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.
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Testimony: Spiritual Learning in All the Works of God
by Kierstin Dangerfield
Initially starting this historical work Daughters in My Kingdom, I felt (being a student) it as a burden and viewed it as another history text that I would never remember. But I was enlightened, delighting in its truth and simpleness. Though I’m still only halfway through it, I’ve found myself through the women of Relief Society, discovering who I am because of the organization I take part in.
Truly inspired, following in the footsteps of these great women gives me spiritual strength and comfort. I am assisting in the Lord’s work, and I would that we all could follow Him for eternity. Spiritual learning isn’t solely found in the scriptures, but in all the wondrous works of God.
Initially starting this historical work Daughters in My Kingdom, I felt (being a student) it as a burden and viewed it as another history text that I would never remember. But I was enlightened, delighting in its truth and simpleness. Though I’m still only halfway through it, I’ve found myself through the women of Relief Society, discovering who I am because of the organization I take part in.
Truly inspired, following in the footsteps of these great women gives me spiritual strength and comfort. I am assisting in the Lord’s work, and I would that we all could follow Him for eternity. Spiritual learning isn’t solely found in the scriptures, but in all the wondrous works of God.
Testimony: The Important Work of Mothers
by Jenifer Oyler
It has been a joy to read Daughters in My Kingdom. I was so touched by the many stories of women throughout the history of Relief Society. Their strength in times of trial is inspiring, and their faith in the Lord and their dedication to His gospel has given me a great example to follow. I cried when I read about the pioneers and their sufferings...especially in losing their babies. My heart aches for them. Reading this book reminds me that we all have the same tender feelings of love for our children regardless of time or place on this earth.
I loved reading about how the Relief Society was a part of the Restoration and that the Restoration would not be complete without it. I know that the Lord loves the women of the Church in all ages. I have a testimony of the influence that women have. Their influence is powerful and important. It is easy to see this in reading the Bible. Daughters in My Kingdom affirms the importance of our influence.
 |
| "Pioneer Woman" Statue by Bryant Baker |
I loved reading about how the Relief Society was a part of the Restoration and that the Restoration would not be complete without it. I know that the Lord loves the women of the Church in all ages. I have a testimony of the influence that women have. Their influence is powerful and important. It is easy to see this in reading the Bible. Daughters in My Kingdom affirms the importance of our influence.
Testimony: We Are Beloved Daughters of God
by Carol Hatch
I have read and studied this wonderful, beautifully done book that has been given to us women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to strengthen us. I have marked numerous passages that have touched my heart. There is so much information to digest. I have gone back and reread many pages. It has been uplifting, and it will be a guide for me to refer to often.
I have read and studied this wonderful, beautifully done book that has been given to us women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to strengthen us. I have marked numerous passages that have touched my heart. There is so much information to digest. I have gone back and reread many pages. It has been uplifting, and it will be a guide for me to refer to often.
Testimony: Joy in Service
by Cozette McNamara
Throughout my life I have been blessed by many sisters in the Church who have served and loved me and those around me. While I was reading the book Daughters in My Kingdom, I prayed I would be able to gain something from the pages. I did. I realized how important each one of us sisters is and how much we not only need to help one another, but we also need to let others serve us.
I am the type that can easily see what needs to be done to help a friend or neighbor in need, but when it comes to letting down the barriers and allowing someone to help me, I struggle.
I am the type that can easily see what needs to be done to help a friend or neighbor in need, but when it comes to letting down the barriers and allowing someone to help me, I struggle.
Testimony: Looking Outside Myself
by Karene Warby
Although I am still reading Daughters in My Kingdom, I can already feel the spirit of this. I believe we have an obligation to study the past so we can learn from our predecessors and build upon their knowledge. I liked the quote from Spencer W. Kimball that “women who have a deep appreciation for the past will be concerned about shaping a righteous future.” I feel my every action every day as I raise my family is my attempt at shaping a righteous future.
Although I am still reading Daughters in My Kingdom, I can already feel the spirit of this. I believe we have an obligation to study the past so we can learn from our predecessors and build upon their knowledge. I liked the quote from Spencer W. Kimball that “women who have a deep appreciation for the past will be concerned about shaping a righteous future.” I feel my every action every day as I raise my family is my attempt at shaping a righteous future.
