The Challenge to Become

I read this statement today in the July 2012 Ensign article, "Understanding Our Covenants With God", and thought I would share:

"The final Judgement is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts--what we have done," taught Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  "It is an acknowledgment of the final effects of our acts and thoughts--what we have become.  It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions.  The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account.  The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become."

This statement comes from a talk, "The Challenge to Become,"  given by Elder Oaks found here.  Wonderful talk!

I don't know about the rest of you, but my life consists of To Do Lists.  Each day I find myself, especially as a mother of young children, just going through the motions and trying to keep on top of the responsibilities that I have.  Add in the things I want to do, the things that I would like to do, and the things I KNOW I should be doing that I'm not, and I sometimes feel like I'm in over my head!  It's easy to think that as long as I'm just DOING...I will be fine.  But over time I do realize that just doing isn't enough.    The CHALLENGE TO BECOME is just that...a challenge! 

Family Temple Day

Our ward had a family temple day where they encouraged all families to spend the day at the temple.  We took our kids (minus Lydia who was at Grandma and Grandpa's house) to the Idaho Falls Temple visitor center.  Afterwards we walked around a little and then had a ward picnic in a park nearby.

Sister Hinckley's Example at Christmas Time

Several years ago I read this story from the book, Glimpses Into The Life and Heart of Marjorie Pay Hinckley. It's one of my favorite quotes about Christmas time and luckily, my Mother-in-law called to ask for the quote this morning and I was able to be reminded of Sister Hinckley's wise council again.  Since I typed it up to send to my mother-in-law, I thought I would share it here as well:

Janet Lee, wife of the late Rex E. Lee, former president of Brigham Young University, remembers an occasion when Sister Hinckley’s optimistic outlook changed her own perspective:

Several years ago, during the Christmas season, President and Sister Hinckley came to BYU for a musical event.  Before the program, there was a buffet dinner, and at one point while the men were away from our table, the women began to talk about the frustrations of getting ready for Christmas.  Our conversation focused on the fact that everything about the season was becoming a burden for women.  We bear the responsibility of selecting gifts, organizing social events, preparing everyone’s favorite food, and making certain that family, guest, and even the less fortunate have a merry Christmas.  We felt overwhelmed if not resentful.

Sister Hinckley listened patiently, and then without the slightest edge of criticism in her voice said,

 “I love Christmas.  It is the most joyful of all seasons.  I love seeing the eyes of little children light up on Christmas morning.  I love giving gifts.  I love being with my family.  We just need to simplify and remember what we are celebrating.”

After she had spoken, something magical happened.  Our attitudes shifted, and we began to talk about the birth of our Savior and the spirit of giving.  In the years that have passed since those words were spoken, a burden has been lifted for me during the holidays.  As I shop, prepare food, and join with friends and family to celebrate the birth of our Savior, her words nurture and calm me.  “I love Christmas,” I hear her say, and I let her teach me to relax and enjoy the season.

General Conference - October 2011

Lou was able to attend her first General Conference in the Conference Center.  It was a great experience for her and fun for us to share the experience with her.