President Gordon B. Hinckley's Challenge and Promise

President Gordon B. Hinckley said in a

worldwide leadership training meeting:

“I am convinced there is no other organization anywhere to match the Relief Society of this Church.

If they will be UNITED and speak with ONE VOICE,

Their STRENGTH will be INCALCULABLE!”

10 January 2004, 20

Relief Society - A Restoration of an Ancient Form

RELIEF SOCIETY

“A Restoration of an Ancient Pattern”


Although the name may be modern date,

the institution is of ANCIENT ORIGIN.

We were told by our martyred prophet

that the same organization EXISTED

in the church ANCIENTLY.”

Eliza R. Snow

(Published in: “Daughters in My Kingdom”)

Saturday, April 30, 2011

To Master Weakness...

"We should not be discouraged or depressed by our shortcomings. No one is without weakness.

As part of the divine plan, we are tested to see whether we master weakness or let weakness master us. Proper diagnosis is essential to proper treatment. The Lord gave us this remarkable assurance: “Because thou hast seen thy weakness thou shalt be made strong” (Ether 12:37).

But wishing for strength won’t make us strong. It takes faith and work to shore up a weakened cord of integrity."

--Russell M. Nelson

Friday, April 29, 2011

Words of Wisdom...

Things turn out best for the people who make the best

out of the way things turn out.

~Art Linkletter



Thursday, April 28, 2011

ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING!

Simple Truths - We Hope You Enjoyed the movie!

This little video contains..."WORDS OF WISDOM"! Hope the counsel will inspire you...to approach each day...with "ATTITUDE"..."Positive" that is...(smile)

Just CLICK on..."Simple Truths - We Hope You Enjoyed the movie!"

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Hold On....

"Stand fast, ye Saints of God, hold on a little while longer, and the storm of life will be past, and you will be rewarded by that God whose servants you are, and who will duly appreciate all your toils and afflictions for Christ's sake and the Gospel's" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, p. 235).

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The Healing Letter

Tuesday, April 26 2011

Missionary Moment: The Healing Letter between Joseph’s and Brigham’s Descendants

By Mike Kennedy Notify me when this author publishesComment on Article

This article is from the Joseph Smith Jr. and Emma Hale Smith Historical Society Board, including Michael Kennedy, President; Darcy Kennedy, Secretary; Gracia Jones, Chief Historian; C. Ivor Jones, Vice-President and Sheri M. Bennett, Public Relations.

Smith_Emma

Prologue by Gracia N. Jones

In the wake of the assassination of Joseph Smith, there were many difficult times for the surviving Smith family; and also for the leaders who remained to preserve The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its mission to the world. Weighing heavily upon Brigham Young, who, as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was facing the need to protect the Church itself from disintegrating into fragments; and weighing upon the Prophet’s widow, Emma Hale Smith was the need to provide for and protect her five fatherless children.

It was probably inevitable, given the fact that Smith died without a will, that conflicts would arise over ownership of property (almost all heavily mortgaged), and held in Smith’s name as Trustee-in Trust for the Church, and over possession of documents of importance to both the entire Church and to Emma.

Emma’s holding onto the unpublished manuscript of Joseph’s translation of the Bible, and her attempt to obtain papers held by Young, which she considered hers by right, opened a fissure which widened despite the amicable resolution of most property issues.

When Young led the bulk of the Latter-day Saints west to the Rocky Mountains in 1846-47, Emma refused to go. The Church leaders felt they had left Emma well-off with a hotel, houses, lots to sell, and a farm. They expressed hope that she would change her mind and follow them later. This might have eventually happened except for the actions of agents placed in charge of attending to settling the Smith estate. Emma was deeply hurt, both emotionally, and financially, by unscrupulous actions of some, after Brigham and the rest of the Apostles had left.

In the hearing of Emma’s teenaged son, Joseph III, one agent told Emma he was determined to take her west; he said he would ‘make her so poor she would have to go.’ As soon as the majority of Latter-day Saints left Illinois, Emma’s property became nearly worthless and subject to litigation over title issues; she was reduced to poverty level. Her son would remember the strong-arm tactic to try force his mother out of Nauvoo, and in later years he blamed Brigham for the bondage of debt she carried most of the rest of her life.

Emma remarried in 1847, and raised her children in Nauvoo, far apart from the LDS Church influence, avoiding as much as possible any discussion of the troubled times which had robbed her of her beloved Joseph. According to their own testimony, she did not discuss Church doctrine, or attempt to influence her children for or against church work.

