Each talk resonated with me in different and very personal ways. I felt inspired, uplifted, lovingly chastised... but above all, I felt the love of my Father in Heaven. I hope you did, too. I feel a deeper desire to love others better. Too many are hurting. I know I'm not alone in my feelings, but I can't deny how short I fall when it comes to being charitable, not only toward myself, but also to others. I think that's what has struck me the most, as I've studies Daughters in my Kingdom. Our ability to develop charity is at the very heart of Relief Society. It has everything to do with making and keeping covenants. As we keep our covenants, we become more like Jesus Christ, and others are blessed as He would bless them. In this manner, we ultimately come unto Him.
UPDATE: Complete video and audio from the general Relief Society broadcast is now available HERE.
From LDS Church News:
Sister Julie B. Beck:
Sister Julie B. Beck hopes her granddaughters will become "strong, faithful women who apply the principles and patterns of Relief Society in their lives."
"As Relief Society is a way of life for them, they will serve with unity and with others to fulfill its divine purposes," she said.
Speaking at the General Relief Society Meeting on Sept. 24, Sister Beck called Relief Society a spiritual legacy and a way of life.
"I have titled this message 'What I Hope My Granddaughters Will Understand about Relief Society,' " said Sister Beck, Relief Society general president. "I hope what I say in this message will give them and all who hear or read it a clear understanding of what the Lord had in mind for His daughters when He organized the Relief Society."
Sister Beck said she hopes her granddaughters will understand that Relief Society today is organized after a pattern of discipleship that existed in the Church in ancient times. "When the Savior organized His Church in New Testament times, women were vital participants in His ministry."
Real full summary of Sister Beck's general Relief Society talk HERE.
Sister Sylvia H. Allred:
""Charity is not a single act, or something we give away, but a state of being, a state of the heart, kind feelings that engender loving actions," said Sister Allred, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency.
The Lord has asked individuals to "clothe ourselves with the bond of charity," Sister Allred said. To do so, they must develop the qualities that lead to charity.
First, individuals must have the desire to increase in charity and to be more Christ-like. Then, they must pray to be filled with love.
"Reading scriptures daily can bring our minds to the Savior and to desire to be more like Him," she said. "The Savior is the perfect example of how to extend charity. During His mortal ministry He showed compassion for the hungry, for the sinner, for the afflicted and for the sick. He ministered to the poor and to the rich; to women, children and men; to family, friends and strangers. He forgave His accusers, and He suffered and died for all mankind."
Other examples of charity include the Prophet Joseph Smith's constant kindness, concern and respect of others. President Thomas S. Monson is also a great example of charity, said Sister Allred."
Read full summary of Sister Allred's general Relief Society talk HERE.
Sister Barbara Thompson:
""In the scriptures, we learn of men and women who have made covenants with God," Sister Thompson said. "God has given instructions on what to do to honor those covenants, and then as those covenants have been kept, the promised blessings have followed."
Using the examples of her own family, from the scriptures and from stories of women in the new "Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society" book, Sister Thompson spoke of the importance of making and keeping sacred covenants and the blessings that come as individuals live worthy of their covenants.
"Our covenants sustain us whether in good times or in difficult times," she said. "Great are the blessings we receive as we cleave unto our covenants.""
Read full summary of Sister Thompson's general Relief Society talk HERE.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf:
"There is something inspiring and sublime about the little forget-me-not flower, said President Dieter F. Uchtdorf during the Church's General Relief Society Meeting on Sept. 24.
"I hope it will be a symbol of the little things that make your lives joyful and sweet," he said.
Speaking to a capacity congregation in the Conference Center in downtown Salt Lake City, President Uchtdorf — second counselor in the First Presidency — used the forget-me-not flower, which has five petals, as a metaphor to illustrate five things he would like the women in the Church to remember.
During his remarks, President Uchtdorf asked Latter-day Saint women worldwide to not forget five things:
First, forget not to be patient with yourself.
Second, forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.
Third, forget not to be happy now.
Fourth, forget not the 'why' of the gospel.
Fifth, forget not that the Lord loves you.
"My dear Relief Society sisters, you are closer to heaven that you suppose. You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine. Continue to increase in faith and personal righteousness. Accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as your way of life. Cherish the gift of activity in this great and true Church. Treasure the gift of service in the blessed organization of Relief Society. Continue to strengthen homes and families. Continue to seek out and help others who need your and the Lord's help.""
Read complete summary of President Uchdorf's general Relief Society address HERE.
To find out when the general Relief Society meeting will be available go HERE.
You can also find information about where to watch online, listen, etc... in my post covering the Relief Society broadcast HERE.
I'd love to hear some of your thoughts and impressions about the general Relief Society meeting... Please, share!
tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs
LDS.org: General Relief Society Meeting Highlights
Watch and read excerpts from President Dieter F. Uchtorf and the general Relief Society presidency from September 2011 meeting.
Make sure and check out Jocelyn's great blog: We Talk of Christ We Rejoice in Christ. Don't you just love this visual that she had to create immediately following the meeting tonight?
Forget Not... It's beautiful!
Top Photo Credit: Tom Smart Deseret News
@Curl-
ReplyDeletePlease accept my apology. I am currently on my iPad and I accident clicked 'delete' instead of 'publish' on your comment. But here it is, and thank you!
"LOVED the whole meeting. President Uchtdorf is one of my favourite speakers, I agree with you, he seems to have a real talent at speaking with women. "
I did, too! I also look forward to watching and reading the talks all over again So much to learn and with others who have shared their insights I have new things to look for.
Hi there -I tried to comment earlier, but blogger absolutely would not let me! Thanks for this most excellent write-up! You always do such a great job!
ReplyDelete@Jocelyn -
ReplyDeleteThank you! Blogger is very touchy I'm finding. : )