A Path to Peace, Hope, and Joy

Did you listen to Womens' Conference Saturday night? I came away from it so uplifted. On the way to church that night I listened to the news and was growing more and more anxious about the stock market and the economy. When I heard the hymns and talks that night though, I noticed how hopeful and happy the evening was and felt that God is in control of everything and we need not fear our circumstances here. I know he hears our prayers and will watch over His humble followers.Click here to read or listen to President Uchtdorf's talk. It was especially encouraging. He told us that the two biggest things we can do to be happy as God is happy are creating and being compassionate. He called it "a path to peace, hope and joy" even while carrying burdens. These are two of the qualities of our Heavenly Father, who is happy. As his children we can take part in that happiness, even in the lone and dreary world. He said he knows we can't snap our fingers and go from sad to happy, but these principles generally lead to a happy life.


Now that my boys give me a little break during most days and can entertain themselves for a little while, I am able to do so much more. A few weeks ago our ward had a pool party/ cooking contest. We had to bring something made with apples. I didn't know what to make so I just made an apple pie but I did it wearing one of my homemade aprons and I was so happy with my creations! I won a prize: "Goes best with ice cream" Ha! I think it was the lamest prize but I saw a couple of people sneaking seconds of it.

I haven't always made pies. I just learned how to sew aprons. I have learned how to cross-stitch, embroider, make freezer jam, and bread from scratch. I find it so satisfying to turn fruit into jam and line it up in my freezer. It's my lame way of preparing for winter! None of these things ever turn out perfectly, but President Uchtdorf asked us not to worry about that part. I know a lot of women who feel trapped at home and unfulfilled as mothers. I was trapped at home when the boys were newborns! But, I have learned that the secret to enjoying homemaking is to actually make something! I get a huge sense of accomplishment when I make something or do something new. I think that's part of why I like to blog. I can look at my blog and say, "I did that!"

When time allows, being creative is a great outlet for self expression and can be done right at home. Women who trade it for fluorescent lighting and deadlines at work don't realize what they're missing. I have never felt more trapped in my life than when I had to work year after year while my friends were out apple picking or singing lullabies to their kids.

President Uchtdorf said we can take our everyday tasks and use them as an opportunity to beatify our surroundings.

All of you create things. You have rainy day duck races in gutters with your kids, you decorate your homes, you quilt, you scrapbook, you make dinner every night, you find a way to make your kids laugh, you create homes where the Spirit can dwell. Do you agree with me? Do you find satisfaction in a job well, or not well, done? In making your homes a little more beautiful?