Charity Never Faileth

Lots of people have been posting about their word for the year. The word that I've chosen for this year is "charity." (I found these necklaces on Mique's blog. I'm ordering one for myself that says "charity." I thought they were so cute! I enjoyed the relief society broadcast so much last night. I was so disappointed yesterday when I thought I wasn't going to be able to make it. Brian was at a dental conference all Friday and Saturday, and it started snowing. I was worried about him trying to hurry home for me and getting in an accident. I sent him a text message telling him not to worry about it, I'd just watch the rebroadcast later. He sent me back a text saying he was just leaving (he left his meeting an hour early for me.) He's such a great, supportive husband, and I was so grateful to go to the meeting. It was so awesome.

Sister Beck is so great. She exudes love and spirit when she speaks. I really look up to her. She quoted President Hinckley several different times during her talk, saying that as a relief society of over 5 million, if we are united, our "strength will be incalcuable." She urged us to be strong and immoveable in faith, in family, and in relief. Her message really helped me feel the desire to recommit to prioritizing and making sure the good doesn't replace the essential. One thing that stuck out to me was when she said that "focusing on relief will always yield sociality, while sociality will not always bring relief." It reminded me of a RS training meeting I attended a while back. We talked about how the purpose of Enrichment is to 1) bring sisters closer to Christ, and 2) strengthen families. The focus of Enrichment should be on "relief" instead of "society." A good thought for me to remember.

I already knew I loved Sister Beck, but I'd never heard her 2 counselors before. They are so great! Sister Silvia Allred is about the cutest thing ever! I love her little Costa Rican accent. I really liked her talk about how as disciples of Christ, we need to feed His sheep. She had such cute stories, and her message was so positive.

Sister Barbara Thompson also gave a great talk on families. It made me really want to treasure every minute I have with them, care for them, love them, hug them, read to them, study the scriptures with them, pray with/for them. One thing that I gleaned from this talk is that good parents don't just tell their children how to do something, they show them how it is done, help them, and do it with them. I need to be better about teaching my children in that fashion.

President Monson is always a delight and an uplift to listen to. He urged us to 1) study diligently, 2) pray earnestly and 3) serve willingly. Charity never faileth. We are surrounded by opportunities. Service comes from a heart filled with love.

I left this meeting with an increased desire to serve, and fill my heart with charity. I love these meetings for the sisters. Being a mom is sometimes a difficult challenge, so it's so nice to hear messages that put everything back in perspective and reaffirm why we do what we do.