Divine Nature #2

As a young woman you are blessed with divine feminine qualities. Increase your understanding of and appreciation for womanhood. Read Proverbs 31:10–31 and two talks on womanhood from a conference issue of the Church magazines. Review what “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” (see page 101) says about being a wife and a mother. Then ask your mother or another mother you admire what she thinks are important attributes for being a mother. List the attributes in your journal. Then choose one of those attributes and strive to develop it. After two weeks report your success to a parent or leader.

I'll start with Proverbs, because there is so much good stuff in there!

10¶Who can find a ^avirtuous ^bwoman? for her price is far above rubies.

11The heart of her husband doth safely ^atrust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. (She is trustworthy.)

12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. (She doesn't engage in gossiping about him, as some wives do!)

13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her ^ahands. (She works hard, and is industrious, careful, and creative)

14She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. (She will go to the ends of the earth for the good of her family.)

15She ^ariseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. (She works hard and unselfishly for her family and those around her.)

16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. (She is smart and frugal, and again, works hard,)

17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. (She is healthy and fit to have the strength she needs to do all that is required of her.)

18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. (She is prepared for emergencies.)

19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the ^adistaff.

20She stretcheth out her hand to the ^apoor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. (She has charity and serves those in need.)

21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. (She has prepared her family)

22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her ^aclothing is silk and purple.

23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25Strength and honour are her ^aclothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. (She is a strong and honest)

26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of ^akindness. (She watches what she says, does not gossip, and is able to teach and discipline with love)

27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of ^aidleness. (That one is pretty obvious!)

28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. (She is the kind of woman that her family want to be like.)

29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30Favour is deceitful, and ^abeauty is vain: but a woman that ^bfeareth the Lord, she shall be praised. (She has a firm testimony.)

31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

This last verse made me think of something that one of my sisters sent me recently.

The Special Mother
by Erma Bombeck

Did you ever wonder how mothers of disabled children were chosen?
Somehow I visualize God hovering over the earth selecting his instruments of propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.
"This one gets a daughter. The Patron saint will be Cecelia"
"This one gets twins. The Patron saint will be Matthew"
"This one gets a son. The Patron saint.....give her Gerard. He's used to profanity"
Finally He passes a name to an angel and smiles. "Give her a disabled child".
The angel is curious. "Why this one God? She's so happy"
"Exactly," smiles God. "Could I give a disabled child to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel!"
"But has she patience?" asks the angel.
"I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of sorrow and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it. I watched her today, she has that feeling of self and independence that is so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own world. She has to make him live in her world and that's not going to be easy."
"But Lord, I don't think she even believes in you"
God smiles, "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect - she has just enough selfishness"
The angel gasps - "Selfishness? is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally she won't survive. Yes here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a 'spoken word'. She will never consider any 'step' ordinary. When her child says "Momma" for the first time she will be present at a miracle and will know it. I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty and prejudice...and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as if she is here by my side"
"And what about her Patron saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in mid air.
God smiles "A mirror will suffice"

Now I don't think this only applies to mothers of disabled children at all. I think this is every mother. Or can be. We had a Young Women activity a while ago, and heard from several mothers, in various stages of life. One was a grandmother who had raised all of her children, and is now raising a grandchild. One was a new mother who had recently had twins, and one was a mother who was pregnant with her first child. Each of them had a different perspective on what was important to be a mother, but one thing that they all agreed on was patience. Patience to wait for the child to be born, Patience when they couldn't figure out why the baby was crying. Patience for older children who are learning right from wrong, and patience with older children who may make wrong choices despite what you have taught them.

This is the attribute that I chose to work on, and Work on it I have. There are lots and lots and LOTS of opportunities to practice having patience when you are a mommy. I haven't learned it yet, I'm still working on it, but I have found that when I overcome my human nature and take a deep breath, and act instead of reacting, I am pleased with myself, and really can feel myself growing. It does get easier each time!

Divine Nature # 3

Make your home life better. For two weeks make a special effort to strengthen your relationship with a family member by showing love through your actions. Refrain from judging, criticizing, or speaking unkindly, and watch for positive qualities in that family member. Write notes of encouragement, pray for this family member, find ways to be helpful, and verbally express your love. Share your experiences and the divine qualities you’ve discovered with that family member or with a parent or leader.

Shh, don't tell, but I chose two people! No big surprise there. Since there are only the three of us in our family, and I love them both more than anything, I've been paying attention to the divine qualities Todd and Oliver both possess.

Because I am his mother, and love him more than life itself, I am constantly praying for Oliver. I work hard each day to serve him by teaching him, and with the special needs he has, making every possible opportunity into a learning experience. I won't lie, but some times it is exhausting. And of course, I'm constantly expressing my love to him along with hugs, kisses, smiles, and laughter.

Some of the divine qualities I've seen in Oliver:

He loves unconditionally. He has a way of making everyone feel like they are the most important person to him, just as the Savior and our Heavenly Father can, if we allow them. He teaches me about love, patience, service, charity, joy, peace, and trust, just by being who he is. I love that he teaches me about integrity; I know that if he tells me he deserves a piece of candy it's because he really did go pee in the potty, even if it was just a few drops! And he helps me have integrity by reminding me of things I told him, when I forget.