Dissenters against Brigham Young’s leadership eventually established a group called the Reorganization; they prevailed upon Joseph III to become their leader. After holding back several years, he took leadership in 1860. In subsequent years, Joseph III’s brothers, Alexander and David, became ministers in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In the 1870s, Alexander and David went to Salt Lake City where they met face-to-face with Brigham Young and other church leaders who had known their father. They asked to use the Tabernacle for preaching; when asked what they would preach, Alexander told them he would preach against the doctrines and practices of the Utah Church. Of course they were denied use of the Tabernacle.

The conflict which occurred between Brigham Young and Alexander was reported publicly by both Salt Lake newspapers and by the Smith’s in the RLDS publication, The Saints’ Herald. In Utah, Emma was denounced publicly as ‘a wicked woman’ and the Smith boys returned to the Mid-west filled with indignation for her sake. Thereafter, in many of their sermons, Brigham Young was denounced as a usurper and false leader. Alexander’s bitter feelings against Brigham Young included a belief that he had in some way contrived to have their father killed so he could take over leadership of the Church. This terrible falsehood had been promoted by the dissenters since 1845; although Joseph III stops short of expressing such certainty, Alexander, in his journal entries and letters bequeathed an unspeakable prejudice into many generations of the Smith posterity, thus instilling a feeling of antagonism toward the name of Brigham Young and an irrational fear of having anything to do with the ‘Mormon Church.’

At the western end of the issue, in LDS folklore, and tradition, Emma was either ignored, or branded as a wicked apostate. Generations of Latter-day Saints knew next to nothing of her, though some went so far as to blame her for Joseph’s death.

It is important to realize that there was ‘false witness’ born by individuals from both followers of Brigham Young and Joseph Smith III, each in defense of the position the particular side had taken. Thus, Brigham Young and Emma Hale Smith Bidamon, Joseph’s two most devoted and loyal friends, were made to appear to be mortal enemies and used to support a vicious prejudice for far too many generations.

The Story

It is amazing how the Lord quietly brings about his purposes by touching a heart here or giving an idea there. His work often goes forward without notice by the world as we respond to these gentle promptings. Once in a while it is sweet to share these miracles and rejoice together.

Healing_1josephandbrighamresized

One such miracle began in February 2007 when Michael Kennedy contemplated their upcoming 2007 Joseph and Emma Smith family reunion. Michael told his wife, “I feel I am supposed to contact the Brigham Young family to ask them to write a letter to the Joseph Smith Jr. family that would apologize for the ill feelings that some of the descendents of Joseph and Emma have toward Brigham. However, once I have this letter I don’t know how to present it to our family.”

Sometimes this is how the Lord works, he sends an idea, but often does not send all the details of how to carry out the ideas. He allows us to exercise our faith and efforts to seek further inspiration; then things often fall together precept upon precept, line upon line. Darcy, Michael’s wife, told him to, “Ask for a representative from the Brigham Young family to come to our reunion and present the letter.” From the time Michael mentioned this need there was never a thought that it would not take place, it was just how, when and who.

A couple of weeks went by as Michael tried many different avenues to contact the Brigham Young Family. On a fluke, Kari Robinson, the historian for the Brigham Young Family Association, came upon Michael’s email to the Brigham Young web site. She felt impressed to contact Michael. Conversation with Kari triggered Michael’s memory of their having met some years earlier in Quincy, Illinois.

The mayor and leading citizens of Quincy were preparing to have a celebration where they wanted to invite the Church and descendants of Brigham Young and Joseph Smith to be part of their town commemoration as they reenacted the Saints crossing the Mississippi to find sanctuary after the expulsion from Missouri due to Governor Bogg’s ‘extermination order’.

Kari and Michael had walked together leading that parade. After listening to Michael explain what he felt was needed, Kari understood what Michael was asking, and she paved the way. She contacted Mary Ellen Elggren, President Elect, of the Brigham Young Family Association and shared Michael’s request along with the purpose and reasons.

Healing_2maryellenresized

Kari invited Michael and Darcy to attend a Brigham Young Family Association board meeting on May 24, 2007 only 3 weeks prior to the gathering of Joseph Smith’s family where Michael hoped to formally present the Young family’s response. Meanwhile Mary Ellen Elggren pondered the request and wondered how to respond. After doing some research, she fasted and prayed for direction. While feeling perplexed and wondering what she could write which would fulfill the request, words suddenly began to come into her head which she realized were not her own thoughts. She ran to her computer and began typing as fast as she could to keep up with the words flooding her mind as if they were being dictated. The result was an amazing letter from the Brigham Young family to the Joseph and Emma Smith family. (See copy of the letter at the end of the article.)

