The importance of leading by example

This last week I have read about King Benjamin and also King Noah. Two completely opposite leaders in the Book of Mormon.

King Benjamin loved those whom he served. He thought of their welfare and how he could serve. he knew that as he served them, he was serving God; and that was his biggest desire. He worked along side them. He took care of himself and others around him. He taught those around him of Jesus Christ and of his atonement. He prayed for them and he listened to the spirit and taught then the will of Heavenly Father. He called them together, to the temple, to inspire and instruct them and to feed them spiritually. His love of God was evident by how he loved those he served.

King Noah was completely opposite. He chose to not follow the commandments. He was very selfish. He had everyone work and took part of their profits to live by. He did not teach the people to walk in the ways of the Lord or anything about Him. In fact, when Abinadi teaches them the people are honestly confused why he is saying that what they are doing is wrong.  They haven’t been taught what is right. His heart was hardened to righteous ways. He only cared for himself, which is evident when the Lamanites attack and he encourages those with him to leave their wives and children.

Does it matter how we lead ? Absolutely!  Does it matter how we serve? Absolutely!   Will we be held accountable for what we teach or do not teach those around us?  Absolutely!

That can be very overwhelming and can create guilt, and that is the plan of the adversary, to discourage and to make us feel less than. But, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ, we have the knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ. We have been given the gift of the Holy Ghost to assist us in this work here on the earth.  Each Sunday as we partake of the Sacrament, we have the opportunity to have Christ’s spirit with us. There is power in that. He knows we are not perfect and that we are trying our best to remember who we are and how to serve and to love those around us.

There is power when we remember that. I could think of the last 23 years as a mother, and it is really easy to see what I could have done better. And it is destructive to my spirit to go there. There is nothing I can change. Except my knowledge to see what worked and what didn’t work. And now to do a little better and be a little better. When I encourage myself this way, the spirit can be with me more to assist me in doing my Father’s will today.

I am grateful for the Book of Mormon and for the opportunity this week to read, study and ponder about the importance of how I lead. I am so grateful for our prophet in these latter-days, President Russell M. Nelson. He is like King Benjamin, a loving, joyful and righteous leader that shows his love for his Father and Savior, by loving those he serves. And challenging us to become whom the Lord needs us to be.

Temple and Book of Mormon reading

One of the invitations President Nelson gave was to establish a pattern of regular temple attendance. He said, "More regular time in the temple will allow the Lord to teach you how to draw upon His priesthood Power with which you have been endowed in His temple." "For those not near a temple - Study prayerfully about temples in the scriptures and in the words of the living prophets.  Seek to know more, to understand more, to feel more about temples than you ever have before."

The last part of his challenge that I want to work on is as I regularly go to the temple to...seek to know more, to understand more, to feel more about temples that you ever have before.

As I have read the Book of Mormon, I have noticed a pattern.  When Nephi wanted to receive instruction, he went to the temple often.  When the people during Jacob's reign wanted instruction or inspiration, they went to the temple.  When Jacob and King Benjamin needed to teach the people, they invited them to come to the temple.  I didn't recognize how often they went to the temple, until this time reading the Book of Mormon.  It is another witness to me of the importance of President Nelson's invitation.

If I want to be instructed and receive inspiration, I need to go to the temple.  And establish a pattern of regular attendance.

I read this on Sunday, "You CAN NOT be mentally passive in the temple, and expect to learn the mysteries of God."  This really hit home to me.  I know that I can step it up with how I prepare as I go to the temple.  Physically, mentally and spiritually.  I am finding it is beneficial to write down questions before going to the temple.  It keeps my mind focused.

There was a time where I went to the temple each week, to just receive strength and peace so that I could get through the trial I was experiencing.  It seemed when I would go, I could make it a few more days.

Now I am in a different place.  I have established a pattern of regular attendance, but I need to do more.  I need to make it more meaningful.  I need to open my heart and soul to receiving more. I love how the Book of Mormon is awakening this recognition and desire in me. 

I know that there is peace and power in the temple.  The last five years, I have been able to go each week...except for this last May.  I wasn't able to go for a 3 weeks, and I noticed a lot about me.  I was quicker to anger, I stressed more, I didn't feel like I was handling things as well as I normally would...as I pondered these observations I paused and asked, "Does the temple help me with all of this."  The answer I received was YES absolutely.