Todd, my wonderful husband, has so many divine qualities, and gives himself so little credit. The best thing I can say about Todd is that he is a great example to me. He sets goals and works hard to accomplish them. He set a goal to read the entire standard works (Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price) and reads every night, even if it's just a few verses. So far he has read the entire Bible and Book of Mormon, and is now reading the D&C. It's taken a couple years, but he will finish this goal by the end of this year! He also set a goal to say his personal prayers each day. What an example that is to me, when I'm laying in bed, having forgotten, and I see him kneel to pray. He never forgets!

He also has the most integrity of anyone I've ever met. While most people would roll through a stop sign, or speed when there isn't any one around, Todd won't, simply because it's not right. Not because he is compelled, but because it's part of having integrity. He puts carts away in the parking lot, doesn't make personal calls at work, and always uses his blinker. Sometimes it's a little annoying to have him be so "perfect" all the time, but it makes me strive to be better myself.

He is also a great example of service. He will do anything I ask of him without complaint, and lots of things before I ask. He sees my needs and meets them before I even express them. I feel so loved because I know he would do anything for me. I have tried to be the same, and it has strengthened our marriage so much to serve each other like this.

Good Works #2

Service is an essential principle of family living. Help plan your family’s menus, obtain the food, and prepare part of the meals for two weeks. During that time help your family gather to share mealtimes. Report to your class what you have learned.



Well, I do this every day! As a mother it is part of my responsibility of caring for my family, but I never thought of it as service until now. It was just part of my job. But it is gratifying to know that I'm serving my family just by doing the things I know they need.

I have learned a few things over the last few years though. First, I learned that I love cooking! More to the point, I love cooking for those who are appreciative of good food. Todd and Oliver eat what I make, more or less (Todd more, Oliver less!) But when my sister Camilla and her family came to stay with us, it was SO fun to cook for them, because they thought everything I made was delicious, and they said so.

My gorgeous sister Camilla. Wish I had a picture of the whole family!

I found myself trying to think of all the yummy things I could make for them in the time they would spend with us, just to make them happy. I realized that that is sort of like our relationship with our Father in Heaven. When we feel and express our gratitude for the things He has given us, He adds more blessings because of our greatful hearts. D&C 78:19 says:

"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more."

But I digress. I also learned that it is so much easier to make good meals for my family if I am prepared. That means having the ingredients on hand, and making sure I leave time in my day for preparing the meal. This is a little bit more difficult for me, because I hate grocery shopping! So this is something I'm going to work on. Going shopping regularly so that I can be more prepared.

I have learned that eating together is essential to our family. We don't have the TV on, and we don't answer the phone during meal times (we aren't really texters, or that would be prohibited as well.) Studies have shown that eating dinner together as a family is good in several ways. WebMD lists 10 reasons to have family meals:

• Everyone eats healthier meals.
• Kids are less likely to become overweight or obese.
• Kids more likely to stay away from cigarettes.
• They're less likely to drink alcohol.
• They won't likely try marijuana.
• They're less likely to use illicit drugs.
• Friends won't likely abuse prescription drugs.
• School grades will be better.
• You and your kids will talk more.
• You'll be more likely to hear about a serious problem.
• Kids will feel like you're proud of them.
• There will be less stress and tension at home.

Those all sound like good things to me! I know things will get more difficult as our children grow older, and begin having more outside activities, but I think that by establishing a habit now, it will make it just a little bit easier in the future. And Time Magazine had an article in 2006 about how necessary it is to teens. I'm glad we're establishing a pattern now, so we can be blessed in the future.

Knowledge #2

In your journal list talents you have and others you would like to develop. Read Matthew 25:14–30. Learn a new skill or talent that will help you care for your own future family or home (for example, playing the piano, singing, budgeting, time management, cooking, sewing, or child care). Share with your family, class, or Young Women leader what you have learned.

Talents are fun for me to talk about, because I've been blessed with a few, and enjoy them, and enjoy other people's talents as well. Some talents I have discovered in myself are:

listening
love for children
creativity
photography
learning
service
appreciation for beauty

I've learned several new skills recently, but I'll share a couple with you!

2010 was my first year doing a "real" garden. I learned how to start seeds indoors:



We built a new raised bed, and learned a lot of what NOT to do.
Here's the raised bed under construction:


And here it is in August:



















I learned a lot, and hopefully will be a little more successful this year. I have a feeling it's going to be a learning process for a long time. One thing that was very successful were the herbs, which we've continued to use through the winter.

Another new thing I learned was how to felt wool to make things out of. We did this for a girls camp activity, and I haven't finished my bag yet, but I'll post pictures when I do. I used this knowledge, though, to make several Christmas presents. They were unique, beautiful, and cost very little, saving our family money:





These were all made from 100% wool from recycled sweaters. They were a really fun project. It was fun coming up with the embellishments for each one. And not only are they
cute, but warm and cozy too!

