My dearest little bear cubs, Come sit down with me! I want to share with you a few things that I learned at Women's Conference last night. When Daddy was singing songs and tucking you into bed, I was at a broadcast with all of the other women from church - where we learned many important things from our church leaders. The thing that I took away that was of most worth was the importance of having personal revelation in my life.
"Without personal revelation - we can't succeed. When we heed personal revelation - we cannot fail."
This is an area of my life that I so desperately want to be better in. Sometimes I get so caught up with the day to day things in our family - that I forget to slow down and quiet myself and listen to those whisperings that are trying to direct my paths for good. You may notice the music not being on as often - the television shut off - and the phone taken off the hook. These are my attempts at silencing the busyness around me and being still. I want to be still for you - knowing that I am creating a "refuge" from your daily contact with the world. You may see me looking in your eyes more - and into the mirror less. You might recognize that I am rushing around less and kneeling more. Perhaps you will notice me fasting - when I could be pigging. You may notice that my magazines get dusty as my scriptures get flimsy.
Why? Because I learned last night that "revelation requires serious mental effort".....prayer, study, fasting, righteousness, repentance, and seeking out all that is lovely and good. This is an effort that I am ready and willing to put forth. Not only to be a better mother to you - but to be a better daughter of God. "Where much is given - much is required." I have been blessed BEYOND measure....and because the Lord has not stayed His hand in pouring blessings upon my head......I cannot stay my hand in devoting all of my energies towards living up to those things He expects of me.
I also was reminded by President Uchtdorf that as a woman, I tend to focus on the things I do imperfectly. This is contrary to what the Lord intended for us. He wants us to be full of peace, hope, and joy. "What is the greatest kind of happiness possible? God's happiness" Elder Uchtdorf taught us that God's happiness comes from creating and compassion.
I am setting goals in my life that are centered around these two things. Instead of being critical of myself and destroying - I choose to be a creator. This will definitely be a process - but I will "trust and rely on the spirit as I create something of beauty." I am going to strive to have more compassion in my life...President Monson said that we are surrounded by opportunities for service. I hope that I can serve others while you are young - that you will gain a testimony of being an instrument in the Hand of the Lord. That you will witness others prayers being answered through our service to them.
"The more we serve others - the more substance there is in our souls."
Lately I have looked inward far too much in an effort to find answers to life's challenges. I now recognize - through the spirit - that those answers will never be found within. It is when I can fully look outward that I will find those answers. I hope that I can adopt these practices in to my life while you are still young. I so desperately want my life to stand as a testament to those things that I believe so fully in my heart. I want to teach you by doing - not by just talking.
Again, be patient with me as I continue to learn and grow - and try to better myself for "me", as Daddy's wife and YOUR mama.
As you grow older - you may face some challenges along the way. When you grow weary and downtrodden.....remember.......
"As spirit children of your Heavenly Father, "Happiness is your Heritage."
I love you to the moon and back and back,
Mama Bear
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