The temple brings tangible peace.  Two of my favorite quotes are:

"As we attend the temple, there can come to us a dimension of spirituality and a feeling of peace which will transcend any other feeling which could come into the human heart.  We will grasp the true meaning of the words of the Savior when He said, 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.'"  President Monson

"Temple attendance has a calming, settling, consoling influence that distills peace and contentment.  The accompanying family history work to identify ancestors to receive those ordinances yields similar blessings."  Richard G Scott

"Promised blessings include healing within our families, protection from temptation, power to overcome life's challenges...more love, joy, self-mastery, peace and meaningful moments."  Russell M. Nelson

I have so many more...but today will share these.  Isn't that amazing?!  Every challenge can be overcome as we attend the temple.  Does that mean that our lives will be easy, absolutely not.  What I have experienced, is that when trials come, peace comes as well.

When Jacob had to go to the temple and bring the fathers and men to repentance, even though it was difficult for the wives and women to hear, I have no doubt that they received peace and comfort at that moment.  The Lord loved them so much, that he sent Jacob to call the men to repentance, to awaken them to their covenants and responsibilities.

My testimony has been strengthened of the temple as I read the Book of Mormon and recognize how often the temple was the center of the lives of those that loved the Lord.  

O be wise, what can I say more?

These 8 words have so much meaning to me.   Here is Jacob and he has taught all that he knows and that he has been inspired to share, and as a final plea he says, in verse 12 of Jacob 6,  "O be wise; what can I say more?"

I love to do vinyl lettering and above my front door as you are leaving the house, it says "Have Courage & Be Kind."

O be wise....that would be another good one to vinyl somewhere.  This is advice I could give a family or friend that doesn't want religion to be a part of their life.  This is good advice to think about before I speak, to say to children as they go to hang out, to share with someone choosing hard things etc.

It is just good!  It is good because it leaves agency in tact.   As much as I as a parent want my children to make good choices and avoid heartache, it is part of this "temporal experience" to not always be wise. 

I know often times I repeat the same "weakness" and think to myself, "Oh Natalie, when are you going to learn?'  but, guess what....eventually those weaknesses will become strengths.  And no matter the choices I or those around me are making, there is a constant.  We all have loving Heavenly Parents and a Savior that are creating paths and opportunities for us to grow and succeed. 

I heard someone once share that we are spirit beings having a temporal experience.  And this experience is all about learning to be wise, but we are not perfect.  And so that wisdom also comes with forgiving ourselves and loving ourselves as we are, weaknesses and all. 

Can't you just imagine our Heavenly Parents sending us here to earth to gain a body and they had already taught us all we needed to know and then them saying,   "O be wise; what can I say more?.....but, know that we have a plan and we will send a Savior to help you on those days that you aren't as wise."

That is how loving our Heavenly Parents are.  They never will distance themselves from us, it is us that distance ourselves from them by our choices. 

But every day is a new opportunity to follow our Savior and choose to be wise. It is an incredible gift we have because we are loved.  No matter where we are on the covenant path, there is always a plan to assist us to get back to Them.  I know it!  I love it!  

10 day Media fast - what I am learning

Yesterday I finished the 10 Day Media Fast that President Nelson asked us to participate in. Here are the things he asked:

• Pray to know which influences to remove during your fast
• What do you notice after taking a break from perspectives f the world that have been wounding your spirit?
• Is there a change in where you now want to spend your time and energy?
• Have any of your priorities shifted --just a little?
• Record and follow through with each impression

A week before conference, as I was praying and thinking about what the Lord needed me to improve upon, I regularly ask "what lack I yet?"  What is keeping me from receiving constant revelation?  What is keeping me from having the spirit with me constantly?

  As I was pondering these questions, I distinctly felt impressed to delete some groups from my facebook feed.  These were good groups.  One was for primary presidencies and the other was about gospel topics, drawing nearer to Christ.  So, I did.  I deleted them and also went through all the groups I followed and deleted A LOT.  And you know what happened, my feed cleaned up.  When I went onto facebook, within a few minutes I could scroll through and see what I wanted to see and be done.  Normally, I would see a post and read it and all the comments and BAM, 20 minutes later....I would remember that I got on my phone to send an email or to look up something.... I was guided by good things...but away from the best things.

As I was getting ready to delete them, the scripture, Doctrine & Covenants 6:36, came to mind, my sister had recently shared it with me.  It says, "Look unto me in every thought.  Doubt not.  Fear not."  And the impression I got was, anything you need to know for your calling or your family or anything,  I will tell you.  I realized I had been seeking what others shared and posted, before I was seeking the Lord's counsel.