Knowledge #1

Learn about the importance of gaining knowledge by reading Proverbs 1:5; 4:7; 2 Nephi 28:30; and Doctrine and Covenants 88:78–80, 118; 90:15; 130:18–19; 131:6. Think about why you need to gain knowledge and understanding about how to apply gospel principles to your present and future home and family life. Write in your journal what you have learned about knowledge, and discuss it with a family member or Young Women leader.

Wow, that was a lot of scriptures, and some really good ones too! I especially liked 2 Nephi 28:30:

For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.

This is meaningful to me because I've always had a hard time with everything we as Latter-Day-Saints are supposed to be doing. There's genealogy, temple work, emergency preparedness, family home evening, scripture study, callings, journal keeping, home/visiting teaching, self-sufficiency, service... the list goes on and on. And we all only have so many hours in the day! This teaches me that we don't have to master it all at once. Right now, at this time in my life, I'm learning how to raise my family. I'm learning home-making skills, gardening, money and time management, and these skills will help me learn other skills when the time is right. I don't have to know everything all at once, but the Lord expects me to keep learning so that I can improve, and help improve the lives of my family and those around me. It also teaches me that as I strive to gain knowledge and wisdom the Lord will give me more, and increase my capacity to learn it.

And also D & C 88:78-80:

Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;

Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—

That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.

Wow, this one is powerful. What could be worse than being given a calling or mission of the Lord, and not be prepared to meet it? So much better to gain all the knowledge and understanding of everything around us, spiritually and temporally, and thus be prepared for anything that we are asked to do.

Knowledge #3

Memorize Article of Faith number thirteen and recite it to a parent, a leader, or another adult. Then visit a museum or exhibit or attend a performance that involves dance, music, speech, or drama. Using this article of faith as a guide, evaluate what you saw and heard. In your journal write your thoughts about how you can use this article of faith as a guide for all you do so the Holy Ghost will be your constant companion. Share those thoughts with a parent or leader.

I memorized this Article of Faith when I was 10 years old. For our Primary Program that year, the oldest kids (Blazers and Merry Miss) memorized and recited it, and at each practice they repeated it, so I sort of learned it by accident. This year it is the Theme for the youth:

We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

At Christmastime we had the opportunity to attend a Christmas Concert in Herriman. My brother-in-law Brett plays in the community orchestra, (the trombone, and also the piano) so we have been to a couple of their concerts. It met a lot of these attributes, it was virtuous (there were no inappropriate songs, lyrics, or attire, at least in the performers!), the music was lovely, and the musicians were definitely praiseworthy, and their performance was of good report.

I've also attended concerts in the past that didn't quite meet these standards, I'm ashamed to say. Rock concerts often have inappropriate lyrics, sometimes profanity, beats that are not conducive to chastity or virtuous thoughts, not to mention substances used and attire worn by fellow attendees which are not of good report or praiseworthy.

I think that if any activity can measure up to the standard of the 13th Article of Faith, it would pass mustard with even the most pious attendee. Conversely, if it doesn't measure up, a faithful Latter-Day-Saint wouldn't want to be there. That goes for concerts, movies, art exhibits, Theater, and even hanging out with friends or family. If we have this article of faith memorized it can be our checklist for any place we may be in, giving us guidance and direction, and helping us be in tune with the Holy Ghost. The Spirit of the Lord cannot dwell in unholy places, so if we are in a place or doing an activity that doesn't measure up to this standard, we are essentially dismissing the Holy Ghost, and saying we don't need Him, and don't want His help. And He certainly won't help us if He is not wanted.

Divine Nature #1

Finally I'm getting started!

The first Value Experience for Divine Nature says:

What are some of the divine qualities of a daughter of God? Read “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” (see page 101); 2 Peter 1; Alma 7:23–24; and Doctrine and Covenants 121:45. In your own words, list the divine qualities discussed in your reading. Think about how you can discover and develop each of these qualities. Record your ideas in your journal.

Peter includes the divine qualities of: Diligence, Faith, Virtue, Knowledge, Temperance, Patience, Godliness, Brotherly Kindness, and Charity.

Alma adds the qualities of Humility, Submissiveness, Gentleness, Easy to be Entreated, Temperate, Long-Suffering, Hopefulness, Thankfulness, Humility, and Service.

And the Lord reminds us, through Joseph Smith in the Doctrine and Covenants, to have Charity, Faith, Virtuous Thoughts, and a Testimony.

The best way to discover and develop these qualities is to practice them. Thomas Edison once said "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." The Lord gives each of us opportunities to practice divine qualities in the form of trials and challenges. That's the way I've learned the ones I have so far.

To develop Thankfulness we only have to look around at all we've been given. Even in the midst of trials, there are so many blessings around us. The sunshine and the beautiful world He has given us, our families and friendships, the blessing of having access to the Atonement. The free country we live in and those who serve to protect and fight for that freedom all over the world.

To develop Knowledge requires study, both of a spiritual and a temporal nature. I learned that my studies were easier if I remembered to study my scriptures as well.

All in all the best way to acquire any of these attributes is to ask Heavenly Father for them, and then pay attention when He answers with opportunities.