November 08, 2009

save the world... make a home


I was reading this talk, Organize Yourselves... and I loved the following quote:

President J. Reuben Clark said,
“May God … give you the vision of the true homemaker, that you will be able to save by this course, not alone Zion, but the world. And that is your destiny … to save the world.”
(Relief Society Magazine, Dec. 1949, p. 798.)

The work of women, then, takes on a deep and significant meaning. The daily business of homemaking becomes very important—in fact, the most important business in the world. A home is more than a house or a room to live in. For one person making a home for herself, or for the mother of a large family, the home should be a place of learning, a place where prayer can point the way to eternal life. That is how the world will be saved—by strengthening every child of God in every home. 

In a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord tells us,
Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God” (D&C 88:119).

Before I moved from Michigan my friend Corrie and I made a pact to always write "SUPERHERO" when we need to write our occupation.  I have done it sometimes and it always makes me smile.

Last year I went to see a psychiatrist...  I had to laugh when I read his report, he said, "Does not appear overly religious although did write GOD as her employer."  (The professor couldn't believe i would write that on a psyche evaluation... i  know, i AM a little bit crazy.  You can't be completely sane and be PTA President.)


I do believe that I am doing the most important work of the universe.  Not just the teaching part, or the nurturing part or the nourishing part... also the organizing part, the cleansing part, the part where I create a home, an environment where my family can feel the Spirit of God, where they can learn, where they can enjoy being together and begin to desire an ETERNITY together with family.  This is my destiny... First, to save the WORLD by strengthening the children in my home.  I believe my work in my home will have eternal consequences.  And, when I have built a foundation, they will go forth and I will go forth.  I love BYU's motto, ENTER TO LEARN, GO FORTH TO SERVE.  I think I need that above my door.


If I have this story correct, my great-great grandmother lived in an industrial depot town (near lots of trains).  She had a lot of kids and lived in a tiny house.  One thing she was known for was her WHITE curtains.  You can imagine the smoot from the trains grayed everything quickly, but she kept her curtains clean.

I want to be like that in my home.  
I want to be white when the smoot around us tends to turn us gray.  
I want my children's faces to glow, my heart to be pure,  and my curtains to be white...  

Occupation:  Homemaker/ Mother/ Superhero
Employer: God
Salary: Greater than Gold 

4 comments:

LAURA said...

I love all your posts jenifer! thanks for reminding me of our duty and privilege as mothers.

beckyjune said...

Thank you for the wonderful reminder, Jen. You always seem to have such a good perspective about things.

Tiffany said...

Mmmmm... perfect. Just what I needed today!

Sara said...

Just want to tell you how fabulous you are! Love your insight, thoughts, spirit and love...thanks for sharing!

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