What I noticed from this fast, is it what easier than the first one President Nelson asked us to do.  Or for the youth to do.  I wanted to that one as well, and I noticed that every time I picked up my phone, I went right to safari and then to facebook.  I did it without even realizing what I was doing.

So, this time, I deleted apps and put safari and other apps into a folder that was NOT convenient to get to.  And it worked.  And instead of having my phone near me, I have had the Book of Mormon near me.  It is amazing how much you can get read when you use your "free time" to do so.

I did notice a change in my countenance.  How I felt and how productive I was.  I recognized that the more time I spent on social media, the more down I got.  The less motivated I became.  Now, my goal is to go on for a purpose.  To inspire, to meet needs, to reach out.  But, I also realized I can do that just as easily, more personally than on social media. 

But what I noticed during these ten days was I had so much more interaction one on one.  Instead of texting, I went to homes or called.  I LOVED THAT!  I would say yes, my priorities have shifted.  I feel I am more present in the home and with others.

This fast reminded me of the most important things, which are, my Heavenly Parents and my Savior and the importance to connect with them each day, through prayer and scripture study.    Still a work in progress :),   The most important work I will ever do is in my home, with my family.  And that I must record my impressions.

That is partly why I started this online blog.  I have so many notebooks, where I write down impressions, but I felt prompted to write it in a format that could be printed out and shared if I felt prompted.  And I could keep my thoughts in one spot. 

When I did open social media again, I did have a few minutes where I just started the scrolling, and I felt myself detach physically from those around me, my family.  I got irritated more quickly. I wouldn't "hear" as others were speaking to me.. And then I recognized what was happening and I thought about Nephi and felt connected to him when he said in 2 Nephi chapter 4:

"Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great ^agoodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O ^bwretched man that I am! Yea, my heart ^csorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities."

How often am I sucked right back into the world.?!  It is a battle every day.  The adversary is very sly and clever at distracting me from the best things.  I am in a battle every day, but, this is one battle I will win.  Because I know whom to look to for strength and guidance.

I am excited to continue to listen for revelation and guidance as the Lord assists me in becoming the daughter I have always been.  We are stronger than we realize and the Savior's power will always overcome evil.  This gives me hope and strength.

the voice of the Lord came into my mind...

I have always loved reading Enos. It is a short chapter packed with the power of prayer and answers. As I was reading verse 10,  these words pierced my heart and soul. It states: "And while I was thus struggling in the spirit, behold, the voice of the Lord came into my mind.....”

I have experienced this in my life. It was a Monday morning, I had learned some news and I heard “I will take this, IF, you will let me.”  Right as I heard those words, I accepted them and I felt a great weight leave me immediately. I let my Savior take again what He had already taken.  And then I immersed myself in the best things and I felt the most immense JOY I had ever felt in my life.

In wordly views, I should have been devastated, but, through my Savior, I received the PEACE that passeth all understanding and I was blessed to feel IMMENSE JOY.  The kind of JOY that makes you smile and it is hard to stop.  The kind of JOY that you feel like you are floating on air.  IMMENSE JOY!

I know that when we receive instruction from the Lord, it comes through the Holy Ghost and it can come to my mind.  It is different than just a thought.  As it comes it creates a connection between my mind and my heart.  So that I KNOW without a doubt that it is revelation for me. 

Following the Lord, even when it is hard

In chapter 2 of Jacob,  in verse 2, Jacob tells how he is on his way to the temple to instruct the people. How they have gathered to hear the word of God. And he tells how he would love to just encourage and uplift, but that it grieveth his soul, but the Lord has told him the thoughts of the husbands and fathers and instead of uplifting, he must call them to repentance. 

Here is a part:

And it supposeth me that they have come up hither to hear the pleasing word of God, yea, the word which healeth the wounded soul.

Wherefore, it burdeneth my soul that I should be constrained, because of the strict commandment which I have received from God, to admonish you according to your crimes, to enlarge the wounds of those who are already wounded, instead of consoling and healing their wounds; and those who have not been wounded, instead of feasting upon the pleasing word of God have daggers placed to pierce their souls and wound their delicate minds.

And then he goes on to talk first about pride and having more than others in way of riches to talking about their immorality and how it is destroying the hearts of their wives and children.  