At the board meeting, Michael and Kari introduced the subject to the rest of the members. Mike explained what efforts had taken place to gather the posterity of Joseph Smith Jr. and the depth of prejudice against Brigham Young shrouding their minds. He said that he felt an ‘apology’ letter from the Brigham Young family would help undo a great amount of that prejudice. As he continued, most at the meeting were on the same page immediately, except one man who wanted to know why it was that the Smith family needed such an apologetic letter when all of this took place so long ago.

Gracia Jones, another descendant of Joseph Smith, and Chief Historian for the Joseph Smith Jr. and Emma Hale Smith Historical Society, was present with her husband C. Ivor Jones, Vice President to the organization. Gracia explained that it wasn't really an apology, but a bridge to connect the two families who had been such close friends in the past. Michael later explained that he knew an ‘apology’ was not the right term he wanted, but it was the only word that would come to him since the beginning of this quest. At some point, since Mary Ellen was unavoidably absent that evening, Kari read the letter to the group. Once explanations were given and the letter was read, the consent was unanimous.

It was beautiful. All members of the Brigham Young Family Association board approved the letter prepared by Mary Ellen and agreed to send three representatives to the upcoming Smith reunion to present it. A peaceful feeling filled Darcy’s heart, and she suggested the letter be called the “Healing Letter.” A short time later they received the official copy: With tears, Michael and Darcy Kennedy looked at this beautiful document on parchment bearing the names and signatures of not one, but ten—including the officers of the Brigham Young Family Association Board, and the officers of the Brigham Young Granddaughters Association. What a thrill to watch the Lord’s work unfold.

Realizing this letter would not only begin to impact a change within the minds of the descendants of Joseph and Emma, Michael felt this letter, once presented, would also have a great impact amongst the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Michael felt impressed to call upon a good friend of the Joseph Smith family, Michael Watson, then Secretary to the LDS Church’s First Presidency.

Brother Watson, who was very well acquainted with the history of prejudice and conflict which had been in place for so many generations commented, “Are you sure you want to do this?” Michael felt the Spirit replying that it was time for healing to begin. Whereby, Brother Watson responded, “Would you mind if we took a look at the letter?” After making a couple of small editing changes, the First Presidency gave the document their blessing and approval.

Three individuals were chosen to represent the Brigham Young Family Association: Mary Ellen Elggren, Kari Robinson, and Peter Kennedy. The spirit witnessed the caliber of their sacrifice and the impact their attendance at the reunion would have. All were painfully aware that at this late date air fare was at a premium for the Brigham Young descendants, but they also understood this sacrifice was heaven’s request. Each knew the inspiration for this could have been given a year ago and all could have been easily put in order well in advance, but this was to be a sacrificial pledge. Our hearts were full to the brim with gratitude to the Brigham Young family and to the Lord witnessing once again that this is His work, not ours.

Healing_3Nauvoohouseresized

During the reunion in 2007, the Smith family stayed in Grandma Emma’s home more commonly known as the Nauvoo House. Kim Herrera, Michael and Darcy Kennedy’s daughter-in-law, was reading her scriptures on the bank of the Mississippi River early one morning. She found this scripture about the Nauvoo House where the family was staying: “And now I say unto you, as pertaining to my boarding of strangers, let it be built unto my name, and let my name be named upon it, and let my servant Joseph and his house have place therein, from generation to generation” (D&C 124:56, emphasis added). This week with Smith family members staying in the Nauvoo House, Joseph and Emma’s family literally “had place therein, from generation to generation.”

Healing_4smithfamilyresized

The Smith family members gathered to stay in the Riverside Mansion, known as the “Nauvoo House” and now as “Grandma’s house.” They became unified as they carried their bags off the bus inside and made their beds. Emma’s posterity cooked together in her kitchen. They slept in her home and gathered in the dining room to share meals and later play games into the night.

