Cheerful

My darling 13-month-old son David is sick. He's had a 102+ degree temperature for the better part of the past three days. He is whiney and needy and miserable. He also laid in my lap for a solid hour just to be held. I'm pretty sure that's never happened before.

This sudden spike in David's needs has made managing my homeschool schedule taxing. In fact lots of things have happened suddenly to tax me.

I woke up this morning dreading how this 12-hour stretch might go. Then I had an idea. Why don't we start this day with a prayer?

My Mom used to have a cross-stitched saying hanging in our kitchen that said, "If your day is hemmed with prayer it is less likely to unravel."

I usually pray with Adam, but this morning I prayed with the kids too.

Then I took a deep breath and read my scriptures. Doctrine and Covenants section 123, when I came to verse 17 I knew this message was just for me, "Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God and for his arm to be revealed."

Today this was my mantra, "Cheerfully do all things that lie in your power."

As a result, I have a new favorite scripture. I know God our Heavenly Father loves me. His arm has been revealed in my daily life. My faith is stronger. Now I just need to work on the "cheerfully" part.

A Virtuous Woman

The role of women is challenged constantly. Images, behaviors and laws can create confusion about what it means to be, raise or support a virtuous woman. In Proverbs 31:10 it says, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31 describes in detail what virtuous women should strive for. The ideals found in Proverbs 31 are summarized as follows:

1. Faith - A virtuous woman serves God with all her heart, might, mind and strength. She seeks His will for her life and follows His ways.

2. Marriage – A virtuous woman respects her husband. She does him good all the days of her life. She is a trustworthy helpmeet.

3. Mothering - A virtuous woman teaches her children the ways of her Father in Heaven. She nurtures her children with the love of Christ, disciplines them with care and wisdom, and trains them in the way they should go.

4. Health – A virtuous woman cares for her body. She prepares healthy food for her family.

5. Service - A virtuous woman serves her husband, her family, her friends, and her neighbors with a gentle and loving spirit. She is charitable.

6. Finances - A virtuous woman spends money wisely. She is careful to purchase quality items, which her family needs.

7. Industry – A virtuous woman works willingly with her hands. She sings praises to God and does not grumble while completing her tasks.

8. Homemaking – A virtuous woman is a homemaker. She creates an inviting atmosphere of warmth and love for her family and guests. She uses hospitality to minister to those around her.

9. Time - A virtuous woman uses her time wisely. She works diligently to complete her daily tasks. She does not spend time dwelling on those things that do not please the Lord.

10. Beauty – A virtuous woman is a woman of worth and beauty. She has the inner beauty that only comes from Christ. She uses her creativity to create beauty.

As you read the summations consider how you may improve these areas in your life or encourage these ideals in the women you influence. 

These virtues have been further reinforced in The Family: A Proclamation to the World. 

When we become confused about where peace and happiness come from look to these areas and see if you can improve one area at a time.  

If you become discouraged because you aren't living up to your highest potential; know that with God all things are possible. You never have to run faster than you are able. Be generous in your estimation of yourself. Your price is far above rubies, right now.