Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
01 March 2010
The Flower Fields
When I was in 5th grade, my mom took me to a beautiful place: The Flower Fields. 50 acres of stunning Ranunculus, one of my favorite flowers, cover the Carlsbad farm in California, creating a stunning view of color. I recently ran into a picture of Ranunculus, and made me want to go again. It's just gorgeous--take a look yourself!
26 January 2010
Get your Education
I followed a trail of comments on a friend's Facebook today, and felt like throwing up. She, unfortunately experienced the worst kind of insult, in her own Relief Society. Before I continue, I must say this: I know that the greatest calling a woman can have on this earth is to be a mother. I am looking forward to fulfilling this role more than any other in my mortal and immortal life. I would never give up that opportunity for anything: career, fortune, fame, travel, convenience. None of that even compares with the beauty and joy that comes from being a mother.
But, with those words firmly placed at the beginning of this post, I must also say that being a mother does NOT mean that the rest of your life is worthless, fruitless, wrong or evil. Especially when it comes to improving your mind. Getting your education is absolutely essential. As President Monson wisely stated, just a few years ago, in 2007:
"Beyond our study of spiritual matters, secular learning is also essential. Often the future is unknown; therefore, it behooves us to prepare for uncertainties. Statistics reveal that at some time, because of the illness or death of a husband or because of economic necessity, you may find yourself in the role of financial provider. Some of you already occupy that role. I urge you to pursue your education—if you are not already doing so or have not done so—that you might be prepared to provide if circumstances necessitate such."
The women that I see as the greatest mothers in Zion pursued their education. Not all of them were able to finish, but ALL of them recognize the need to educate themselves in this life outside of diapers and the ABC's. They see the value in books, REAL books, not just Twlight and Anita Stansfield. They do their best to educate themselves in the happenings and events of this world we live in.
I feel bold enough (and angered enough) to say this: to those of you who believe that pursuing an Education is "a temptation" and evil, YOU ARE WRONG. A woman who is educated, smart, witty, and connected with the philosophies of the gospel through study, far surpasses those who stand idly by. Do I believe this should REPLACE being a mother? Absolutely not. I feel that my education will do nothing but enhance my ability to be a mother and send my children out into the world to change it. How can I expect them to change the world if I know nothing about it?
I know this to be true. I know that Heavenly Father desires His daughters to cultivate knowledge, to study, to read good literature, to learn science, history, art, all forms of education. The prophets, from ages and ages past, have taught this. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true for many reasons. And one of them, is because of the equality we see in the Divine Nature of men and women. We know that all children of God have value and that all must stand before Him at the judgment bar and show what they did with the talents He gave them just as they will be accountable for what they did in pursuit of a family. I am grateful for both opportunities I have in my life: to eventually be a mother, and to cultivate all the knowledge I can, so that I can become more like my Heavenly Father.
Counsel SPECIFICALLY to Women
“Seek to be educated in the highest meaning of the term; get the most possible service out of your time, your body and brains, and let all your efforts be directed into honorable channels, that no effort be wasted, and no labor result in loss or evil.”-Joseph F. Smith
“Too great care cannot be taken in educating our young ladies. … Let the women of our country be made intelligent and their children will certainly be the same. The proper education of a man decides his welfare; but the interests of a whole family are secured by the correct education of a woman.”-George Q. Cannon
"You belong to a church which espouses education. To you young women may I suggest that you get all the education you can. Train yourselves to make a contribution to the society in which you will live. There is an essence of the divine in the improvement of the mind."-Gordon B. Hinckley
"Even though some of you may be fully occupied with families and have little time for other things at this stage of your lives, you can enlarge your minds and broaden your understanding through the reading of good books." -Gordon B. Hinckley
“Remember, in the world before we came here, faithful women were given certain assignments while faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood tasks. For women, the important ingredients for happiness are to forge an identity, serve the Lord, get an education, develop your talents, serve your family, and if possible to have a family of your own." -Spencer W. Kimball
But, with those words firmly placed at the beginning of this post, I must also say that being a mother does NOT mean that the rest of your life is worthless, fruitless, wrong or evil. Especially when it comes to improving your mind. Getting your education is absolutely essential. As President Monson wisely stated, just a few years ago, in 2007:
"Beyond our study of spiritual matters, secular learning is also essential. Often the future is unknown; therefore, it behooves us to prepare for uncertainties. Statistics reveal that at some time, because of the illness or death of a husband or because of economic necessity, you may find yourself in the role of financial provider. Some of you already occupy that role. I urge you to pursue your education—if you are not already doing so or have not done so—that you might be prepared to provide if circumstances necessitate such."