Their laughter filled Emma’s home and the sound of children running up and down the stairs, and the sight of babies being bathed in the big sinks brought to mind Emma’s era when Alexander’s children would come to visit. Each night as the lights were turned on the glow of love and unity lit up Grandma Emma’s home and the windows shone with a warm glow. Sounds of conversations, expressions of joy for being with family members, love and light spilled out onto the street and over the Mississippi River. One descendant stood in Emma’s bedroom and with great emotion said, “I feel something here. I don’t ever want to leave.” The prophecy was being fulfilled, as three and four generations of Emma’s ‘children’ (ie, her posterity) played in her home along the banks of the Mississippi. One could only imagine Joseph and Emma’s feelings as they witnessed from above their family gathering in their home.

Additionally, LDS descendants of both Brigham Young and Joseph Smith Sr. families gathered in a prayer circle in the temple Joseph had built the Nauvoo temple. It was a great healing moment to have these two families once again joined together in sacred prayer.

Healing_5podium

The most important part of the reunion was on the last night when Mary Ellen Elggren with Kari Robinson and Peter Kennedy at her side, stood up to explain and read a letter to the posterity of Joseph and Emma from the Brigham Young Family Association. Mary Ellen explained that when Michael called and asked her to participate and to help heal the grudges and bitterness that existed in the Smith family toward Brigham Young, she was shocked. As far as she knew, Brigham had left Emma with a hotel, farm and several properties. He had tried to leave her well cared for. She explained that after the saints went west, Brigham had his hands full trying to establish everyone in Utah. She had no idea there was animosity between the families. She then said she had fasted and prayed to know what to do to help heal these animosities. She told how the words to a letter came to her. She said that even though she wrote the letter, she was not the author.

Mary Ellen Elggren then read the tender plea, the “Healing Letter,” from the Brigham Young Family Association asking everyone to put aside any existing misunderstandings between the two families and re-establish a bond. Mary Ellen stated that Brigham and Joseph loved each other and like Emma, Brigham’s dying words were the repeated name of his greatest friend and mentor, Joseph. She explained that the Young family has “committed themselves to do whatever is needed to publish to the world their deep regard for Emma Hale Smith and her noble life.”[i]

A copy of the letter was given to each member of Emma’s family present. Copies have since been mailed to all other descendants of Joseph and Emma as well as descendants of Brigham Young. We believe the “Healing Letter” has come forth in this generation to help bring about what was prayed for by the prophet Joseph Smith, in his dedicatory prayer at the Kirtland temple in March 1836:

Doctrine and Covenants 109:

68 O Lord, remember thy servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., and all his afflictions and persecutions—how he has covenanted with Jehovah, and vowed to thee, O Mighty God of Jacob and the commandments which thou hast given unto him, and that he hath sincerely striven to do thy will.

69 Have mercy, O Lord, upon his wife and children, that they may be exalted in thy presence, and preserved by thy fostering hand.

70 Have mercy upon all their immediate connections, that their prejudices may be broken up and swept away as with a flood; that they may be converted and redeemed with Israel, and know that thou art God.

At the time this prayer was given, the Smith family was tightly united; but within a decade, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was driven to the west. The Smith family became divided, and afflicted by deep divisions and for many generations prejudice existed not only in the Smith family toward the leaders of the “Utah church” as they called it, but also among some members of the LDS Church toward Emma.

Prejudices exist in many families. The healing that began between the Smith and Young families at this reunion is an example to all families of how old wounds can be healed, ancient offenses soothed over, and unity can exist again generations later. Those who have participated in this experience feel it is a miracle orchestrated by a loving Heavenly Father. Verse 57 of section 124 tells how the covenants Joseph and Emma made, apply to their posterity. “For this anointing have I put upon his head, that his blessing shall also be put upon the head of his posterity after him.” Joseph and Emma received their own endowments in Nauvoo and were sealed together for eternity.[1] These covenants with God impact generations.

The Young family continues to do what they can to remove any remaining prejudices toward Emma. A few months later, in September 2007 at “This is the Place Park” in Salt Lake the Brigham Young family held their own family gathering. This same letter was read to them and supported by these descendants who unanimously agreed to its resolution. Additionally, descendants of both families gathered in the temple Brigham Young had built, the Salt Lake Temple. A special prayer was held here and descendants from Joseph Smith and Brigham Young gathered. The circle was so large it circled the room; and to testify the Lord was orchestrating these events all participants learned, at the conclusion of the prayer, the officiator in the prayer circle was a direct descendant of John Murdock, Julia Murdock Smith’s father. Truly, the Lord remembers and keeps his promises. Darcy Kennedy whispered with great joy, “This is the beginning of the healing.”[2]

