Love More

In this unpredictable world that we are experiencing, it has been easy for me to feel anxious and frustrated. I have learned to pray with more intent and I have searched the scriptures more diligently . I believe, because doing these things brings me calm and peace and I feel His love for me. One thing that has never changed is the need to love others more. The guidance that the Holy Ghost has whispered to me as I teach beautiful children at school is to just love them more. Show more kindness and understanding. Speak softer. As I strive to do these things I have felt happiness in the storm of this life.

~Connie King

He Delivers Me from Each Trial

"My prayer is to be tethered to God, who loves me and continues to deliver me from each trial, including heartache, loss, and despair. I choose to believe because in believing I have learned sincerity, empathy, loyalty and what it means to truly love.” -Cheryl L.

The Pure Love of Christ Changed My Life

by Karen Jensen

Take a look at Moroni 7:46-48. As Moroni was hiding from the Lamanites at the end of the Book of Mormon, having watched his entire nation, along with his own family and loved ones, be destroyed, and as he was utterly alone and unsure if he’d be caught and killed for believing in Christ, these are the words of his father’s that he felt were important enough to add to the end of the Book of Mormon.

As we partake of the sacrament, we symbolically make our Savior and His strength a part of us as we eat the bread. What a beautiful symbol that this bread is nourishing us and literally becoming our own muscles and bones and energy. What a beautiful symbol that we drink the water that is now inside of us, washing and healing our body, and giving it life! All of this is a symbol of what the Savior is for us on that altar. 

And as we do this, we made a solemn covenant with our Father in Heaven to take upon us the name of the One whose body and spirit was torn and broken for us and which now gives us this healing, strength, and hope. Which means we have promised to represent him, and in the process, become like him as we act in his name.

I have been, for many years, in a position where my kids and I have been the recipients of so many beautiful, simple, and profound acts of Christlike love in the middle of what has seemed like constant intense health and family challenges. These Christlike acts have truly changed my life. I was hesitant initially to share some of these experiences, for fear it may look as if I’m asking for pity or attention. But I have realized that my testimony in this topic comes from these very experiences, and the Spirit I hope to invite may need to come straight from this testimony I have gained.

Something I want to preface this with is the fact that it can easily feel like such an impossible goal to consider how we can and need to try to become like our Savior. But I think everyone here can probably stand here just as well as I can to say that some of the most meaningful and most Christlike acts we’ve individually been the recipients of can be incredibly simple.

For instance, when my Ashley was four years old, after collapsing in her tumbling class and not being able to use her legs for a few moments, she was diagnosed with a malformation in her brain which had caused pressure and fluid to build on her brain and spinal cord. This fluid was threatening to break it entirely.

Becoming True Disciples

This talk was given at the 2019 stake women's conference.
By Shelly Harrison

The other day, I was out doing my morning exercise route when I saw a huge backup of cars on a busy road. I thought to myself, "Oh no, an accident!" As I got closer, I saw a lot of people getting out of their cars and heading to the first car.

It looked like the driver was having car trouble in the middle of the intersection. Some people pulled over, got out of their cars, and jumped in to help this lady in her minivan, by pushing it to a safe place. Then there were a few extra men who stayed with her to see what they could do to help get her van working.

Photo from LDS.org. Used with permission

My thoughts were, "This is so heartwarming and amazing to see all the people jumping in to minister to her in a time of need."  I think many of us are always willing to help, especially in a crisis. But sometimes ministering may be easier when they are people we don’t know. Putting ourselves out there to minister to people we know can create some uncomfortable feelings inside us.

Let me explain… Anxiety, uncertainty, lack of confidence, feeling threated. feeling unprotected. This is the definition of INSECURITY. Is this how you feel when it comes to ministering? Maybe not for all of you, but for some, like me, it is.

My Best Christmas Gift Was Love

by Marci Hall

It was  Christmas  Eve, and I was not feeling the  Christmas  spirit.  This particular year,  the holiday  fell on a Tuesday, putting  Christmas  Eve on Monday.  As a mother of five young children, my Mondays were generally exhausting.  Having the sabbath on the day before meant the next day was spent making up for missed naps, meals out of order or skipped, and sickness picked up from church. 

