thought I was doing what I had always done, and then he would signal that it wasn't working. I tried again and again as he waiting patiently, and I became slightly frustrated. I finally got it right, and just as I turned to attend to something else, he said something. I couldn't understand him, and he repeated it. Still unable to understand him through the mask, I took it off, only to find that he just wanted to thank me. Of course, now I had to go through the frustration of trying to get it on right yet again! The amazing part of this little tale is not my frustration and annoyance, but Jim's interpretation and reaction it. He didn't say anything immediately, but when the nurse came that afternoon, he asked her-with great effort-to "help Ginny with the mask, She's losing her confidence." (pg.17-18 "The Beginning of Better Days")
Sister Pearce later lost her husband. I cannot imagine going through the trial of loosing a spouse. That would be real heartache.
In this story her husband shows perfect charity. Sister Pearce states, "Rather than be offended and hurt by my behavior, he interpreted my actions as having come from a place of ignorance rather than flawed character." President Thomas S. Monson stated, "I have in mind the charity that impels us to be sympathetic, compassionate, and merciful, not only in times of sickness and affliction and distress but also in times of weakness or error on the part of others."
How many times do we have charity for those who are sick or afflicted, but then forget to have charity on those who have wronged us?
How many times do we excuse someone who has a problem physically or mentally, but then blame someone else when they have hurt you or done something wrong?
How many times are we offended by something someone did, when in reality they weren't there to offend in the first place?
Sheri Dew shared in this book something Marvin J. Ashton told her once. He said to her, "Sheri, don't ever allow yourself to be offended by someone who is learning his job." Aren't we all learning our job and what we are supposed to be on this earth?
We should go about our everyday remembering that the people around us are people too. They are all trying to do good and any mistake they make are only mistakes.
With Love,
jm
Joseph Smith said, "Let your hearts expand-let them be enlarged towards others-you must be long suffering and bear with the faults and errors of mankind."
Monday, November 25, 2013
"I am a Mormon Because I am a Feminist"
In the church the fact that women cannot hold the priesthood has been a hot topic lately. The world is changing and equality among men and women is becoming more intense.
I would like to share one of my most favorite articles with you. My husband shared this with me before we were married and I can't but help myself to pass it along.
Where ever you stand on this subject I believe this article by Dr. Valerie Hudson Cassler will become of some interest to you. You will be fascinated by the way the roles for men and woman are played out and examined. It will open your eyes. I guarantee it.
"I am a Mormon Because I am a Feminist"
http://mormonscholarstestify.org/1718/valerie-hudson-cassler
With Love,
jm
I would like to share one of my most favorite articles with you. My husband shared this with me before we were married and I can't but help myself to pass it along.
Where ever you stand on this subject I believe this article by Dr. Valerie Hudson Cassler will become of some interest to you. You will be fascinated by the way the roles for men and woman are played out and examined. It will open your eyes. I guarantee it.
"I am a Mormon Because I am a Feminist"
http://mormonscholarstestify.org/1718/valerie-hudson-cassler
With Love,
jm
"Seek Learning, Even by Study and Also by Faith"
The book "The Beginning of Better Days - Divine Instruction to Women from The Prophet Joseph Smith" (with personal insights from Sheri Dew and Virginia H. Pearce) has inspired me.
Sheri Dew has always been a role model of mine. I have loved her books since I was a young Beehive. She speaks to women like no one else and I always walk away from her books feeling a certain power, confidence and motivation that I don't feel anywhere else.
I came across this book not too long ago and have finally been able to take the time to read it this weekend while I have been sick in bed with a head cold. When digging into this book I feel my spirits lift in so many ways. I feel a sudden urge to share my thoughts and feelings more now than ever before. I have always wanted to create a place to record my studies, share them with those who want to listen. So here I am, finally getting to it.
To start off "The Beginning of Better Days", Virginia H. Pearce explains her feelings on Joseph Smith's words to the Relief Society women in Nauvoo. She prepares us first by explaining how we should study prophetic writings.
I believe it is the same for anything that has been written with an intent to edify us. She has created a list on how to correctly go about these writings and be entirely edified:
I love this list and want to follow it faithfully every time I read something new.
I have always been great at underlining, taking notes, writing about it in my journal but never have I prayed consistently before I read. Or return to the book to be refreshed. Or even seek out a witness to share my thoughts.
Sister Pearce then goes on explaining, "There is something about speaking scriptural truth out loud, writing it on a page, or teaching and being taught-that breathes life into me." She couldn't have said it better.
Through this blog I will be seeking out a witness.
YOU will become the one to witness the things I am learning. I want to share them with you with the intent that we can both be uplifted and edified by the teachings and words of others.
With Love,
jm
"And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith." D&C 88:118
Sheri Dew has always been a role model of mine. I have loved her books since I was a young Beehive. She speaks to women like no one else and I always walk away from her books feeling a certain power, confidence and motivation that I don't feel anywhere else.
I came across this book not too long ago and have finally been able to take the time to read it this weekend while I have been sick in bed with a head cold. When digging into this book I feel my spirits lift in so many ways. I feel a sudden urge to share my thoughts and feelings more now than ever before. I have always wanted to create a place to record my studies, share them with those who want to listen. So here I am, finally getting to it.
To start off "The Beginning of Better Days", Virginia H. Pearce explains her feelings on Joseph Smith's words to the Relief Society women in Nauvoo. She prepares us first by explaining how we should study prophetic writings.
I believe it is the same for anything that has been written with an intent to edify us. She has created a list on how to correctly go about these writings and be entirely edified:
1. Pray - Seek guidance from the Holy Ghost.
2. Read straight through, underlining, and making quick notes.
3. Formulate Questions.
4. Return to the text, particularly the placed you have marked.
5. Study Historical Content.
6. Identify doctrines, principles, and applications, and compare against what you already know to be true.
7. Seek a witness and make personal application.
8. Act out of your new or strengthened gospel knowledge.
I love this list and want to follow it faithfully every time I read something new.
I have always been great at underlining, taking notes, writing about it in my journal but never have I prayed consistently before I read. Or return to the book to be refreshed. Or even seek out a witness to share my thoughts.
Sister Pearce then goes on explaining, "There is something about speaking scriptural truth out loud, writing it on a page, or teaching and being taught-that breathes life into me." She couldn't have said it better.
Through this blog I will be seeking out a witness.
YOU will become the one to witness the things I am learning. I want to share them with you with the intent that we can both be uplifted and edified by the teachings and words of others.
With Love,
jm
"And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith." D&C 88:118
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