As Joseph told her in the dream she had right before she died, “Be patient Emma; you shall have all of your children.”

healing_6cemeteryresized

Before Emma’s children can be gathered, prejudices must be removed as Joseph himself prophesied as he dedicated the Kirtland Temple in 1836.[3] It is an example for all families to put aside old traditions of animosity and be united as one.

healingletter_actualresized

For further information contact the Joseph Smith Jr an Emma Hale Smith Historical Society: info@josephsmithjr.org. The Joseph Smith Jr. and Emma Hale Smith Historical Society (JSEHS) is a non-profit organizations operated by the descendants of Joseph Smith and Emma that promote the understanding of the life and times, teachings, and heritage of Joseph and Emma.

_____________________________________________________________________

[1] Andrew F. Ehat, Joseph Smith’s Introduction of Temple Ordinances Master’s Thesis. 63, 263.

[2] Sheri M. Bennett, Journal entry 11 June 2007, (journal in possession of author).

[3] Doctrine and Covenants, 109:68-70.

_____________________________________________________________________

[i] Mary Ellen Elggren, Brigham Young Family Association Letter (Nauvoo, Illinois, 9 June 2007) copy of letter in author’s possession. See appendix III for the entire letter.

Monday, April 25, 2011


To Become More Like Christ Is Both Complex and Simple

 
"Jesus Christ instructed His Apostles, clearly and directly, at the
beginning of His mortal ministry, '[Come,] follow me, and I
will make you fishers of men' (Matthew 4:19). This was also the
beginning of the ministry of the Twelve Apostles, and I suspect that they
had a feeling of inadequacy. . . . The Savior Himself teaches us here a
lesson about core doctrine and priorities in life. Individually, we need to
first 'follow Him,' and as we do this, the Savior will bless us
beyond our own capacity to become what He wants us to be.
"To follow Christ is to become more like Him. It is to learn from His
character. As spirit children of our Heavenly Father, we do have the
potential to incorporate Christlike attributes into our life and character.
The Savior invites us to learn His gospel by living His teachings. To
follow Him is to apply correct principles and then witness for ourselves
the blessings that follow. This process is very complex and very simple at
the same time. Ancient and modern prophets described it with three words:
'Keep the commandments'--nothing more, nothing
less."
 
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Christlike Attributes--the Wind beneath Our Wings," 
Ensign, Nov. 2005, 102)

Saturday, April 23, 2011

One more Quote From tonight's Fireside

"Father sees US in terms of
FOREVER"

"THIS IS THE CHRIST"

For those who missed tonight's "This is the Christ!" - Easter Musical Presentation, today...missed an EXCELLENT program...One of the videos they showed was entitled "None Were With Him"...I found an EXTENDED version of this talk by Elder Holland...I present, now, for you...this beautiful talk on our Beloved Savior...Happy EASTER!


Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Hearken Unto the Words of Nephi...




"...hearken unto the words of Nephi..."
(2 Nephi 3:25)

"...I write the things of my soul..." For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the LEARNING and the PROFIT of my children...(and us)" (2 Nephi 4:15)

"...my soul DELIGHTETH in the things of the Lord; and my HEART PONDERETH CONTINUALLY upon the things which I have seen and heard."
(2 Nephi 4:16)

"...I KNOW in WHOM I have TRUSTED."
(2 Nephi 4:18)

"My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions..."
(2 Nephi 4:20)

"He hath filled me with his love..."
(2 Nephi 4:21)

"...he hath heard my cry by day..."
(2 Nephi 4:23)

"...I have waxed bold in MIGHTY PRAYER before him; ... and
angels came down and ministered unto me..."
(2 Nephi 4:24)

"AWAKE my soul!...REJOICE, O my heart, and give place NO MORE for the
enemy of my soul."
(2 Nephi 4:28)

"...Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions".
(2 Nephi 4:29)

"REJOICE, O my heart, and CRY UNTO THE LORD, and say: O LORD,
I will PRAISE thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God,
and the ROCK OF MY SALVATION."
(2 Nephi 4:30)

"O Lord, wilt though redeem my soul?"
(2 Nephi 4:31)

"O Lord, I have TRUSTED IN THEE, and I will TRUST IN THEE forever. I will
not put my trust in the arm of flesh..."
(2 Nephi 4:34)

"...I KNOW that GOD will give LIBERALLY to him that asketh"...
(2 Nephi 4:35)

Read ENTIRE 2 Nephi 4:15-35)
"The Psalm of Nephi"

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Choose Your Clothing the Way You Choose Your Friends

"Young women, choose your clothing the way you would choose your friends—in both cases choose that which improves you and would give you confidence standing in the presence of God. Good friends would never embarrass you, demean you, or exploit you. Neither should your clothing."

