Sunday, October 9, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Preface "Something Extraordinary"
At the beginning of the preface Emma Smith is quoted saying, "We are going to do something extraordinary." Extraordinary sounds like such a big thing, something that would take weeks, months, maybe years of planning and perfecting. Interestingly enough, at the end of the preface we read the words of Alma, "By small and simple things are great things brought to pass." Only after rereading the preface did these two parts come together. The extraordinary works that we are asked to do are not overwhelming huge things, they are small and simple things. We are asked to do just a little extra of the ordinary things. As we look for ways to do a little more we become disciples of Christ. It is often the small and simple things that make the biggest difference.
How have the "small and simple" acts of others made an "extraordinary" difference in you life?
How have the "small and simple" acts of others made an "extraordinary" difference in you life?
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Foreword: A Message from the First Presidency
In the forward message from the First Presidency several things stood out to me.
"In grateful recognition of the blessings of Relief Society in the lives of Church members..."
Relief Society has been such a blessing in my life. There are so many blessings that have come from Relief Society, but how could I better recognize those blessings and give proper thanks for them?
"We pray that this book will be a blessing to you and those whose lives you touch."
I am so grateful for the inspiration of the First Presidency and all the hard work of those who were asked to work on this book. The key really is to learn from the book, be blessed, and the go out and apply what we have learned to bless the lives of others. It makes me want to look for actions, things I can do for others. This book isn't just to bless me, it is an instruction manual for how I can help others.
"You are beloved daughters of Heavenly Father and dedicated disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ."
I need to tattoo this to my forehead. DON'T FORGET that you are loved! And not just that we are loved. But that we are "dedicated disciples." That is such a power phrase. We aren't just pretty princesses, we are dedicated disciples. Dedicated to do our Father's work. How can I be a more dedicated disciple?
"Guided by your motto, 'Charity never faileth,' you help strengthen families and build up the kingdom of God on the earth."
How does Charity guide you? As we work to build the kingdom of God on the earth, the foundation must be charity. I look forward to reading about the charitable acts of relief society sisters throughout time.
"We encourage you to study this book and allow its timeless truths and inspiring examples to influence your lives."
The word "allow" jumped right off the page. We have the wonderful gift of agency. Heavenly Father never forces us to do anything. We have been given this book and if we allow it to teach us, we will be inspired and our lives will be changed for the better. It makes me want to make more time for this book.
With a foreword packed with that kind of power, you know this is going to be a fantastic book.
Why have a Daughters in My Kingdom Blog?
The First Presidency has directed the preparation of Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and work of Relief Society. They have encouraged sisters to "study this book and allow its timeless truths and inspiring examples to influence [their] lives." To encourage myself and others to read, study, ponder, and apply the teaching of this book I have created this blog. I hope it will a place where sisters can share thoughts, feelings, experiences, and questions they have while reading this book. I will write posts for the different sections of the book with my own feelings. Hopefully this will be a place where testimonies can be shared and strengthened. I look forward to learning and growing with you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)