Testimony: They Showed Me How to Have Charity
by Brittney Hosking
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.
 |
| from http://valleyforgewoman.blogspot.com |
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: A Daughter of My Heavenly Father
by Loretta Stewart
When I first received the book Daughters in My Kingdom, I was skeptical about it being a “good read.” Once I started, I was hooked from the start. I loved Chapter 1 when Elder James E. Talmage stated, “The world’s greatest champion of woman and womanhood is Jesus the Christ.” I testify that He knows and loves me as an individual, a daughter of my Heavenly Father. This book was inspired and truly needed at this time.
When I first received the book Daughters in My Kingdom, I was skeptical about it being a “good read.” Once I started, I was hooked from the start. I loved Chapter 1 when Elder James E. Talmage stated, “The world’s greatest champion of woman and womanhood is Jesus the Christ.” I testify that He knows and loves me as an individual, a daughter of my Heavenly Father. This book was inspired and truly needed at this time.
Testimony: A New Perspective
by Michelle A. Olson
First of all, I would like to say how incredibly grateful I am for the opportunity to have read Daughters in My Kingdom. I am absolutely convinced that it was an inspired decision by the stake Relief Society presidency to ask us to read it before the end of the year.
I’ll admit that I first started doing it out of “duty.” It seemed like yet another thing to somehow get done along with all of the other things the holiday rush brings. I asked the Lord to help me to desire to read it, and to have a softened heart in regards to what was asked of me.
The Lord truly answered my prayer! I immersed myself in the book and found that I didn’t want to put it down. I looked forward to reading it every chance I got. Not only did I feel the Spirit so strongly every time I read it, but I was often moved to tears reading about the sacrifices that so many stalwart and committed daughters of God made. I came to know that they were willing to make those sacrifices because of their testimony of the divinity of this great gospel work.
 |
| from http://susandayley.wordpress.com |
I’ll admit that I first started doing it out of “duty.” It seemed like yet another thing to somehow get done along with all of the other things the holiday rush brings. I asked the Lord to help me to desire to read it, and to have a softened heart in regards to what was asked of me.
The Lord truly answered my prayer! I immersed myself in the book and found that I didn’t want to put it down. I looked forward to reading it every chance I got. Not only did I feel the Spirit so strongly every time I read it, but I was often moved to tears reading about the sacrifices that so many stalwart and committed daughters of God made. I came to know that they were willing to make those sacrifices because of their testimony of the divinity of this great gospel work.
Testimony: Being a Light to the World
Labels:
family,
history,
Relief Society
by Debbie Allred
The Daughters in My Kingdom book has truly strengthened my testimony. I have gained a new understanding of the power and strength that sisters in Zion can have on the world. We have such an influence by encouraging righteousness in the lives of our spouses, children, and others in our society. We learn so much from these women who have already taken the path of righteousness, from their testimonies and stories written in this amazing book. I am truly grateful for the encouraging words they have left for us to study and to help give us encouragement to face our trials that we have today in this world that is full of so much good and evil.
The Daughters in My Kingdom book has truly strengthened my testimony. I have gained a new understanding of the power and strength that sisters in Zion can have on the world. We have such an influence by encouraging righteousness in the lives of our spouses, children, and others in our society. We learn so much from these women who have already taken the path of righteousness, from their testimonies and stories written in this amazing book. I am truly grateful for the encouraging words they have left for us to study and to help give us encouragement to face our trials that we have today in this world that is full of so much good and evil.
Testimony: Women Serving Throughout Time
by Shauna Weidman
I have loved reading Daughters in My Kingdom. I had never really thought that an organization similar to Relief Society existed during the Savior’s ministry. It makes perfect sense that it did, and I love that fact.
I also loved learning about the history of the Relief Society and the evolution it has made to become the organization we have now. It is filled with such inspirational stories and counsel from Church leaders that they increase my desire to live the gospel more fully.
I know that if I can practice these teachings that I will feel closer to my Savior and feel the Spirit more in my life.
I have loved reading Daughters in My Kingdom. I had never really thought that an organization similar to Relief Society existed during the Savior’s ministry. It makes perfect sense that it did, and I love that fact.
I also loved learning about the history of the Relief Society and the evolution it has made to become the organization we have now. It is filled with such inspirational stories and counsel from Church leaders that they increase my desire to live the gospel more fully.
I know that if I can practice these teachings that I will feel closer to my Savior and feel the Spirit more in my life.
Testimony: Witnessing History
by Christy Schumann
While reading Daughters in My Kingdom, I especially loved reading about the organization of the Relief Society in Nauvoo, March 17, 1842, on the upper floor of a building called the Red Brick Store.
This is special to me because I got to witness a reenactment of that sacred, special meeting during the last week of September 2006.