The women that I see as the greatest mothers in Zion pursued their education. Not all of them were able to finish, but ALL of them recognize the need to educate themselves in this life outside of diapers and the ABC's. They see the value in books, REAL books, not just Twlight and Anita Stansfield. They do their best to educate themselves in the happenings and events of this world we live in.
I feel bold enough (and angered enough) to say this: to those of you who believe that pursuing an Education is "a temptation" and evil, YOU ARE WRONG. A woman who is educated, smart, witty, and connected with the philosophies of the gospel through study, far surpasses those who stand idly by. Do I believe this should REPLACE being a mother? Absolutely not. I feel that my education will do nothing but enhance my ability to be a mother and send my children out into the world to change it. How can I expect them to change the world if I know nothing about it?
I know this to be true. I know that Heavenly Father desires His daughters to cultivate knowledge, to study, to read good literature, to learn science, history, art, all forms of education. The prophets, from ages and ages past, have taught this. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true for many reasons. And one of them, is because of the equality we see in the Divine Nature of men and women. We know that all children of God have value and that all must stand before Him at the judgment bar and show what they did with the talents He gave them just as they will be accountable for what they did in pursuit of a family. I am grateful for both opportunities I have in my life: to eventually be a mother, and to cultivate all the knowledge I can, so that I can become more like my Heavenly Father.
Counsel SPECIFICALLY to Women
“Seek to be educated in the highest meaning of the term; get the most possible service out of your time, your body and brains, and let all your efforts be directed into honorable channels, that no effort be wasted, and no labor result in loss or evil.”-Joseph F. Smith
“Too great care cannot be taken in educating our young ladies. … Let the women of our country be made intelligent and their children will certainly be the same. The proper education of a man decides his welfare; but the interests of a whole family are secured by the correct education of a woman.”-George Q. Cannon
"You belong to a church which espouses education. To you young women may I suggest that you get all the education you can. Train yourselves to make a contribution to the society in which you will live. There is an essence of the divine in the improvement of the mind."-Gordon B. Hinckley
"Even though some of you may be fully occupied with families and have little time for other things at this stage of your lives, you can enlarge your minds and broaden your understanding through the reading of good books." -Gordon B. Hinckley
“Remember, in the world before we came here, faithful women were given certain assignments while faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood tasks. For women, the important ingredients for happiness are to forge an identity, serve the Lord, get an education, develop your talents, serve your family, and if possible to have a family of your own." -Spencer W. Kimball
23 December 2009
Zuzu's Petals
Quiet seems to pervade the library, hugging the corners of the stacks, sweeping down the stairs in the atrium, and collecting in tiny piles on the carpet. The only reason I know it's inhabited is the fact that I am still sitting at my desk, on the first floor, in Special Collections, with a few other student employees who pass by here and there. There's not much to do; I've finished my project, pandora just informed me that our computer has used up its 40 hour limit for music, and I've resorted to looking at old pictures on facebook.
As I've clicked through the hundreds of pictures of me and my loved ones, I can't help but smile at all the crazy things I've done. Christmas pictures of us gallivanting around Disneyland, Derek and I building a snowman at 3 in the morning, pictures of me standing beneath Big Ben. All of these are fabulous memories, of course, but I often wonder where the "real life" is in these snapshots. Where are the days when all I did was curl up with Harry Potter and read it from cover to cover? Where's the sandbox I spend hours, even days, in? Where are the breakfasts in our pajamas, or Derek and I curling up to watch a movie on the laptop? I guess the sad thing is, these pictures all depict the big bang moments. But reality is that life is a gradual creation, a collection of moments that turn us into people.
