To You Noble Women

Acknowledging the heartache we experience from our righteous desire, Elder Neal L. Anderson said,

"The bearing of children is a sensitive subject that can be very painful for righteous women who do not have the opportunity to marry and have a family. To you noble women, our Heavenly Father knows your prayers and desires. How grateful we are for your remarkable influence, including reaching out with loving arms to children who need your faith and strength....

We cannot always explain the difficulties of our mortality. Sometimes life seems very unfair—especially when our greatest desire is to do exactly what the Lord has commanded. As the Lord’s servant, I assure you that this promise is certain: 'Faithful members whose circumstances do not allow them to receive the blessings of eternal marriage and parenthood in this life will receive all promised blessings in the eternities, [as] they keep the covenants they have made with God.'" (General Conference October 2011)

God knows our hearts.  He knows our heartache.  He knows how we long for hugs from little ones.  He has not forgotten us.  He will fulfill his promises.  As we move forward, steadfast and immovable in His work, we will find peace and purpose in our lives. 

Standing Majestically Alone

This summer I went to Kenya to build a school in the slums with the service group “World of Difference” (www.makeaworldofdifference.org).  Part of our expedition included a safari and I took this photo.  In setting up my blog, I was trying to find a photo to add and I found this tree.  Perhaps it stands symbolic of this blog.  It stands strong, stalwart, and majestic.  Although it stands alone, it adds unique beauty and composition to this photo. 

We, too, add majestically to the masterpiece of God's plan for His children.   Instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, we need to roll up our sleeves and get to work. There are hands that hang down, hungry to be fed (physically and spiritually), and hearts that are broken.  Instead of looking inward, let us stretch our branches and look outward and seek to bless the lives of those in our circle of influence.  Elder Neal A. Maxwell said, “No one else is placed exactly as we are in our opportune human orbits.”  (Ensign, July 2002 “Consecrate Thy Performance.”)  There are opportunities for service right in our way. Do not let them pass by, (because we are not married), saying, “Sometime I’ll try…when I’m married with kids.” NO, go and do something TODAY!  (see Hymn #223)




"Let us reach to lift hands which hang hopelessly down.”  
                                                 Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, Nov. 1994, 36.