My husband and I were with his sister and brother-in-law, and with his second cousin, Paul Smith. Paul was one of the instructors of the Church program Nauvoo Semester Abroad. He had brought his students to the Red Brick Store as Joseph, Emma, John Taylor, Willard Richards and all the others who were in that room in 1842. All students were there, dressed in costume and with lines learned, eager to complete their assignment.
We all sat down and watched the meeting commence, the Relief Society was organized, and Emma was called to be the first president of the Relief Society. What a great, spiritual feeling there was in the Red Brick Store that day! It was a wonderful feeling, like I was witnessing the actual event!
This is special to me because I got to witness a reenactment of that sacred, special meeting during the last week of September 2006.
My husband and I were with his sister and brother-in-law, and with his second cousin, Paul Smith. Paul was one of the instructors of the Church program Nauvoo Semester Abroad. He had brought his students to the Red Brick Store as Joseph, Emma, John Taylor, Willard Richards and all the others who were in that room in 1842. All students were there, dressed in costume and with lines learned, eager to complete their assignment.
We all sat down and watched the meeting commence, the Relief Society was organized, and Emma was called to be the first president of the Relief Society. What a great, spiritual feeling there was in the Red Brick Store that day! It was a wonderful feeling, like I was witnessing the actual event!
Afterwards, we left to go do the endowment and sealing for ElRay’s grandfather! It was a very special day for our family. As a former Relief Society president, this was a sacred experience for me to take a step back into the Church’s early history.
Testimony: Strengthened Through the Legacy of Faith
by Cathi Maki
When I was told how special Daughters in My Kingdom was, I never realized how special until I read it. I’m not much of a reader, but on a recent plane trip back home, I decided to start reading it and found myself so taken by the stories and challenges of these women.
When I was told how special Daughters in My Kingdom was, I never realized how special until I read it. I’m not much of a reader, but on a recent plane trip back home, I decided to start reading it and found myself so taken by the stories and challenges of these women.
During moments of sadness I will remind myself of the many struggles and challenges these women faced but never lost faith, no matter how tough the trial became.I couldn’t put the book down and read it from cover to cover. As I am a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it was truly an inspiration to read of the sacrifices and trials these women faced but stayed strong in their faith and spirit. I found myself in tears while reading some of these words, and it made me feel so blessed that we as a family are members of this church.
Testimony: Doing Extraordinary Things
by Tiffany McMinn
I decided I was going to complete the challenge of reading Daughters in My Kingdom in the time frame the stake gave us. I am so grateful that I did! I have always been grateful for the Relief Society, but this book made me really appreciate my membership in this divinely inspired organization. I am amazed and in awe of the women I read about in this history.
I decided I was going to complete the challenge of reading Daughters in My Kingdom in the time frame the stake gave us. I am so grateful that I did! I have always been grateful for the Relief Society, but this book made me really appreciate my membership in this divinely inspired organization. I am amazed and in awe of the women I read about in this history.
Testimony: Examples of Compassion and Charity
by Tara Hansen
I loved reading Daughters in My Kingdom. I received the book at the cusp of significant changes in my personal life—with my twins anticipated in a few short days. The stories of the sisters fostered in me a greater appreciation for those that have gone before. Likewise, my gratitude for the sisters that have been placed in my life significantly swelled. My mother is a great example of compassion and charity; she is a strong woman who has persevered through trials and been a strength to those around her. I yearn to do that, following in the example of my own angel mother and the many examples in the book.
Relief Society is a blessing to me. I have felt the Savior’s love through many fellow sisters in Relief Society who have extended their arms and hearts to me. I have also been fortunate to forge bonds and friendships with dear sisters that I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to know. Overall, I am grateful to belong to the Relief Society and am ever encouraged to do and be a little better.
Relief Society is a blessing to me. I have felt the Savior’s love through many fellow sisters in Relief Society who have extended their arms and hearts to me. I have also been fortunate to forge bonds and friendships with dear sisters that I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to know. Overall, I am grateful to belong to the Relief Society and am ever encouraged to do and be a little better.
Testimony: Passing the Heritage Along, Heart to Heart
by Lara Ziebarth
I am so thankful for the opportunity that I have had to read Daughters in My Kingdom. What a gift this book has been in my life already! To read of the stories and testimonies of such strong sisters who have gone before me instills in me a stronger desire to pass on this heritage to future generations.
As Pres. Henry B. Eyring stated, “You pass the heritage along as you help others receive the gift of charity in their hearts. They will then be able to pass it to others. The history of Relief Society is recorded in words and numbers, but the heritage is passed heart to heart.”