I couldn't help but be reminded of Russell in Disney's movie UP. He said, "Sometimes, it's the boring stuff I remember the most." And I have to agree with him! It's the "boring" stuff that make us who we are, that connect us to our loved ones. I mean, how would Sam have been my best friend until just about forever if we hadn't jumped on our beds all night? Why would I want to go home if I didn't have a million and one nights of eating dinner together to bring me back to my family? How on earth could I have made it for two years without hearing Derek's voice if I didn't have hours spend on my apartment love seat, talking about what type of furniture or Tupperware we would be? Sure, you might look at all that and say: that's really boring. And perhaps it is. But let me remind you of something.
In It's A Wonderful Life George Bailey is given the incredible opportunity of seeing what the world would be like without him. In the end, when George "lives again," the first thing he wants is confirmation and what does he look for? A few petals from his daughter's flower: "Zuzu's petals." That small simple thing brought a huge smile to his face, laughter, and enough energy to run home through the snow of Bedford Falls. Those seemingly insignificant petals were confirmation that his wife and children lived, that they loved him, and that they wanted him home.
I can't help but think that it truly is the "small and simple things" which bring great moments and great love to our lives. And I'm grateful for all of them. I think back on all the moments of barbies and mermaids in the pool and realize that without all of that, my sisters and brother would just be human beings to me. Sure, I would still see their worth, but how much of it would I see? A surface of paint, not the layers and layers that make them who they are.Thank goodness for Zuzu's Petals.
As I've clicked through the hundreds of pictures of me and my loved ones, I can't help but smile at all the crazy things I've done. Christmas pictures of us gallivanting around Disneyland, Derek and I building a snowman at 3 in the morning, pictures of me standing beneath Big Ben. All of these are fabulous memories, of course, but I often wonder where the "real life" is in these snapshots. Where are the days when all I did was curl up with Harry Potter and read it from cover to cover? Where's the sandbox I spend hours, even days, in? Where are the breakfasts in our pajamas, or Derek and I curling up to watch a movie on the laptop? I guess the sad thing is, these pictures all depict the big bang moments. But reality is that life is a gradual creation, a collection of moments that turn us into people.
I couldn't help but be reminded of Russell in Disney's movie UP. He said, "Sometimes, it's the boring stuff I remember the most." And I have to agree with him! It's the "boring" stuff that make us who we are, that connect us to our loved ones. I mean, how would Sam have been my best friend until just about forever if we hadn't jumped on our beds all night? Why would I want to go home if I didn't have a million and one nights of eating dinner together to bring me back to my family? How on earth could I have made it for two years without hearing Derek's voice if I didn't have hours spend on my apartment love seat, talking about what type of furniture or Tupperware we would be? Sure, you might look at all that and say: that's really boring. And perhaps it is. But let me remind you of something.
In It's A Wonderful Life George Bailey is given the incredible opportunity of seeing what the world would be like without him. In the end, when George "lives again," the first thing he wants is confirmation and what does he look for? A few petals from his daughter's flower: "Zuzu's petals." That small simple thing brought a huge smile to his face, laughter, and enough energy to run home through the snow of Bedford Falls. Those seemingly insignificant petals were confirmation that his wife and children lived, that they loved him, and that they wanted him home.
I can't help but think that it truly is the "small and simple things" which bring great moments and great love to our lives. And I'm grateful for all of them. I think back on all the moments of barbies and mermaids in the pool and realize that without all of that, my sisters and brother would just be human beings to me. Sure, I would still see their worth, but how much of it would I see? A surface of paint, not the layers and layers that make them who they are.Thank goodness for Zuzu's Petals.
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