my friend melinda is the young womens president in their ward and last week she called and asked if i had any flowers that they could use to decorate for their young womens in excellence evening. we had a good laugh (i have more than just flowers and she knew it) then made a list of things that we could use to pretty up the place.
earlier this evening we decorated to make their room look like they were having a garden party... and then as an added bonus, i got to stay and enjoy the evening! all of the young women got up one by one and briefly shared what they had worked on for their personal progress throughout the year. it was so fun to watch them speak of their achievements and i really enjoyed being there.
plus they received a little pot of flowers with this gorgeous handout attached to take home. so cute! (i am totally filing these ideas away for future reference, just in case i ever end up in young womens again one day...)
mel spoke last and amongst her comments directed at the girls she read this beautiful quote from jeffrey r. holland:
"I want you to be proud you are a woman. I want you to feel the reality of what that means, to know who you truly are. You are literally a spirit daughter of heavenly parents with a divine nature and an eternal destiny. That surpassing truth should be fixed deep in your soul and be fundamental to every decision you make as you grow into mature womanhood. There could never be a greater authentication of your dignity, your worth, your privileges, and your promise. Your Father in Heaven knows your name and knows your circumstance. He hears your prayers. He knows your hopes and dreams, including your fears and frustrations. And He knows what you can become through faith in Him. Because of this divine heritage you, along with all of your spiritual sisters and brothers, have full equality in His sight and are empowered through obedience to become a rightful heir in His eternal kingdom, an “[heir] of God, and joint-[heir] with Christ.” Seek to comprehend the significance of these doctrines. Everything Christ taught He taught to women as well as men. Indeed, in the restored light of the gospel of Jesus Christ, a woman, including a young woman, occupies a majesty all her own in the divine design of the Creator."
it is the most wonderful talk, if you have a chance to read the whole thing, please do! you can find it here.
♥♥♥
