She then thanked the sisters in the room that had told her about a "Hi Mom" sticker that she had had on her back. She remarked on what we see, what we say and what we do around our children really makes a difference in their lives. She told how this last week she has been making sticky notes and putting them on her son's back letting him know how awesome he is and today was his day to pay her back by putting his note on her back. Very cute!
This went along with our lesson today. Our children see what we do and they copy it.
She then began by asking us to read the part of Elder Eyering's talk that says, "Why, then, does a daughter of God in a united and equal relationship receive the primary responsibility to nourish with the most important nutrient all must receive, a knowledge of truth coming from heaven? As nearly as I can see, that has been the Lord’s way since families were created in this world.
For instance, it was Eve who received the knowledge that Adam needed to partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge for them to keep all of God’s commandments and to form a family. I do not know why it came to Eve first, but Adam and Eve were perfectly united when the knowledge was poured out on Adam.
Another example of the Lord’s using the nurturing gifts of women is the way He strengthened the sons of Helaman. I get a lump in my throat when I read the account and remember my own mother’s quiet words of assurance as I left home for military service."
Sister Ward asked, What did you learn from these three paragraphs? A sister answered, "Men and women are equal, but they have different responsibilities and duties, but it is all important to our Heavenly Father." Another said it reaffirms that when a guy asks a girl to marry, they aren't thinking of children or anything down the road. They are thinking what a great girl she is. But when a girl is in that same situation, where a young man is asking her to marry, she is thinking of the family they will have and what their future will be. In essence she sees more of the whole picture than the guy ever does.
Tammy agreed and talked about how Heavenly Father gave women that nurturing gift. Then she had us talk with the person next to us and had us go to the scriptures to find an example of a mother that taught through her nurturing gifts. My partner and I talked about John the Baptist's mother.
Then she had us talk to our partner about someone in our own lives that has had this affect on us and has really made a difference in our lives and share why this person made a difference in our lives.
My partner talked about her grandmother. She was a rock in her life. Mine was a neighbor lady that was kind and always willing to be an example of Gospel living.
Then Tammy had a few sisters in the room share. These are some of the things that were shared.
Shauna Larson shared how her Mother-in-law was someone that made a real difference to her. She told of how Rex's mom was alway willing to help her even when she had a lot of things to do, she would always help. Shauna told of how she called her one day and asked for her help. Shauna had a new baby and had been sick. Her mother-in-law came and took care of her. Four days later she died. Shauna felt so lucky to have her as an example.
Anne Welling talked of her mother and what a wonderful example she was for Anne. She told of how she was just a righteous example of how we need to live.
Amber Wood talked about her mom and what a strength she was to Amber. She told of how she was recently able to talk to her mom about Faith and her mom' ability to change and remain strong even when things were difficult in her life.
Celeste Miller talked of her mother and how patient she was. She said that when she was young she only ever remembered her mother yelling once in her whole life. Her mother was always really kind.
Bonnie Clark talked of her grandmother. Her grandmother was unable to talk or walk due to a physical ailment. But Bonnie had the opportunity to have her live with them. She said that her grandmother was so patient with others taking care of her and tolerant of their mistakes. She taught Bonnie unconditional love.
Andrea Stringham talked about her grandmother also. She told of many of the trials her grandmother has lived through in her life and they were hard and difficult things. Andrea commented saying that her grandmother entailed everything that we had talked about, loving, kind, forgiving, patient and she endured. She said this grandmother is the glue that holds their family together.
A sister commented saying, "How many of these people know how much you love and appreciate what they have done?" She said that we should take the opportunity to thank them for what they have done for us in our lives. That it would make them feel special that they were able to touch someone's life.
Sister Ward challenged each of us to write them a thank you note or letter for what they have done. Even if someone has passed away, take the time to write them. They will know how you feel and what their actions meant to you.
Then Tammy told of the opportunity that she had this week to share thoughts about her Grandma Jeri with her children. They had been in Idaho and so for two hours she was able to share with them stories of her grandmother as they drove home. She told of how her grandmother was able to love her despite her faults. She said that it was like her grandmother had a special pair of glasses that helped her to see others like Christ would see them. Then she treated them how they would be treated by Him. She was a very special person in Tammy's life and made such a difference to her.
We then read the next part of the lesson that said, "As daughters of God, you have an innate and great capacity to sense the needs of others and to love. That, in turn, makes you more susceptible to the whisperings of the Spirit. The Spirit can then guide what you think, what you say, and what you do to nurture people so the Lord may pour knowledge, truth, and courage upon them." She reiterated that we can have the gifts of knowledge, truth and courage as we nurture.
We then read, "Your practical challenge is to know whom to nurture, how, and when. You need the Lord’s help. He knows others’ hearts, and He knows when they are ready to accept your nurturing. Your prayer of faith will be your key to success. He gave this encouragement: “Ask the Father in my name in faith, believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the Holy Ghost, which manifesteth all things which are expedient." She encouraged us to listen to this talk again and then she wanted us to really understand that we need Heavenly Father's help in this and He will help us be successful.
Then she encouraged each of us to read our patriarchal blessings and note the Spiritual gifts that we are given in them. She has recorded her's on her phone so she can listen to it when she needs. She doesn't share it with others, but is able to listen when she is alone and needing it.
She said, "As you read these, I want you to be aware of the unique gifts you have as a woman." She pointed to the board where she had written about the sisters that had been discussed and said, "you cannot see these attributes in others unless you have them in yourselves." So be aware of the gifts that you have been given to help you nurture others. She said that this is a way to honor what we are as women. She then asked some of the women in the room to share the gifts that they have.
One sister remarked on how she has the gift of patience. Her children are now grown and have families, but when they were young she needed a lot of patience.
Sister Gregory told of how as a presidency they did this at their presidency meeting a couple of weeks ago. They read their patriarchal blessings and wrote down their spiritual gifts. Then sister Jensen said that President Nelson said, "Know your Spiritual gifts and you will change the world." Sister Gregory then continued and said that as they were trying to put the ministering assignments together knowing their spiritual gifts enabled them to serve the sisters of our ward better.
One of the sister shared how her children rely upon her spiritual gift of discernment. She has been blessed to know when there might be a problem with something that they are going to do. She has been given warnings and promptings for her children. Her children refer to it as a "disturbance in the force." They have helped her to see that she can receive inspiration for her children individually. She believes that it is a way that Heavenly has blessed her children through her.
Another sister told of a time this last week when her son told her of a promotion that he was going to take. She was a bit concerned and needfully so. She got a call from his employer and her son had been injured in an accident. Luckily he wasn't hurt critically, but it was enough that he needed medical attention.
We need to follow through on the spiritual promptings and use our gifts to nurture others. Sister Ward then challenged us this week to be contemplative and ponder what you can do for your children. She suggested praying specifically for each child by name and picture their faces before you as you pray for them. She said that the Lord will let you know what they need. She promised that He will give you knowledge, even if it seems like something so trivial as extra hugs. He will give you the direction and guidance that is needed.
Let your children know what you see in them. Cheer them on and let them know the good that they are doing. Be willing to ask their forgiveness for your shortcomings and let them know you are doing your best.
You sisters are all amazing and are doing such a wonderful job as mothers, sisters, teachers, neighbors and friends. Thanks for all of your efforts to nurture and succor others.
We'd like to thank Sister Ward for this lesson. We were able to feel the Spirit and were encouraged to do better.