As Pres. Henry B. Eyring stated, “You pass the heritage along as you help others receive the gift of charity in their hearts. They will then be able to pass it to others. The history of Relief Society is recorded in words and numbers, but the heritage is passed heart to heart.”
Testimony: Relief Society Blesses Lives
by Julie Brophy
I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had to read Daughters in My Kingdom. I have been uplifted, inspired, filled with a commitment to do better, and overcome with pride to be a part of such a wonderful organization. The stories and testimonies of the dear Relief Society women who have come before me and helped to organize this Society are tremendous examples of courage and strength who served with great faith and obedience.
I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had to read Daughters in My Kingdom. I have been uplifted, inspired, filled with a commitment to do better, and overcome with pride to be a part of such a wonderful organization. The stories and testimonies of the dear Relief Society women who have come before me and helped to organize this Society are tremendous examples of courage and strength who served with great faith and obedience.
Testimony: Women Are "The Lord's Secret Weapon"
by Jami Jensen
Daughters in My Kingdom is a beautifully written and illustrated book. It has been a joy to read. Some of the history is familiar to me. Some of it is not and has been interesting to learn. I love how the pictures take you back to a particular time and place. I feel that this book can connect generations of sisters by acting like a bridge. Each one of us can cross over to glean the spiritual strength and determination that can help us meet the demands of our day with that same faith in the future that past and present sisters who have preserved this great organization of women to this point.
Daughters in My Kingdom is a beautifully written and illustrated book. It has been a joy to read. Some of the history is familiar to me. Some of it is not and has been interesting to learn. I love how the pictures take you back to a particular time and place. I feel that this book can connect generations of sisters by acting like a bridge. Each one of us can cross over to glean the spiritual strength and determination that can help us meet the demands of our day with that same faith in the future that past and present sisters who have preserved this great organization of women to this point.
Testimony: I Want to Be Found with "Willing Hands"
by Ange Nelson
As I took the challenge to read Daughters in My Kingdom, my heart was touched, and even enlarged. I have felt a deep love and a sisterhood not only with the sisters from the early days of the Church, but also the sisters all around me now.
As I took the challenge to read Daughters in My Kingdom, my heart was touched, and even enlarged. I have felt a deep love and a sisterhood not only with the sisters from the early days of the Church, but also the sisters all around me now.
“Retrench in everything that is bad and worthless, and improve in everything that is good and beautiful.” --Brigham YoungI marvel at the experiences and faith of some of those early sisters. As I read Lucy Meserve Smith’s words, “What comes next for willing hands to do?” it reminds me of the many sisters’ sacrifices, and willingness and eagerness to do this work. I can’t help but also reflect on sisters who have made a difference in my life through small and simple acts of kindness and service. What a wonderful reminder and a call for me personally—I want to be found with “willing hands” ready and eager to serve.
Testimony: Enduring to the End
by Amy Farr
The things I learned from Daughters in My Kingdom are pretty much summed up in a quote by Spencer W. Kimball on page 5: “The cultivation of Christlike qualities is a demanding and relentless task—it is not for the seasonal worker or for those who will not stretch themselves, again and again.” I believe that one of the huge legacies these early pioneer women left us was that of enduring to the end. The trials that they were called to endure, and had faith to go through, whether muddling or joyfully, they did because of their desire to be like our Savior.
The trials I am called to bear in this day are different, but my desire is the same. I want to be like my Shepherd. I draw strength from the women who have traveled this mortal road before. I think our Savior smiles when He thinks of those early Relief Society sisters. I hope my life can be one that also makes Him smile. One that causes the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” to pass from His lips. Their example gives me faith to continue on, to endure to the end.
The things I learned from Daughters in My Kingdom are pretty much summed up in a quote by Spencer W. Kimball on page 5: “The cultivation of Christlike qualities is a demanding and relentless task—it is not for the seasonal worker or for those who will not stretch themselves, again and again.” I believe that one of the huge legacies these early pioneer women left us was that of enduring to the end. The trials that they were called to endure, and had faith to go through, whether muddling or joyfully, they did because of their desire to be like our Savior.
The trials I am called to bear in this day are different, but my desire is the same. I want to be like my Shepherd. I draw strength from the women who have traveled this mortal road before. I think our Savior smiles when He thinks of those early Relief Society sisters. I hope my life can be one that also makes Him smile. One that causes the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” to pass from His lips. Their example gives me faith to continue on, to endure to the end.
 |
| from http://ryanslds.tumblr.com |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)