The Moral Force of Woman

Last night, I took the chance to fill my cup and went to a church meeting for women entitled "The Moral Force of Woman". So glad I brought my church journal, because there was so much counsel and wisdom to learn and write down. Four speakers total; each delivering a powerful message. It's so great when you're trying hard to pay attention and learn, (eating up the moment of actually being able to hear the speaker without wrangling young kiddos:) you're looking at the speaker talking, but you don't really hear their voice, you hear the spirit speaking to you? That's what it was like last night.

Here's one of my most favorite quotes that was printed on our program:

"The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender.
There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. 
There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined.
We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. 
We have enough greed; we need more goodness. 
We have enough vanity; we need more virture.
We have enough popularity; we need more purity."

Margaret D. Nadauld

Doesn't that quote just say it all? We see through media enough examples of tough, mean hearted women trying to take on the world, but what the world really needs is a women with a tender heart, and loving arms to hug others. Someone who is a little more kind with their children when they are challenging, and someone who is slow to spread gossip and unkind words, but who is quick to build and lift others with encouragement and kindness. That's what the world needs; just my thoughts.

Some other great snippets I scrambled to write from the talks:

There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.

Beware of comparisons. You'll always come out on the short end. Laugh alot, sing, whistle, pray, be gentle on yourself.

Have a 'caring factor'. 

Before you arm your child with technology, arm them with the Holy Ghost. Make sure they know what the spirit feels like. 

Talk about things openly with your children concerning sex, drugs, addictions, pornography, etc. 

Use a story in a church magazine to launch a conversation with your child about a topic. It's not directed at them, and a great way to talk openly about a tough subject. 

Think of hearing the worst news ever from someone in your family. When they tell you this news, stay calm. Keep a calm face, and say something to the effect of 'Wow, that's tough. Let me think about this, let's pray, and we'll get through this together.' Practice being calm, and prepared for a moment like that. (Wow!)

Be more vigilant about what's in your home, media, etc. You want to teach sexual intimacy to your kids first, not the world teaching them. Make sure kids know what pornography is. 

You can't change someone else, but you can give kindness to everyone and yourself, give service, create something beautiful. 

There isn't anything the atonement can't heal.

Teach godliness in your home.  

Each one of you has a part. Your gifts are unique. Know what your gifts are so you can take your rightful part in the symphony. 

Oh, so good! There was a strong message of the importance to teach your children the gospel, the things that will bring them lasting peace because Satan is waging war right now against these things. To teach it to them first, not for them to learn from the world. To arm them with the spirit. To make our homes a place of safety and love. 

Then, this song was played for us that I instantly fell in love with. It was just so beautiful. I scrambled to write the chorus down so I could google it. Thankfully, the speaker told us what it was, and I found it on youtube. 

Listen to it, and listen to the spirit speaking to you through the beautiful, simple words and flowing piano. 

Life is a such a gift. I find that going to these meetings are so  vital to keeping my testimony alive, and to keep my relationship strong with the Savior. To hear what I need to know to be a better wife and mother, and to keep that peace in my heart when it's needed the most. I hope this post helps someone today.