We had an awesome Relief Society meeting today. It was a Visiting Teaching Conference, so we arranged to have the men in the ward cover the sisters callings in Primary and YW. It was great to have the room full and a good lesson on the spiritual benefits of visiting teaching. We had over 70 sisters present. What a great feeling was in the room. We had a chorus of sisters who sang the beautiful song "Miracles" by Sally DeFord: Look it up on her web site!!!
In an insightful passage from C.S. Lewis' "The Screwtape Letters", the devious Screwtape advises his devilish protege on how to more effectively steal a man's soul..."Do what you will, there is going to be some benevolence, as well as some malice, in your patient's soul. The great thing is to direct his malice to his immediate neighbors whom he meets every day and to thrust his benevolence out to the remote circumference, to people he does not know. The malice thus becomes wholly real and the benevolence largely imaginary." Lewis knew human nature. I remember as a young woman just learning to appreciate the gospel, being filled with a vague, undirected love for "everybody in the whole world." How strange that I should still be so willing to fight with my own brothers! There were times when I broke my heart over baby seals or saving whales, but forgot to feed my own patient dog. And the list goes on and on. To learn to direct the charitable feelings that the Spirit prompts within us, and apply our energies where they will be of real use can be a difficult task. I still struggle with it when I read the news and wish I could call down a miracle or a bolt of lightning from heaven to change the world. I need to stop reading the news and wishing for miracles. I need to be a better visting teacher, a better mother, a better neighbor, a better friend.
Lyrics:
Amid the countless blessings the Lord has given me
The light of truth and goodness; the Holy Spirit's peace
I see the many sorrows that his children must endure
So much hurt I long to heal. How can I change the world?
Chorus:
There are hands I cannot hold
Hearts I cannot comfort
Tears that only miracles can stay
So let me love and serve and teach
Those who come within my reach
For miracles begin that way
The Savior walked in Galilee, unknown in many lands
Yet touching every nation by the labors of his hands
Giving light to all the world by teaching but the few
He is my example in the work that I must do
(Repeat chorus)
I will bear the burden of my neighbor in his need
I will share my Savior's love in every kindly deed
He will magnify my efforts, and I'll understand at last
That by these small and simple things are great things brought to pass.
(Repeat chorus)
Church Music Contest: Relief Society division--Award of Distinction 2000 (SSA version).
On Monday the 17th we spent the day in SLC with Rhona and Jonny Moran. Rhona was our exchange student in 1996 to 1997. They are living in Glasgow, Scotland. It was so lovely to see them and spend the day seeing the sights and visiting. Here we are in the garden on tope of the Conference Center. The day was perfect for being outside. We wandered around temple square, visited in the Hotel Lobby and later had dinner at the Texas Roadhouse in Kearns with Michael's brothers and wives. It was a very enjoyable day.
We met up with Elder and Sister Millet (Ed and Joyce) for lunch at the Lion House Pantry. I have never eaten there before. It was excellent and provided us a good chance to visit with the busy missionaries.
Ady, Holly and I went trick or treating at the mall. It was fun to see all of the costumes. We found another little purple butterfly just like Ady. She ended up with quite a bit of candy to share with her daddy. She sure made a cute little butterfly!!!!