Image from LDS.org. Used by permission.

Our extended family party and present-opening at my parents' house had been on Sunday night as well.  And to top it all off, my husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary and his birthday all within the last week.  We were all worn out, and it showed.

On  Christmas  Eve, after all the children were in bed, I pondered about what had gone on that evening.  Not only did I feel exhausted physically and emotionally, but I felt like the magic of  Christmas  got sucked out of our family.

The usual nativity reenactment was interrupted by one child wailing and running to her room because things weren't just right, while another was upset with her costume that kept falling off her head. My six-year-old was acting silly and crazy because of strange schedules and  Christmas  excitement. And my oldest child (seven years old) had an earache.

There were a few moments that evening that I felt the peace of the Holy Ghost, like when we sang "Joy to the World" together as I played the piano, and when my four-year-old was playing the part of the angel and recited her whole part from the scriptures, almost without help. But the moments were fleeting.

As I was finishing helping one child calm down to go to sleep, I realized we had never set out stockings.  When I asked her if she wanted to, she said no. What happened to the magic and excitement?  I just felt deflated.

My husband and I set out the stockings anyway, and then he put on a light-hearted  Christmas  show for us. I watched it with him but was not in the mood. I felt like I should have been watching something that would remind me about the Savior, not something silly.

An Unshakable Testimony of the Prophet Joseph

by Heather Hughes 
From a talk given to the Stone Creek Ward on June 12, 2016

Seven and a half years ago, my youngest son and I flew to California in October. We were flying out to attend the birthday and baptism of my nephew Tyler. It didn't hurt that we discovered that if we went to California for Tyler's birthday, we could trick or treat in shorts instead of coats. I was looking forward to relaxing from teaching school and from the preparations of getting our oldest daughter ready to serve a mission. She would leave about two weeks after our visit.

The morning after our arrival, Stacy, my sister-in-law, said that we would need to mix in some church service with our play time. I thought, "Even better, I can feel good about my getaway."  That weekend was the week prior to the voting in California on Prop 8, a controversial law that would decide whether or not same-sex marriage would be allowed in California, and local church leaders had asked the members to help support efforts to maintain marriage between a man and a woman. When I found out what we were doing, I was a little anxious. I hate confrontation. I don't like people to be upset with me, even strangers, but I knew that if the local leaders had asked for these activities to be done, it was what needed doing.

Saturday morning, we left bright and early to hang pamphlets supporting marriage between a man and a woman on doors. We had two people ask us to remove them and get off their driveways, but no truly angry experiences. As we reported our section back to the elders quorum president in my sister's ward, I felt like all was well. We left and attended a soccer game for me nephew. As we returned, Mark and Stacy said, "Now for the fun part!" Their tone left no doubt that fun was not coming.

Each family had been asked to have an adult hold signs on different corners around town. The signs simply said: "Vote Against Prop 8, Vote for Families." As we stood on our corner, I quickly discovered that their beautiful little community had a lot of people with different views than mine. For two hours I was repeatedly called names, honked at, and had a few more choice experiences.

Relief for Refugees: This Is Who We Are

In the recent general and women's conferences we heard heartfelt calls from church leaders, asking us to prayerfully seek ways to offer relief to the many refugees who are suffering around the world. Click to view the new website which has been launched as guidance: IWasAStranger.lds.org

Image from LDSMediaTalk.org. Used with permission.

From the General Auxiliary Presidencies:
"What can our role as women be in the last days to prepare the earth for the coming of Christ? What can we do to reach out, to love, to nurture, and to minister as He has invited us to do? We each have the invitation as women and young women to open our eyes and our hearts to see those among us who may feel alone, afraid, or uncertain so that we are no longer strangers (see Matthew 25:35–36; Ephesians 2:19).

