Sunday Brunch

 Sadly, I sometimes forget to see the true value in me. I forget to see myself the way a loving Father in heaven sees me.  I doubt myself often, and wonder what in the world could I possibly do to make my mark in this giant world. 

 In the spirit of trying to better myself this year, and looking for the positives instead of negatives- I searched what the prophets had to say on this topic. I'm glad I did!  I found comfort and hope in a message from President Uctdorf:


The Influence of Righteous Women:
President Deiter F. Uctdorf

 The scriptures give us names of several women who have blessed individuals and generations with their spiritual gifts. Eve, the mother of all living; Sarah; Rebekah; Rachel; Martha; Elisabeth; and Mary, the mother of our Savior, will always be honored and remembered. The scriptures also mention women whose names are unknown to us but who bless our lives through their examples and teachings, like the woman of Samaria whom Jesus met at the well of Sychar (see John 4), the ideal wife and mother described in Proverbs 31, and the faithful woman who was made whole just by touching the Savior’s clothes (see Mark 5:25–34).



As we look at the history of this earth and at the history of the restored Church of Jesus Christ, it becomes obvious that women hold a special place in our Father’s plan for the eternal happiness and well-being of His children.


I hope that my dear sisters throughout the world—grandmothers, mothers, aunts, and friends—never underestimate the power of their influence for good, especially in the lives of our precious children and youth!


President Heber J. Grant (1856–1945) said, “Without the devotion and absolute testimony of the living God in the hearts of our mothers, this Church would die.” 
 And the writer of Proverbs said, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).


President Gordon B. Hinckley counseled the women of the Church:


“It is so tremendously important that the women of the Church stand strong and immovable for that which is correct and proper under the plan of the Lord. …


“We call upon the women of the Church to stand together for righteousness. They must begin in their own homes. They can teach it in their classes. They can voice it in their communities.” 


There is a saying that big gates move on small hinges. Sisters, your example in seemingly small things will make a big difference in the lives of our young people. The way you dress and groom yourselves, the way you talk, the way you pray, the way you testify, the way you live every day will make the difference.
This includes which TV shows you watch, which music you prefer, and how you use the Internet. If you love to go to the temple, the young people who value your example will also love to go. If you adapt your wardrobe to the temple garment and not the other way around, they will know what you consider important, and they will learn from you.


You are marvelous sisters and great examples. Our youth are blessed by you, and the Lord loves you for that.