As I read this chapter, I thought of how of how often when the apostles and prophets are preparing for conference and how many times this may happen to them. A lot of their talks are uplifting, and some may be harder to hear, because they are commanded of the Lord to speak hard things. As I read how This grieveth his soul. It created for me a different perspective and understanding for those that may have to deliver those more difficult talks. 

Verse 10 & 11:

10 But, notwithstanding the greatness of the task, I must do according to the strict commands of God, and tell you concerning your wickedness and abominations, in the presence of the pure in heart, and the broken heart, and under the glance of the piercing eye of the Almighty God.

11 Wherefore, I must tell you the truth according to the plainness of the word of God. For behold, as I inquired of the Lord, thus came the word unto me, saying: Jacob, get thou up into the temple on the morrow, and declare the word which I shall give thee unto this people.

And then verse 35: 

35 Behold, ye have done greater iniquities than the Lamanites, our brethren. Ye have broken the hearts of your tender wives, and lost the confidence of your children, because of your bad examples before them; and the sobbings of their hearts ascend up to God against you. And because of the strictness of the word of God, which cometh down against you, many hearts died, pierced with deep wounds.

Can you imagine the impact this had on them. As he says he have done greater iniquity than the lamanites. I think That is a very strong statement that I am sure caused them to pause and reflect. 

I am so very grateful for our leaders and for the love they have for the Lord to deliver His words and counsel to us, especially when it sometimes “grieves their souls”. 

Go to the Mount oft - Temple

I am loving the Book of Mormon challenge. So many things I loved today... here is one.

The temple is often called “the mountain of the Lord”.   I often look for references to those going to the temple within the scriptures.  This was when Nephi was building a ship, he leaned on the Lord to gain strength and instruction in this task. Such an example and great wisdom in this verse. If we go to the temple often and pray often, the Lord will show us great things. ALL things we need to know. ❤️

A Child’s Example

Although my sweet Emma is 15 years old. She is like a child in many ways. She is developmentally delayed. Which means, although she is 15, her IQ and her learning levels are lower than normal. She reads at about a third grade reading level. And she can play with our two year old neighbor easily, as well as our 8 year old neighbor. But she also enjoys hanging out with girls her age and talking about music and even boys.

She is an absolute joy and brings a lot of happiness to our home. When President Nelson invited us to read the Book of Mormon, I asked my Children if any of them would like to read it together. Emma is the only one that said yes.  The others wanted to do it by them self.  Which my youngest Chloe is doing so well.  I am amazed by them.  They are such good examples to me.  The first time I ever finished reading the Book of Mormon entirely was in the MTC.

It has been such a special experience. We read each day when she comes home from school. Her reading is getting so good. Today, Sunday, I didn’t get home until 3:30 and I told herwe would read at 4. Well I sat down on the couch and promptly feel asleep, I woke Up at 4:30 to her reading by herself and marking her verses that talked about Christ.

A few things I have realized in doing this challenge with her:

*I will never regret the half hour we get to spend reading together.

*She is exactly obedient and humbled me everyday with her willingness to read.

*I know that when we read scriptures with our children, they become better readers. I have seen this happen with many of my children.

*I can sure read a lot more than I thought in a day when I limit distractions and set priorities.

*This will be a new habit I want to continue together.

* This experience will be one of my most cherished memories of 2018.

* I love when she says things like, "Worship.  Oh I really like that word."

*Reading with her allows me to read the Book of Mormon Twice at the same time. I have been reading about 20 pages a day, and so when I go back and read with Emma, I learn even more.

My mom has been a huge example to me in this challenge too. She is actually about done with the Book of Mormon. I think her goal was to complete it within her 10 day media fast. She is my hero!!! Do you remember when President Hinckley challenged each of us to read the Book of Mormon. About six months before that my mom had challenged each family member to read the Book of Mormon. And as a reward for completing it we received a quilt. So my mom was doing this challenge as well. And then when the prophet issued the challenge, she finished reading the Book of Mormon for herself. And then had two days and wanted to read the Book of Mormon to fulfill the prophets invitation. And she did it. Read the Book of Mormon in two days. How amazing is that! How amazing is she!. I love her love for the scriptures and for all she does for me. ❤️

1 Nephi 16:29... by small and simple things are great things brought to pass

In this chapter, Nephi had just broken his bow and Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael were murmuring exceedingly, and also Lehi began to murmur.  I am sure they were all hungry and tired and they chose to complain and murmur.  Nephi, however, chose another path.  First, he basically calls them out for complaining about their Lord.  And then he goes to work to make another bow.  He is a man of action.  And then he goes to the patriarch of the family and asks him to inquire of the Lord where he should go to obtain food.  Because Nephi spoke to them "with the energy of his soul" and then made a bow, they were humbled and Lehi prayed and asked. 