--Jeffery R. Holland

Friday, April 15, 2011

Finding JOY

Simple Truths - We Hope You Enjoyed the movie!

Finding JOY in our day...is often...the CHOICE when MAKE when we first wake up in the morning! GO...and ENJOY this day! (Click on "Simple Truths - We Hope You Enjoyed the movie!" and the video will come up...)

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Not a Mere Biological Brotherhood (Sisterhood)

One of the things the gospel of Jesus Christ tells us is that our brotherhood with men on this planet is not a mere biological brotherhood but a kind of brotherhood that lets me know that I have an accountability, for my relationships will be perpetuated far beyond today, far beyond here, and far beyond now.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell

"Ensign" - February 1975

"Things Always Work Out"


Meridian Magazine

Marjorie Pay Hinckley Believed "Things Always Work Out"

By Susan Easton Black and Mary Jane Woodger

Photograph by Scot Facer Proctor

The following is an excerpt from the new book Women of Character.

Twenty-five-year-old Marjorie Pay was anticipating her wedding day when the telephone rang. “I think we had better go to lunch today,” her fiancé, Gordon B. Hinckley, said. He did not tell her on the phone that he had cold feet and was trying to find a way out of the engagement. While ordering lunch Gordon warned his bride-to-be, “I think you should know that I only have $150 to my name.” Marjorie’s response was not what Gordon had expected: “Oh, that will work out just fine; if you’ve got $150, we’re set!” Reflecting on her thoughts that day, Marjorie said, “Well, $150 sounded like a small fortune to me. I had hoped for a husband and now I was getting $150 too!”1

Born November 23, 1911, in Nephi, Utah, Marjorie had an ability to “see the good in any situation—and to see it instantly—mak[ing] Pollyanna look like an amateur.” Her optimistic attitude included “a willingness to be flexible and adaptive, to not overreact to daily irritations.” Her basic philosophy, “Things always work out somehow,” proved a blessing in her life and the lives of those who knew her best.2

Marjorie never learned to ride a bicycle or swim, never went to college, and never viewed herself destined for fame.3 Early in her marriage she realized it would be better if “we worked harder at getting accustomed to one another than constantly trying to change each other—which [she] discovered was impossible.” She believed, “It is the artful duty of a woman to adjust.”4 And adjust she did, although Gordon never insisted that she do anything his way—or any way for that matter. He gave her space and “let her fly.”5

She was a low-stress mother who tried not to over-schedule herself or her children. One day her oldest son came up missing when there were lawns to be mowed and irrigation ditches to be cleaned. When he showed up just in time for dinner she asked him, “Where have you been?” He replied, “Down in the hollow.” She asked, “And what have you been doing down in the hollow?” He said, “Nothing.” Years later when this same son returned from a mission he said to his mother, “Mom I had a wonderful childhood, didn’t I?” Marjorie replied, “Oh, it was wonderful—those long summer days when you could lie on your back in the hollow and listen to the birds sing and watch the ants build their castles.”6

Marjorie’s willingness to look on the bright side of life was a constant source of strength to Gordon as he served in the leading councils of the LDS Church. After his call to the Quorum of the Twelve, Gordon was asked to travel extensively throughout the world. The night before a trip to South America that would take him away for several weeks,

Marjorie asked whether she should plan to go with him. He replied, “Can’t we decide that in the morning?”7

As Marjorie traveled with her husband, Gordon would often call on her to speak extemporaneously. “I can tell you why my husband has called on me,” she would say. “It is because he is still trying to figure out what to say and I’m supposed to stall.”8 Audiences immediately responded to her humor because they felt “in Sister Hinckley, what you see is what you get—and that is what everyone wants to get! Her love, her honest interest in you as a person, her lack of affectation and self-aggrandizement, her faith—she is the real thing.”9

She once told Church members, “I have a new project to read one chapter a day from each of the standard works. I’ve been on it four days and I’m only three days behind.”10 Another time when she and Gordon were informed by a Church security officer of a possible danger, Marjorie smiled and said, “It will be all right” and kept reading a book. When asked how she could remain so calm, she replied, “I stopped worrying about Gordon a long time ago because I knew it couldn’t do much good. I just pray for him, ask him to be careful, and trust that the Lord knows every situation we are in.”11

