Spiritually Uplifted

Today I had the privilege of attending a Stake Relief Society activity. It's always hard for me to work up the courage to actually go, but I always come home grateful that I went. Mr. Stannix gladly watched the children all day and encouraged me to go. I always like to get there super early so that I can find a table and have other people join me, I don't like doing it the other way around because I'm a super shy type when it comes to things like that. It started out with an awesome brunch with delicious fruit and muffins and then we moved on to the service projects. There was lots of sewing and knitting going on. I tied quilts for a good two hours and my fingers are still a bit numb. I think all together we all tied 60+ quilts. They were all so gorgeous too, the type that are hard to give away. I hope they will make someone feel loved and warm.

After the service project we had the privilege of hearing from Sister Wendy Watson Nelson (here and here). Her talk was great and just what I needed to hear today. 

She talked about how before we came here we all made "premortal commitments". These can be covenants, talents, promises, and help us find out who we really are. It is important that we find out what these are and maybe try to list them so that we can better ourselves and learn how to better "fill the measure of our creation".

She told us how our Spirits long to PROGRESS. If we aren't progressing and learning our spirits will probably not be happy. Sometimes I can get in this rut and it seems that if I start praying and studying and desiring to progress I begin to feel much better. 

She talked about how angels are on our right hand and our left and all we need to do is ask for them. This was very comforting to me and something I had never really thought about before. 

The last part of her talk focused on the importance of being holy. What would a Holy woman do? She talked about how important it is as mothers to "keep our homes and the hearts inside of it pure". I love love loved this point! It awakened in me a new desire to keep the hearts of my children pure and holy and watch closely what we are allowing into our home. She shared a story about a couple who did a spiritual inventory of their home and got rid of bad movies, music etc so that the spirit could be there in FULL ABUNDANCE. Ask ourselves, "Whose agenda is this supporting?". 

She then spoke of the importance of being WITH our children and not just around them. Sure as mothers we are home with our children daily, but she talked about playing WITH them and spending time WITH them. Last week I kept the computer shut down during the day because I felt that it was something that was hindering me from spending quality time with my children. This limited blog time, facebook time, e-mail time...and it was wonderful! We sang, danced, watched Little House on the Prairie and played silly games together. Those were the happiest days I've had in a long time. I now have a new found desire to spend time WITH my children. 

She talked about seeing each child as a child of God. As we see them with these new eyes we will have an increase of love for them and be more careful with our words and actions. She said, "You can comfort them best and that is your PRIVILEGE". Wow, what a great perspective to have up your sleeve for those late nights and tough moments.

She quoted an awesome verse from Doctrine and Covenants which talked about how "ye must practise holiness before me continually". I am still pondering on this and am so excited to bring this into my daily life with the little things I do each day. When faced with a challenge, a troubled toddler, a screaming baby, I can ask myself, "What would a holy woman do?". 

I came home so excited to share these things with Mr. Stannix and to share my thoughts, desires and struggles. I am so glad I have a husband who is willing to listen to me, hold me close and dry my tears. Today has been an emotional day (in a good way) and I loved the feelings of the spirit that I received. I got a little jealous of Daddy's today. I walked in the door and the look of excitement on Hyrum's face was the best thing ever. His eyes lit up when he saw me and a huge grin spread from ear to ear as he opened and shut his little hands and waved hello. I was so glad to be home to mommy my children and hold them close.