Nephi then looked at the liahona and read that the pointers worked according to the faith and diligence and heed they were given.  That reproof caused Lehi to fear and tremble exceedingly. 

This paused me to think how often do I murmur?  Or do I choose to follow Nephi's example and strive to find a solution with the Lords help.

1 Nephi 16:29

"...And thus we see that by small means are great things brought to pass."

I may feel that my faith is small, but when I constantly rely on the Lord and trust in Him, great things are brought to pass. 

I work in primary in our ward and the new schedule will give time for the best things.  If you know you have 15 minutes to give a lesson, the best things will be taught. 

Sharing time is no more and singing time should correlate with what is being studied that week in the home and for Primary. Many thoughts have come to me as I have thought about this new schedule.  Our time may seem "smaller" but I know from these changes and new study programs, great things will come to pass.  They will bring us closer to Christ.  So that, when he comes again he will recognize His fold. 

One impression that came to me was the importance of bearing of testimonies.  So, I was going to talk to my presidency about after singing time, to share a 1-2 minute testimony of what we learned.  Small and simple--but the great thing that will come is a stronger testimony of whose we have always been.

The Power of Jesus Christ

President Nelson gave a talk on using the proper name of the church.  The name that Jesus Christ said, "and thus shall my church be called."  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

This was very powerful to me, he said:

"I promise, that if we will do our best to restore the correct name of the church, He, who's church this is, will pour down His POWER and BLESSINGS upon the heads of the Latter-Day Saints.  The likes of which we have never seen.

We will have the knowledge and power of God to help us take the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, tongue and people and to prepare the world for the second coming of the Lord.

So, What's in a name?  When it comes to the name of the Lord's choice, the answer is EVERYTHING."

Then today as I was reading the Book of Mormon, I read, 1 Nephi 14:14.  It states: "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that is descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in greatness."

How powerful is that?  The restoration of the church in these latter days and the opportunity to make covenants in the house of the Lord and restoring the correct name of the church... all arm us with the power of the Lamb, HIS POWER upon the heads of the Latter-Day Saints.

It is not a coincidence that I read that scripture today.  A second witness of what was promised by our prophet, the Lord's mouthpiece in these Latter Days.

As I pondered this today, the temple came to mind.  Think of the temple endowment and the POWER of Christ's name.  Just speaking His name, casts out evil, he whom desires to destroy us.

There is POWER in Christ, in His name, in our covenants with Him and in the promises from our prophet.  It is a gift, if we will act and accept it.  I know that this is truth.  I have felt His power in my life. 


October 16

Here is another verse that talks about the power of Christ’s name

Jacob 4:6

Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.

Followed by this:

7 Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things.

Condescension of God

In 1 Nephi 11:16, it asks, "Knowest thou the condescension of God?

I love Nephi's answer, "I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things."

He's my guy!  That is exactly how I feel so often.  I KNOW that my Heavenly Father, Heavenly Mother and Savior LOVE me in a way that I can't even comprehend...yet, I do not know the meaning of all things.  I feel like a "baby" in the gospel, I know so little, but I do know that I am loved. 

I have this definition written in my Book of Mormon,
    condescension: put aside one's superiority or dignity and assume equality with one considered inferior.   Voluntarily!

This. Is. Amazing to me.  Our Savior, put aside every comfort, every support, every praise, to be born, to live for us and to die for us, to atone for us, and to live again FOR US.  He came to MINISTER.  That was all he wanted to do.  To do the will of His Father.

This is humbling to me.  Why do I do things?  Yes, I hope and want to do things to help others, because I love them.  But it also always feels good to get praise.

My desire is ..., just as was spoken of in the womens session  by Sister Joy D. Jones,  ... to have my motive, for all that I do, be because of my LOVE for my Savior and for my Heavenly Parents.  That I am doing it for them, not because it is my duty, or to make me feel good...but because I LOVE THEM!