When her husband was sustained as president of the Church, Marjorie’s easy-going manner and humor not only blessed him, it endeared her to Church members. Marjorie once told an audience that “sometimes as she is doing her housework the thought occurs to her of the reality that she is married to the prophet of the Lord. . . . Her first reaction is to think, ‘I want my mother!’” In explaining what it is like to live with a prophet, she said, “He leaves his towels on the floor and his tie over the couch.”12

Whether speaking to an audience or just one person, Marjorie always put others at ease because she was at ease with herself and never fussed over her appearance. Once when she was getting ready for a formal occasion her daughter dropped in to see her. When Marjorie started to put on a pleated skirt and white cotton blouse her daughter protested. “Mother, this is a huge thing. . . .The reception is in honor of Dad and you. He’s probably going to wear a tux. Every woman there will have on sequins and diamonds.” Continuing to dress, completely unruffled by her comment, Marjorie said, “Well, I don’t have any sequins in my closet. But this skirt is black, and the blouse does have a lace collar. And besides that, if we’re the guests of honor, whatever I wear will have to be right!”13

Marjorie died on April 6, 2004, in Salt Lake City. Did she ever imagine where her life would take her? “Absolutely not,” she insisted.14 It has been said that “Marjorie was faith, hope and charity personified. It is the pure love of Christ everyone felt in her presence. It was the pure love of Christ that allowed her to stop worrying how the world saw and treated her and let her focus on how she treated others. She simply chose to see the best in any situation.”15

________________________________________________________

1 Virginia H. Pearce, ed. Glimpses into the Life and Heart of Marjorie Pay Hinckley (Salt Lake City: Deseret

Book, 1999), 77.

2 Ibid., 77, 145.

3 Doug Robinson, “Marjorie Hinckley—‘Every bit his equal’: The low-profile woman behind the highprofile

man,” LDS Church News, April 5, 2003.

4 Pearce, 184, 186.

5 “Til We Meet Again: Marjorie Hinckley’s Funeral,” Meridian Magazine, 2.

6 Ibid., 3.

7 Sheri L. Dew, Go Forward with Faith: The Biography of Gordon B. Hinckley (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book,

1996), 338.

8 Ibid.

9 Pearce, 40.

10 L. Tom Perry, “An Elect Lady,” Ensign, May 1995, 73–75.

11 Deseretbook.com/mormon-life/news/story?story_id=3999.

12 Pearce, 108–109.

13 Deseretbook.com/mormon-life/news/strory?story_id=3999.

14 Ibid.

15 “Til We Meet Again,” 4.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Medley of Primary Songs...

Many of you are familiar with Marvin Goldstein...Well, on this Holy Sabbath Day...just sit back and listen to these beautiful Primary songs...done by Brother Goldstein...I have seen him in person at least 3 different occasions...and LOVE listening to his gift...Even more wonderful...is his conversion story to the church...If you haven't, I hope you will get to hear it one day...
After he was baptized...he would bring his Jewish non-member friends to the church...He told them if they were uncomfortable...in the other meetings...they were to go to the PRIMARY
and listen to the PRIMARY songs...They would COME TO KNOW JESUS
in PRIMARY through the MUSIC...

Your Faith will Preach Compelling Sermons


To the Sisters: "...Your faith will preach compelling sermons. No amount of time in front of the mirror will make you as attractive as having the Holy Ghost with you. Bless your family and the Church as only a woman of God can—with virtue, faith, integrity, and constant compassion."
--Sheri Dew, Oct. 2001 Conference

Thursday, April 7, 2011

You Will Be Freed

Counsel from Nephi


"Wherefore...I would that ye should consider that the things which have been written upon the plates of brass ARE TRUE; and they TESTIFY that a man must be obedient to the commandments of God."
"...ye need not suppose that I and my father are the only ones that have testified..."
"...if ye shall be OBEDIENT to the COMMANDMENTS, and ENDURE to the END,
ye shall be SAVED AT THE LAST DAY."
"And thus it is."
"AMEN."
1st Nephi 22:30-31

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

The KINGDOM is ROLLING FORTH...

"No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done."
Joseph Smith - History of the Church, 4:540.

The First Presidency has issued a statistical report as of 31 Dec, 2010.

