Sunday, October 17, 2010

Susan W. Tanner

I haven't been to the MTC for a couple of weeks again.  Shingles attacked again.  discouraging because I love the missionaries.

     One of the missionaries,  Elder N. was in our ward when he was young.  Such a small world, now he is 19 and on his mission.

     Elder R. has been wanting to go home.  Derek has visited with him quite a bit.  Homesickness,  girlfriend.  Never mixes well for a missionary.  In my opinion,  it is EXTREMELY hard on missionaries to have girlfriends at home "waiting".  It is hard for him to concentrate, he is worried if she is dating anyone else, is she still around.  Many Elders get even more homesick because of it. 

     We have another Elder with Cystic Fibrosis.  It never ceases to amaze me the strength of our missionaries.

     What does it take to jump into something new and come out triumphant?  Monumental accomplishments are comprised of every day mundaim ones.

 After Sister Tanner's talk, I felt more comfort.  I've been feeling kind of discouraged.  I was reminded of all of the times when I was Relief Society president that I sat with the sick, the dying, comforting a grieving widow, taking food into the sick, cleaning a home, taking care of children, providing food at a funeral, being the listening ear for someone needing to talk,  helping someone budget, food orders, temple trips, and the list goes on.    And I was remember all the times I was the recepient of many of those services from my wonderful sisters in the gospel.  I have had Relief Society sisters sit with me in times of mourning, food brought in during the lose of a loved one,  food brought in because of sickness,  a listening ear, the list goes on.   We are all so blessed in this gospel.    I know my Heavenly Father loves me.

Sister Susan W. Tanner, former General YW President came to speak to us at Relief Society today.  I've been in several meetings with her when I was Stake YW President.  I visited with her for a couple of minutes and am always impressed with her.  She was just released from all of her ward callings and is working on a special project for the 1st Presidency.

     She spoke about the Relief Society.  The spirit is here because of who you are.  Relief Society helps us know our responsibilities and helps us understand who we are.  It is a place where sisters can belong.  Relief - we give relief to other sisters and help ease their hearts, a place of refuge.  Prepares daughters for Eternal Life.  D&C 25:1.  We are sons and daughters in His Kingdom.  Romans 16: 1,2.  Relief Society is part of the restoration of all things.  Joseph Smith said that the gospel was not fully organized until the Sisters were organized.  Joseph wanted the people to be prepared for their own temple work. 

     Women have basic natural instincts towards charity.  Act according to those instincts.  We are nurturers.  We are to help save souls, give relief.  Relief Society is a place to find joy in life.  What are you giving to Relief Society instead of what are you getting from Relief Society?  "It will be all right.  Mormon Women are here".

     I've been reading about Faith the last couple of days as I start to prepare my talk at the MTC on Sunday to our missionaries in Sacrament meeting.  I'm reminded that faith is a principle of action and power.  In order for your faith to lead you to salvation, it must be centered in the Lord, Jesus Christ.  He is experienced in everything.  He knows how to help you rise above all your pain, afflictions and infirmities.  He knows how to help you rise above your daily difficulties.  He has overcome the world and prepared the way for us.