Changes in the Church

This was the first time there was NOT a general priesthood meeting during conference.  Instead it was Women's Conference.  It was wonderful to hear from the entire first presidency of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

At the beginning of conference, they announced that church would be a 2 hour block starting January 2019.  That means primary is one hour instead of two.  I am excited about the change.  Who would be opposed to a shorter time at church?  I am sure there may be some, but I embrace this change.  I love that the Church has created a common study, the Come Follow Me program for home, primary and sunday school.  I believe that it will bring us closer to our Savior and to each other. 

In 1 Nephi 3:7, it states,

 "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which He commandeth them."

I know that this new schedule is from the Lord.  I know that He will inspire me, my family and my presidency on what He wants it to look like.  I know that it will help us become more like Him, so that He can recognize us when He comes again. 

No matter the challenge this will bring, He has my back and will help me all the way.  I know this to be true.

It begins ...

My sweet niece sent out a schedule in order to finish the Book of Mormon by the end of the year.  I was so grateful for her thoughtfulness.  I began reading yesterday and it has filled my every free moment.  I don't know why this time feels different, maybe because I feel like it was an invitation from my Savior, Jesus Christ.  As our prophet issued the challenge and then said, "I love you." He paused right before he said it and I felt those words come directly to me, from my Savior, through my prophet.  It was a powerful experience for me.

When I was in college, deciding to go on a mission, I received a powerful witness that the Lord knew my name.  He knew me and He knows each of us, intimately.  This was a similar feeling. 

I invited my girls to do this challenge with me.  Most of them wanted to do it by themselves, but my 15 year old daughter with special needs, asked to do it with me.  This has been a tender mercy to me...and we are only on day 2.  I am reading it by myself and then I have the gift of reading it with her. 

President Nelson invited us to mark any verse of scripture that mentioned the Savior.  I picked a bright yellow pencil and Emma picked a brilliant lighter blue.  What we are discovering is that every page of the Book of Mormon talks of Christ, mentions Him or is Him talking.  My testimony of it being "another testament of Christ" has grown.  What a beautiful gift it is to me!  To my children!

My sweet Chloe, picked a pretty pink to highlight with.  No matter the color, the truth is evident, the Book of Mormon talks of Christ, and is another testament of Him.  

The Invitation...

October 6, 2018

     Today in Women's Conference, President Russell M. Nelson gave us an invitation. It is this:

My dear sisters, we need you! We ‘need your strength, your conversion, your conviction, your ability to lead, your wisdom, and your voices,’” said President Nelson. “We simply cannot gather Israel without you.”

Building on his invitation to youth to participate in “the greatest work on earth today” to “help gather Israel on both sides of the veil” the prophet called on the women of the Church to join the cause.

“Women shape the future,” he said. He invited them to help shape the gathering of Israel by doing four things:

1. Participate in a 10-day fast from social media and from any other negative or impure media. President Nelson encouraged women to notice how the fast affects their priorities and then to record and act on spiritual impressions they receive.
    
2. Read the Book of Mormon between now and the end of the year. President Nelson suggested that as they read, they mark each verse that refers to the Savior and talk about Him with friends and family.
    
3. Establish a pattern of regular temple attendance. Time in the temple can lead to greater understanding about how to draw upon God’s priesthood power, President Nelson said.
    
4. Participate fully in Relief Society. He added that studying the Relief Society purpose statement and the Relief Society declaration can help women understand who they are and who the Lord needs them to be.

As I listened to this challenge, I felt an energy begin to swell within my soul.  A week and a half ago I was prompted to go through the groups I follow on facebook and delete some.  They were positive groups, ones that supported callings or talked of Christ.  But, I was prompted to delete them.   I realized that they were distracting me from what was most important, my family, my life.

I distinctly heard the inspiration that I need to Look to the Lord in every thought, and that He would tell me all I needed to know.  It was amazing how that lifted "a load I didn't realize I was carrying".

As President Nelson extended the invitation, many thoughts filled my mind.  I remember when I did the challenge with the youth in June, having a 7 day fast from social media.  That was awakening and humbling to me.  I realized that every time I picked up my phone, I opened Safari and went to facebook.  It was a habit that I didn't realize I had.  I didn't have the facebook app, but that didn't stop me from going there almost subconsciously.

This time, I deleted apps and moved my safari to a page I had to swipe too.  It has been better this time around.  Instead of having my phone by me, I have kept my Book of Mormon near.  The difference is tangible.  I am more focused, more aware of those around me.

And that is just the beginning of what I have experienced, and I have only been doing it  a few days.  I am grateful for this invitation and the opportunity to become a better me.