GET BACK ON SCHEDULE DAY!!
Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through:
Mosiah 25
or
If you're up to date with your reading, take time to study:
Mosiah 14-15
Something to think about: Abinadi quoted Isaiah to testify of the Savior. What did Isaiah teach about Christ? What can you learn about the Savior from Abinadi's testimony?
Since I am up-to-date on my reading, I decided to read President Uchtdorf's "Forget Me Not" talk that he gave during the General Relief Society Meeting. What a wonderful talk it is! :)
MEN: Just because it was in the Relief Society meeting, doesn't mean you can't/shouldn't read it. It is MOST DEFINITELY for everyone! It contains a beautiful and powerful message.
During the talk, he mentions the tiny, forget-me-not flower, and how its 5 petals made him consider 5 things we would be wise to never forget. I'm going to recap it for you:
First, forget not to be patient with yourself.
God is fully aware that we are not perfect. And he's fully aware that the people we think are perfect, are not. "We spend too much time and energy comparing ourselves to others--usually comparing our weaknesses to their strengths. This drives us to create expectations for ourselves that are impossible to meet. As a result, we never celebrate our good efforts because they seem to be less than what someone else does............be thankful for all of your small successes."
Second, forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.
"An acceptable sacrifice is when we give up something good for something of far greater worth....How can we tell the difference for our own situation? We can ask ourselves, 'Am I committing my time and energies to the things that matter most?' There are so many good things to do, but we can't do all of them. Our Heavenly Father is most pleased when we sacrifice something good for something far greater with an eternal perspective. Sometimes, that may even mean nurturing small but beautiful forget-me-not flowers instead of a large garden of exotic blooms."
Third, forget not to be happy now.
"There is nothing wrong with righteous yearnings--we hope and seek after thing that are 'virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.' The problem comes when we put our happiness on hold as we wait for some future event--our golden ticket--to happen.....The lesson here is that if we spend our days waiting for fabulous roses, we could miss the beauty and wonder of the tiny forget-me-nots that are all around us.
This is not to say that we should abandon hope or temper our goals. Never stop striving for the best that is within you. Never stop hoping for all of the righteous desires of your heart. But don't close your eyes and hearts to the simple and elegant beauties of each day's ordinary moments that make up a rich, well-lived life."
Fourth, forget not the “why” of the gospel.
"Sometimes....we unintentionally overlook a vital aspect of the gospel of Jesus Christ... In our diligent efforts to fulfill all of the duties and obligations we take on as members of the Church, we sometimes see the gospel as a long list of tasks that we must add to our already impossibly long to-do list....We focus on what the Lord wants us to do and how we might do it, but sometimes we forget why. My dear sisters, the gospel of Jesus Christ is not an obligation; it is a pathway, marked by our loving Father in Heaven, leading to happiness and peace in this life and glory and inexpressible fulfillment in the life to come. The gospel is a light that penetrates mortality and illuminates the way before us.
While understanding the "what" and the "how" of the gospel is necessary, the eternal fire and majesty of the gospel springs from the "why". When we understand why our Heavenly Father has given us this pattern for living, when we remember why we committed to making it a foundational part of our lives, the gospel ceases to become a burden and, instead, becomes a joy and a delight. It becomes precious and sweet....
The "what" and the "how" of obedience mark the way and keep us on the right path. The "why" of obedience sanctifies our actions, transforming the mundane into the majestic. It magnifies our small acts of obedience into holy acts of consecration."
Fifth, forget not that the Lord loves you.
"You are not forgotten.
Sisters, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love.
Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!
He who created and knows the stars know you and your name--you are the daughters of His kingdom.
...My dear sisters, you are closer to Heaven than you suppose. You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine. Continue to increase your faith and personal righteousness. Accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as your way of life. Cherish the gift of activity in this great and true Church. Treasure the gift of service in the blessed organization of Relief Society. Continue to strengthen home and families. Continue to seek out and help others who need your and the Lord's help.
..Sisters,...please never forget that you must be patient and compassionate with yourselves, that some sacrifices are better than others, that you need not wait for a golden ticket to be happy. Please never forget that the "why" of the gospel of Jesus Christ will inspire and uplift you. And never forget that your Heavenly Father knows, loves, and cherishes you."
I hope we can all take this message to heart. We are all children of the most powerful Being in the universe! He knows and loves all of us! Don't ever feel like you are not important, cuz that is so not true.
One last thing....Happy birthday to my most wonderful mother, who I love a lot. She does more for me and my family than we probably deserve, so thank you mama mia :) Wish I could give you a big hug today!
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