Presidency Message

After a long and eventful winter, spring is just around the corner. As the ground begins to thaw and the flowers begin to peek through the ground (yes, it will happen soon!), my hope is that we will think of renewing our resolve to blossom and bloom ourselves. We as women have a tendency to think less of ourselves and to speak ill of our looks, our personality, and our accomplishments. We often compare our situations to others and feel that we come up short. This is not true. Sisters, you are wonderful, beautiful spirits. You have talents and strengths that no one else has. You were sent to Earth in these latter days to help prepare the world for the coming of the Savior.
It may be difficult to look inward, but my challenge for this month is to do just that. Find your strengths. Acknowledge them. Build on them! Your circumstances may not be ideal, but if you are willing to do these things, the Lord will bless you and show you how wonderful you really are. You may wish to focus on the following areas:

1. Physical beauty
2. Physical strength
3. Emotional strength
4. Spiritual strength
5. Creativity

As you work on blossoming yourself, remember that the gifts you have been given are from our Heavenly Father. Enjoy them and develop them, but remember to also use them to bless your family and those around you. If you do these things, you will begin to understand what a precious daughter of God you really are.

A special note to mothers: please read the following talk by Elder M. Russell Ballard: “Daughters of God,” Ensign, May 2008, pgs. 108-110 (also available online at http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=9694558fcc599110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1