"With our divine nature as women, we can be a light in a darkening world. We can give hope, love, and care to those around us. We are not asked to 'run faster than [we have] strength.' Although we can work together, we are not asked to organize large efforts. Instead we are each asked to seek personal revelation about whom the Lord would have us strengthen and love as individuals and as families. The Savior invites us to participate in a personal ministry of love and to remember His words: 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these . . . , ye have done it unto me.'"

"This is not a program; it is who we are."

The Power of Women

The following are more stories from the sisters in one ward about the power of women in their lives.

I would have to say my stepmother is one of the biggest influences in my life. She married my dad when I was four and took care of us 10 kids together. She is the most patient woman I have ever met. She continues to be an example to me and my kids. Last year she lost her oldest son, and her testimony strengthened all of us to know that he is with Christ and continuing his work in Heaven. She sacrifices all day, every day for her children/stepchildren.

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I have a neighbor who is so full of love, kindness and service. She embodies charity to me. Her service isn’t forced or regular. She serves and loves genuinely whenever she feels to do so. I see her serve and love her family amidst trials and I witness her taking quiet moments for herself in her yard, gardening, or reading. She has helped me with my young children in multiple ways. She always offers hugs and smiles, sometimes books or dvds to borrow, or homemade cookies. Even small or large gifts for my kids at holidays and random days when they are least expected and so appreciated. I know she has struggles in her life, both personally and with her own kids. Despite her own trials she looks beyond herself. She magnifies her callings to the utmost, having true charity for those she is called to serve with. Despite feeling down, she has true enthusiasm for her responsibilities and for life. She finds and creates beauty wherever she goes. She is truly Christlike and lets her light shine.

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Carol Galbraith was my second mentor as a mother. I looked up to her quiet influence as she raised 10 righteous children and served all those around her with no fanfare. I saw the righteous patterns I wanted to emulate as a mother some day. She endured great hardships, served alongside her husband as the wife of a mission president, temple president, and stake president. She always treats me to this day as her dearest friend.

*

When I think of heroic faith, I think of my aunt. I have always shared a special bond with her because we share the same name. But as I’ve grown up and become a mom myself, I realize that she has shown faith throughout her many trials in life. It’s helped me to know that we are not left alone on this earth, and the trials I face in my own life I can battle with the Lord and not alone.

*

I'm so grateful for the nurse that attended my mother-in-law before her death. She would lovingly rub her feet and back and bring her treats and food. She made her feel like she was the most important and beautiful person in the world.

Are We Not All Beggars?

Image from LDS.org, used with permission

In Relief Society recently, we studied Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk "Are We Not All Beggars?" from October 2014 General Conference. It was a wonderful lesson. Our instructor asked us to think of a time in our lives when we have needed something, whether that was spiritual, temporal, emotional, or physical, and how our needs were met, and then write it down on some cards she provided.

The response was overwhelming, and only a few could be shared in class. Following are twenty-one different responses to that question. They are amazing and show not only how we all are in need, but also how much our Heavenly Father loves us and meets our needs Himself or through those around us. They also show that we hold great power to affect others' lives for good if we will but reach out!

"Are we not all beggars? Don't we all cry out for help and hope and answers to prayers? Don't we all beg for forgiveness for mistakes we have made and troubles we have caused? don't we all implore that grace will compensate for our weaknesses, that mercy will triumph over justice at lease in our case?" --Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

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My family is not close by (we are in four states). Many times I have needed my mom, but I feel terrible asking her to spend the money and time to come help. She has never said no and is always willing to hop on a plane or drive the eleven or twelve hours to be here.

*

I appreciate a faithful man who is my son's home teaching companion. He not only ministers to his home teaching families, but he is also the hands of Christ reaching out to rescue a young man who is struggling. He has continued to make the effort to be a friend to my son for many years. My greatest desires for my children are met through the kindness and service of this wonderful man and other caring people in the ward.

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I was slowly growing more ill day by day when I was only two years married. I was substituting at the time at a junior high school, limping into the school each morning. Eventually I couldn't walk, not even get myself to the bathroom. I could only lay on the couch in pain. My mother-in-law came and sat by my side for a couple of days to be there for me and help me.

