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.
"Charity never faileth!" Sister Allred said that motto in general Relief Society meeting after sharing multiple stories of charitable visiting teachers and the Spirit filled my body. It was so powerful. To read those words again in the foreword reminded me of those feelings and how I knew that when we act with charity in our lives, we cannot fail. What a blessing that is! How simple and yet profound! Thanks for your insights Julie!
ReplyDeleteI can't get past the preface because I keep re-reading parts of it. The one quote I keep thinking about and going back to is by Sister Belle S. Spafford. It reads,
ReplyDelete"The average woman today, I believe, would do well to appraise her interests, evaluate the activities in which she is engaged, and then take steps to simplify her life, putting things of first importance first, placing emphasis where the rewards will be greatest and most enduring, and ridding herself of the less rewarding activities."
I can't stop thinking about it. Appraise and evaluate. SIMPLIFY life. Putting emphasis where the rewards will be greatest and most enduring--love that! We hear this same message everywhere. Think about President Uchtdorf's message in the RS General meeting we just heard. And the words and example of our own Bishop (and Holly). I know it's time for me to appraise and evaluate once AGAIN. Life seems just a bit out of balance lately. Love that personal inspiration.