By The LDS Newsroom

The First Presidency has issued the following statistical report of the Church as of 31 December 2010.

CHURCH UNITS

Stakes................................................................................................................2,896

Missions...............................................................................................................340

Districts................................................................................................................614

Wards and Branches........................................................................................28,660

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

Total membership.......................................................................................14,131,467

New children of record................................................................................... 120,528

Converts baptized........................................................................................... 272,814

MISSIONARIES

Full-time Missionaries ........................................................................................52,225

Church-service Missionaries................................................................................20,813

TEMPLES

Temples dedicated...................................................................................................... 4

(Vancouver British Columbia, Gila Valley Arizona, Cebu City Philippines, and Kyiv Ukraine)

Temples rededicated.................................................................................................. 1

(Laie Hawaii)

Temples in operation............................................................................................. 134

The First Presidency has issued the following statistical report of the Church as of 31 December 2010.

CHURCH UNITS

Stakes................................................................................................................2,896

Missions...............................................................................................................340

Districts................................................................................................................614

Wards and Branches........................................................................................28,660

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

Total membership.......................................................................................14,131,467

New children of record................................................................................... 120,528

Converts baptized........................................................................................... 272,814

MISSIONARIES

Full-time Missionaries ........................................................................................52,225

Church-service Missionaries................................................................................20,813

TEMPLES

Temples dedicated...................................................................................................... 4

(Vancouver British Columbia, Gila Valley Arizona, Cebu City Philippines, and Kyiv Ukraine)

Temples rededicated.................................................................................................. 1

(Laie Hawaii)

Temples in operation............................................................................................. 134

My God Shall Be My Strength


"My God shall be my strength."
"I will NOT forget thee..."
"...I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands"
1 Nephi 21:5, 15, 16

Monday, April 4, 2011

Young Children and General Conference

My daughter posted this on her blog...in her attempt to enjoy General Conference with her "4" young'uns...I thought those of you with YOUNG families could truly relate and appreciate her post:

What a weekend.

Ah, General Conference weekend.

For those of us of the LDS faith (aka Mormons) it is a time for us to gather around our televisions... or rather, laptop computer screen in our case, and listen to the guidance and counsel of the prophet and apostles. (it was down-right incredible too)

It is also a time for those of us with small children to stretch our imaginations and expand our creativity as we seek to find ways to keep our children calm and quiet during the eight hours of conference that stretch over Saturday and Sunday.


Let it be known here on public record, that our children made it almost a whole half hour before the poking, fighting, laughing, and playing took over any sense of tranquility we attempted.

A whole half hour!

Yes, at times such as this, one must boast of their accomplishments, bask in their achievements, and invite others to pat them on the back for a job well done.


As this is the new record in our house, I guess come October, we'll shoot for 45 minutes.

Of course, by then we'll have another little body to work with so.... on second thought, we'll shoot for maintaining our half hour record.

Of course, this half-hour record was just the beginning of the first two-hour session, on Saturday morning.

We just won't bring up all the other sessions, okay?

Eh hem... okay then.


At one point I even thought my children were actually listening.

"Mom? What does 'holy scwipture' mean?"


"Mommy? What does 'baptize' mean?"


"Mommy! She said 'pwimary'!"

But soon it all started to digress as the decided that they were just too funny for themselves to handle.

"Mommy? What does 'crayon' mean? Hahaha!"


"Mom, what does 'carpet' mean? Argh har har!"


"Mommy? What does 'dirty sock' mean?" Pwah ha ha ha ha!! I said 'dirty sock'! Mwah ha ha ha!"


Even Alayna managed to squeeze in a joke or two.

"Eh diaper! *giggle* Diaper diaper! Hahaha!"

Ya... it was in that moment that I knew we had lost them.

Well, at least we tried.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

General Conference #181 - What Do You Think?


General Conference weekend is such a motivator to improve...

However, I don't want this to be a ONE SIDED view of Conference...I would LOVE to KNOW what YOUR thoughts are regarding what you experienced watching Conference...What were your favorite talks?...What did you pull away from listening to all their counsel? Was there a common thread? Any one subject jump out at you?

I have LOTS and LOTS of notes...I took for myself...PLUS, extra thoughts...I recorded as they spoke...I can hardly wait to get actual transcripts...I get out SO MUCH more after READING them...I find that I miss much when I only listen or watch them...(smile)

Would LOVE to hear what you learned...and I am sure others would, also...