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When I was about 19 I had made some poor decisions. I knew they weren't the best decisions, and one bad decision led into another. I felt like a horrible person. I started to withdraw from my family and people I loved the most because I felt ashamed and unworthy. My good friend asked me one day how things were going, and I eventually spilled the beans. She reminded me that just because I had made a few bad decisions and mistakes that all was not lost. I was still a good person. Knowing that she believed in me and loved me helped me to love myself again and see that all was not lost.

*

As Soon as I Got to Work, I Felt Amazing: Service Stories

So many in our stake have been touched by the spirit of serving. We hope you enjoy these little "service snippets"--mini testimonies of the blessings of serving our fellow man!


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We invited my mother-in-law to live with us when she was old. She appreciated it, and it made her happy. It also made my wife and I very happy.

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My mom was really busy trying to make cookies for tomorrow, but she had to work for a couple of hours, so I made them all for her.

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by Emerson P.

Photo from LDS.org

We did a service project at Sister C's house and cleaned up her yard. It made me feel good.

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A couple of weeks ago we went to the bishop's storehouse for a couple of hours. After we left I felt really good.

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by Diego
I raked the Evans' leaves up, and I felt really good inside.

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Interpreting for a deaf member of our stake felt very worthwhile. I was grateful for the experience of helping someone else feel the Spirit during meetings.

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Young Women went around to the members' homes, and as an activity we did a race to do service opportunities for the ward members. It was fun to assist the girls as we did these random service opportunities. I liked seeing the happiness on the members' and girls' faces.

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by Jonah F.
Recently I served at Sister C's yard with the deacons. It took us two days, and on both days, I was kind of moody and feeling a little nauseous, but as soon as I got to work there, I felt great. It was like there was a wall and as soon as I got out of the car, I felt amazing. It made me feel so good.

A Small Kindness Can Bring So Much Sunshine

by Marisa Sharpe
Whenever I hear about families not knowing who their home teachers are or another round of direction from our priesthood leaders to do our home teaching (and visiting teaching for that matter), I lovingly think of the home teacher of my childhood. Because of his faithfulness in fulfilling this calling, I have a firm testimony of the importance of home teachers.

When I was quite young my dad was the bishop. There were eight children in our family, and from the outward, put-your-best-foot-forward Sunday appearance, I'm sure we looked like a model Mormon family. We were far from it, but I suppose it would have been easy for any home teacher to think, "The bishop's family is doing fine. I don't really have to check in on them." But Brother Washburn wasn't just any home teacher.

I'm actually surprised at how many vivid memories I have of him considering I was between ages three to nine during that time. Brother Washburn was an old man with thick, white, wavy hair and wrinkly skin. He moved slowly but had such sparkle in his eye.

I remember how he always gave his suit pants a quick tug at the knee before he sat down on our wobbly piano bench. He always sat on the piano bench. I remember him slowly walking up the street with his cane and a broad smile on his face especially for all the children.

One time he was quite ill, and I wanted to make a get well card for him. My mom said I could walk down to his house to deliver it. Sister Washburn welcomed me and led me to the bedroom where dear Brother Washburn was recuperating. I'm sure it wasn't much of a beautiful card from a five-year-old, but he and his wife seemed to cheer right up when I came to their home. I learned that day how a small kindness can bring so much sunshine to someone who isn't feeling well.

I Drew on My Daughter's Strength

by Teresa Meldrum
The last Thursday before school got out, I found out that I had cancer. The following Thursday I found out that my mother had five brain tumors and was expected to live only four to eight weeks longer. She would require 24-hour care.

My brother had been directed by the Lord to move his family here from another state without knowing why he was to be here. He and his family got here three days before Mom’s tumors were found. We have a large family, and each one of the married couples came to stay with Mom for two days at a time. It made it possible for Mom to stay in her own home until the very end of her life.

I was not physically strong enough to do what my other siblings and their spouses did even though I had the greatest desire to be with my mother. Almost every day of that three-month summer, my 13-year-old daughter and I would spend as much time at my mom’s home as possible.

