The Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting

I did not attend the training meeting, but I just finished reading the entire on-line transcript found on www.lds.org. It was SO great! It is ALL about the Family and the Proclamation to the World. I loved it! I learned many new things, and had some old things confirmed. A few things that stood out to me:

- Do not attempt to judge other people -- You just NEVER know what people are REALLY going through (even when things appear picture-perfect!)

- The theme of "Family First" came up many times. We should not over book our schedules, sports and other activities for children, including too many (unnecessary) church meetings, parties, etc. that may take away from quality family time -- "quality family time" does not include playing video games, or watching TV. ;-)

- We should have children! We should not wait until we have "money" to have children. We should desire children, and from what I gathered, have as many as we can and "multiply and replenish the earth". This, of course, often requires great sacrifice, but that is what we are sent to Earth to do! We should be seeking after and accumulating (and fortifying) family/children -- not seeking after accumulating wealth. ;-) (Children should be our greatest jewels!)

- We need to love more, be less selfish, think of others, and our needs will be filled. (Amazing how that works!)

- Homemaking is more than baking. It is creating a spiritual "climate" in which a family can grow and flourish. We have all felt that "climate" or "the Spirit" when you walk into a Heavenly Home. You can also very strongly feel when it is not a warm spiritual climate, but rather cold and Antarctica-ish -- void of peace and comfort -- Brrrr! There are some homes with a "get me out of here" kind of feeling. It takes great effort to create that warm, positive climate where families can grow strong -- but it is worth the effort!

- Though many people are not living the "ideal" family life, that does not mean that we should not discuss the ideal as to not offend those who may be offended. There is an ideal family plan -- it must be taught and preached to the world. That is exactly what the Proclamation is for.

- We need to be Strong and Immovable as families. It is a time to stand up for what we believe (about family) even when the entire world would disagree and mock us for it. The world looks down on children in general -- they are considered a burden, not a blessing. We are not sent here to adhere to the concepts of men, we are sent her to obey God's commandments, which include family, replenishing the Earth, and saving the souls of men. That is our duty, that is our purpose. Everything else is just details. ;-)

I learned so much more than this, but I grow sleepy and must rest! I hope you take the time to read over the transcript -- it is so worth the read. Very empowering.

One of my favorite quotes was by Elder Holland:

Listen, it’s always been tough. There has never been a time in the history of the world when there weren’t problems, when there weren’t things to be fearful about. That’s why we have the gospel. We can’t live in fear—not in this Church—that somehow things aren’t going to work out or that there’s too much that’s ominous out there that’s going to strike. That can be personal fear or collective fear for civilization. We just need to live the gospel and summon our faith and get answers to our prayers and go forward. And that’s the way it’s always been done.

I love it. I love having the gospel in my life to guide me (and my family) through these shaky and uncertain latter-days. Sometimes, I may fear small things, but not big things. I know God lives, I know He is aware of my every breath and concerned for my well-being. He wants me to return to Him -- I want to return to Him! I will try and stand a little taller . . .