Women of Mormondom

Thia week for the blog hop at Society Sunday I read the first chapter from a book called The Women of Mormondom. What I want to say about this chapter is WOW! what an inspirinng read. These women were compared to not only the original apostles but also the the ancient prophets Mr. Tullidge even called them phrophets. Of them he writes.

"Women with new types of character, ancient rather than modern; Themes ancient but transposed to our latter-day experience. Women with their eyes open, and the prophecy of their work and mission in their own utterances, who have dared to enter upon the path of religious empire-founding with as much divine enthusiasm as had the apostles who founded Christendom."

In my quest for greater faith I have used these women as examples, their lives have become more than stories lately, they have become friends. I have had my heart turned to my mothers as I have been studying the history of the Relief Society and found myself lacking. I have been given a legacy of faith through their trials, tears, and heartaches; service, love, and friendship. I fear that I have taken for granted the privilege I have of being a member of the Relief Society and have not been as useful an instrument as has been in my power. As women of the Relief Society we have an opportunity and obligation to come together and improve our community; whether it is the home community, ward community or wider community that needs improving. If we work together we have the ability to call down the power of Heaven that is lacking in too many lives. Many today want to do something big and many miss opportunities given because they seem insignificant and even I had fallen prey to this philosophy of men mingled with scripture. These women were not out to do something big, they just wanted to live thier lives in conformity to God's plan for them. This was just everyday life most of the time, occassionally they were called upon to act in extraordinary ways, but they had been prepared to do the big things He asked because they had practised with the little things. They knew His voice and had come to trust Him so it was easy to follow. I am thankful for the council to study the history of the Releif Society. Sister Beck truely is prophetic. I am incredibly greatful for the faith of these women and their examples. Their lives, though sometimes short and never easy, have been blessing women for generations.

Power in the Home

One month ago my life was easy. I had a great husband, four beautiful daughters, a small, but lovely home, steady income, and peace. Three weeks ago my husband moved to another state for work. He leaves Monday morning at 3:30 am and comes home Friday evening at 7:30. The first two Saturdays that we had were so chaotic. I was running around cooking his meals to take, cleaning his things, doing his laundry and trying to find everything I could to make his stay at a motel as comfortable as possible. This just made tension and made me feel "cumbered about by many things." I knew I needed to choose "that good part," but had so much to do. I also knew that we had him home so few hours that I should not be wasting the time with him. This week was different. I spent Friday morning cooking all of his meals and putting away all of our laundry. Friday afternoon I collected the things he said he would like to take with him next week. Saturday morning I got up early and started his laundry and the three loads were done in no time. I became aware that I was a new person this week. Early in the week I read an excerpt from a Relief Society newspaper published in 1873 that said

HOME is the realm in which the wife is the sovereign, and her sovereignty will bring her honor and love according as her rule over the matters committed to her trust is wisely and beneficently ordered.

I have been reminded of my sovereignty in my home as I am without my husband. It is me that designs the schedule and makes it happen. It is me that controls the mood and spirit in our home. These things do go well as long as I am wise and orderly. I thought that I would be able to relax and let some things go that were important to my husband, but didn't seem so to me. I have learned that doing so is not wise and takes out much of the order and I do not get much honor nor love.

That realm, limited as it is, demands for its government a much greater and a more unremitting effort of thought than is always given to it.

I thought that I was limited, that I had little power, but I am completely in control right now..... I don't think I like it very much. I learned exactly how much my husband does for me. I not only have to take the garbage out to the can, but have to take the can to the curb on pick up day, then bring it back in. This may not seem like a bit deal, but try forgetting one week. I have many reasons to appreciate my husband now, and have begun to see how the limits of my power are self imposed. The more effort and thought I put into managing my home now the more power I have.

I am very happy to be having this experience. That may sound crazy, but we have been so blessed already because of this. Before my husband left he gave each member of our family a blessing. It was one of the most sacred experiences I have had. Those blessings have been such a comfort and an uplift since he left. I have found my prayers to be much more focused and sincere, my scripture study has gained ground and these have led to increased faith. I am able to more readily hear and follow the Lord's promptings through the Holy Ghost. My priorities have changed.

My life may no longer be easy, but I am now making forward progress. We are coming together in ways that just one month ago I didn't think were possible. I am thankful to see some of my weaknesses turning to strengths as I face this challenge with faith instead of fear like in the past. I will take the things I am learning over easy any day.


This is the website with the excerpt of the paper, Society Sunday. I am so happy to be participating this week and hope to continue each week.