"I give unto you a pattern..." (D&C 52:14)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently organized another worldwide leadership training conference https://new.lds.org/training/worldwide-leadership?lang=eng. Remarkably, the leadership conference took place on 13 November, less than six weeks after the Semiannual General Conference held over the October 2-3 weekend. How they could prepare for both in such a close proximity of time, I don't pretend to understand. But, they did and I am amazed.
Dallin and I watched part of the archived leadership conference on-line. I realize what a blessing not only organized religion is, but also an organized religion, which is what I see in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I appreciate the very clear, very orderly manner that material is presented and discussed. I love that the teaching model in the church is not a stuff-it-down-your-throat approach, but (ideally) full of earnest, inspired, spirit-imbued presentation, with invitations to learn and apply. I am impressed by the following principles emphasized in this conference that have application in church AND family government:

• Leaders/parents listening more than they talk in church AND family councils and much participation by every member, which fosters revelation.
  
• A focus on ministering, a focus on people, a focus on the resources and talents of all.
• The council is an inspired pattern applicable in many settings, and when properly used brings unity and a greater portion of the spirit.
• The inspired council shares the burden of responsibility for work of the kingdom.
  

Each of the above principles, of course, have direct application to the family council. I love the idea of family government according to the Lord's pattern; a pattern and model that is organized by a father and a mother, and allows children equal opportunity for participation.
Last night Dallin and I went to a fireside on the topic of "Science, Religion, and Revelation". The speaker emphasized the importance of seeking after truth instead of comfort in each of these three areas. I see the inspired pattern of the Lord in the work of the church, as we are encouraged to use both the priesthood line AND the personal line for seeking truth. We are not to coast along comfortably relying on every word the bishop speaks, while neglecting the gift of the Holy Ghost and personal revelation in our stewardships. We are invited throughout scripture to seek that we may find, especially in our seeking for divine truth to govern our families.
It is an empowering principle ordained by God to have personal governance and accountability in church and family life. Our Father in Heaven desires our participation in his work. Inspired delegation, self-reliance, and salvation are His principles. He supplies the pattern, and grants us agency, guides us to truth as recorded in scripture, and the living Prophet, and holds us accountable according to the light and knowledge we have received within the realm of our divinely appointed roles. Our Father in Heaven desires to give us all that He has. He tutors us in His ways, we gain instruction as we consider His way of organizing, preparing, watching, and counseling. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I find a divinely revealed framework for operating in His way. In personal revelation I find the manner to work out the specifics for my time and place and stewardship.

The Best Start

Dear Dallin,

I love that you make breakfast for us everyday. I love our morning routine. The day is so much better when we start it together. The last two mornings I haven't had that luxury, and the day is still good, but it just isn't the same. What can compare with that half-hour of starting with prayer, watching a General Conference talk and having smoothies and homemade bread or waffles (with a healthy dose of love)? Nothing, I submit. And I have missed our mornings. How grateful I am for you and your multitude of little kindness. "By small and simple things, great things are brought to pass..."--how true that is in love.

All my love, Liezel

Her Labor of Love

Some of my current "nesting" activities include sewing projects, and through these projects I have gained a whole new appreciation for my maternal grandmother's incredible quilting ability. My grandma made the quilt pictured here and intended it to be my wedding gift. Unfortunately, she didn't live long enough to give it to me at that happy event. Shortly before she passed away, she gave it to my mom, who gave it to me while I was still single. Instead of a gift to celebrate my new life as a married woman, it became a beautiful treasure to remember her earth life.
I have been making new pillows for the living room. The design I chose is simple, just four squares on the front and a solid color on the back. I consider it a small triumph if all my corners match up. I made a picnic blanket from old blue jeans this summer and I had a victory dance every time I finished a row. So, it is with great awe that I consider my grandma sewing together hundreds of little pieces in such an intricate design. I have not ventured beyond squares--and for good reason! Her quilt pattern included pieces of fabric just 1" by 1.5" that all had to be cut and arranged and sewn together. And all this was done while she was battling cancer. For my grandma, quilting was truly a labor of love. Grandma was never very good at saying how she felt, but her quilt was the way she could show how she loved me. I am so grateful for her.

I AM Grateful

Last night Dallin gave the family home evening lesson about expressing gratitude, especially for those things that are easy to take for granted. I realize how wonderful my own family has always been, and how easy, therefore, they are to take for granted. To each of you I want to say: I am proud to call you family! I love our family culture. I love our nicknames and pet names and playful teasing. I love our traditions. I love our game nights and together time. I love how we can laugh together. I love our memories. I love each member individually. I love your unique personality. I love to hear of your successes. I marvel at the challenges you are working through, and handling so very well! I am amazed at your talents and abilities. I am so grateful for the divine institution of family, so central to the plan of salvation, which allows us all to be together forever. I love you each and every one.

Be Not Ashamed

Most mornings I take a walk in a smallish natural recreational area across the street from our apartment. This morning I came across a very interesting scenario. In a heavily forested part of the path there were a dozen or more black crows making an excessive amount of noise all in one tree. I thought they were expressing their angst about the sudden turn in the weather. As I studied the tree closer, however, I discovered a large owl at the center of the crows; it was a taunting session, a gang of 12 crows to one owl. The crows were making an obnoxious scene squawking (decibels multiplied by 12) and swooping closer and closer, trying to tease, pressure, or disarm the owl. The owl seemed very calm and collected and would only occasionally shift on the tree branch. It sat silent and still as a statue. After enough taunting, though, the owl would suddenly fly to another tree, and the persistent crows would immediately follow, purposely flying into the owl in flight and continuously squawking. I watched this scenario be repeated four times before I continued on my walk.
The little forest drama was good food for thought as I continued on my way. It reminded me of Nephi's prophetic vision of the Savior, "Wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long suffering towards the children of men" (1 Nephi 19:9). In Mosiah 15:5 the prophet Abinadi further teaches of Christ, "[He] suffereth temptation, but yieldeth not to the temptation, but suffereth himself to be mocked, and scourged, and cast out, and disowned..."
I thought of the prophet Lehi's vision of the tree of life with those "in the attitude of mocking" and "point[ing] the finger of scorn", (with the noisy, persistent voice of the world!) but the faithful "heeded them not."
Elder Neil L. Andersen reiterated this message of courage and faith in his October 2010 General Conference message. "As disciples of Christ, we stand apart from the world. There may be times we feel uncomfortable as the fingers of scorn mock and dismiss what is sacred to us. President Thomas S. Monson warned, 'Unless the roots of your testimony are firmly planted, it will be difficult for you to withstand the ridicule of those who challenge your faith.' Paul admonished, 'God hath not given us the spirit of fear,...Be not...ashamed of the testimony of our Lord' (2 Timothy 1:7-8). We never leave Him...Whatever challenges arise, we never, never leave Him."