I Gave Her the Last of My Money

by Anya Chaplygina Higley
I was 18 years old when I was baptized. I was young, eager, open, and so spiritual. I lived for the gospel, loved it and carried the burning Spirit in me all the time. I lived in the big city of St. Petersburg, Russia.

Things were changing in those years, and there were a lot of poor people who couldn't make ends meet. Among those were elderly people, living on little pensions from government. All of a sudden within a couple of years there were a lot of beggars standing at entrances and exits of subway stations.

from http://en.rian.ru

I lived alone, working at the city maintenance office, and my paychecks were very small. My fridge was always empty, and I lived off potatoes, pasta, and grains. There were a lot of days when I had very little to eat.

One day I had a little bit of money (a 5 ruble bill). I still had a week till my next paycheck, and that was all the money I had till then. I wanted to buy a treat for myself--a tube of sweet cottage cheese. That would last me a couple of days, and it was my favorite.

I was heading somewhere in the city. As I was exiting the subway station, I saw many older people standing near the exit with their hands folded, begging for coins. I kept walking past them, as many other people did as well. In the corner of my eye--far and deep in the corner of the station--I caught a glimpse of an old woman. She was tiny and hunchbacked, wearing a scarf on her head. It looked as if she was pressing herself into the corner, ashamed of what she was doing--begging for money.

I kept walking through the doors outside. Suddenly, I felt the Spirit wash over me. It was like a hot, burning flame that took over my chest.

Testimony: They Showed Me How to Have Charity

by Brittney Hosking 

from http://valleyforgewoman.blogspot.com

In the preface of Daughters in My Kingdom I read a quote by President Spencer W. Kimball that said, “We know that women who have deep appreciation for the past will be concerned about shaping a righteous future.” I have to say now that I have read this book that I understand and agree with this statement.

I have always been amazed with the work that women were able to do before washing machines and telephones, but to read about the service and never-ending work that was done by these faithful early Relief Society sisters was outstanding.

I was touched especially by the stories of visiting teaching, what visiting teaching has done for other women, and what are the best ways to do visiting teaching. There was a quote by Sister Mary Ellen Smoot that said, “My desire is to plead with our sisters to stop worrying about a phone call or a quarterly or monthly visit, and whether that will do, and concentrate instead on nurturing tender souls.” This summed it up well for me that it really is not about “getting it done” but about the women themselves.

Testimony: The Strength of a Worldwide Sisterhood

by Jodie Edgington 

I loved reading Daughters in My Kingdom! I took Renee Packer’s suggestion to read it with a pen in hand and allowed myself to mark up the pages by underlining words and stories that stood out to me. I also recorded my own comments and first impressions of what I read. I felt myself being validated as a woman, a wife, a mother, and a member of this church in every way that the world does not.

I truly felt the Spirit as I read, the same way I would as I read my scriptures. I felt a deeper sense of responsibility resting on me as I realized what being a member of this Relief Society means.

I related to the stories of unsung sisters who try to exhibit charity in their lives—those who do so in the background and who are not necessarily acknowledged by anyone other than the Lord. I thought of so many women who have blessed my own personal life, and of the quiet examples they have set as I’ve seen them serve others. I especially felt the power and strength we have as a worldwide sisterhood. I know that God loves the women of this Church and that He needs us to do our best for Him. We are daughters in His Kingdom!

Testimony: Being FIlled with the Pure Love of Christ

by Emilee Midget

Source: www.wikipedia.org

One of the strongest impressions that I received from reading Daughters in My Kingdom came when I read the words of President Thomas S. Monson on “Strengthening Sisterhood through Expressions of Charity.”

Charity has always seemed to me to be a very lofty goal. Not only is charity “the pure love of Christ” (Moroni 7:47), but it “suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity …” (Moroni 7: 45). On top of all that, “whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him” (Moroni 7:47).

How is such a goal to be reached? How can anyone ever hope to obtain this kind of love?

I know that we must first “pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that [we] may be filled with this love” (Moroni 7:48), but when I read President Monson’s words I came to understand that it is through our everyday interactions that we can develop and strengthen and eventually be filled with this love of God.