More Water . . .

A continuance . . .

from the previous post, with the refreshing photo of the clean clear water.

Now that I've got you thinking . . .

I really had MUCH more to say,

as women are so near and dear to my heart.

Sometimes it's a difficult place to understand . . .

We are all sisters, yet we are all so different.  Some of my most favorite women anywhere live lives so VERY different from each other.  My darling daughters, and daughters-in-law - have very different lives and challenges indeed.  Children, no children, working moms, stay at home moms, full time students . . . . one of my best friends is a divorced mom, trying to put food on the table, educate her children, trying to be a parent. Another is a single adult, no children, at home frequently by herself.

And I love them each . . . so much.  And I can't imagine the challenges that each of these women face, each day, each week - as they try to fulfill their role as women to the best of their abilities.

Even under the best of circumstances . . . it's a struggle . . . and many challenges exist.

I don't claim to be an expert on women . . . no . . .

They are far TOO complicated for that.  But I do work with many women, and I am related to MANY women, many friends are women, AND I am a woman . . .

And I do know something of our particular emotions we experience, as we try to accomplish all the many tasks that are expected of us in our various roles.  While we do experience joy and fulfillment, we also experience moments of frustration, inadequacy, monotony in daily life.

We sometimes feel under appreciated.  Frequently . . . feel under appreciated  . . .

One thing I do know is that righteous women are a blessing to all those whose lives they touch.  They lead, they strengthen, they build.  Each one who stands for truth and righteousness in their lives diminishes the influence of evil; something VERY important in the world today, as the influence of evil is sadly all about us.  As we strengthen and protect we are doing the work of our Father in Heaven.  The work he intended for us as women to do!

In further words of Elder Ballard, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,

"Every sister who lives as a woman of God becomes a beacon for others to follow and plants seeds of righteous influence that will be harvested for decades to come. Every sister who makes and keeps sacred covenants becomes an instrument in the hands of God."

Just as I love each one of the many important women in my life . . . our Heavenly Father loves each one of us!  He has a plan for each of us to achieve the highest blessings of eternity.  No matter our different, varied circumstances in this earthly life.



Elder Ballard gave us much council to help us as women understand our roles and gain strength and inspiration to lead and plant seeds of righteous influence.

Recognize that joy comes in moments.  There will be hard and frustrating, challenging times.  But there WILL be moments of joy.  Enjoy them as they come!  Author Anna Quinlan says it best, "treasure the doing a little more, and the getting it done a little less".

Don't over schedule . . . if we are not careful we will fill every minute . . .  classes, exercise, book clubs, scrapbooking, church callings, music, sports, the internet and favorite TV shows.  Families and relationships need time . . . make time to talk and to listen . . . . to families, husbands, friends, each other.  Be sure to laugh a little and play a little everyday. 

And this one . . . remember from the last post . . .  

 
WATER CANNOT BE DRAWN FROM AN EMPTY WELL 

"Sisters, find some time for yourself to cultivate your gifts and interests. Pick one or two things that you would like to learn or do that will enrich your life, and make time for them. Water cannot be drawn from an empty well and if you are not setting aside a little time for what replenishes you, you will have less and less to give to others, even to your children. Avoid any kind of substance abuse, mistakenly thinking that it will help you accomplish more. And don't allow yourself to be caught up in the time-wasting, mind-numbing things like television soap operas or surfing the Internet. Turn to the Lord in faith, and you will know what to do and how to do it."

 And fourth - pray, study and teach.  As we do those things that invite the spirit, we will be led by the spirit.  Which will show us in our hearts and in our minds, those things that we should do to find happiness as women in the world today.  

We have the opportunity to bless the lives of those we come in contact with every day.  As we lift and strengthen ourselves, we lift and strengthen others.  And by so doing diminish the influence of evil in the world around us.  Yep, I can see the great importance of women in the world today . . .

Can you??

For more thoughts . . . you can see the following articles - 

"Daughters of God"   "Here I Am, Send Me"