Sort of doldrums....

 Things continue to be hectic here.  The A/C is still not working.  Help to fix it should be here Monday.  We don't enjoy a hot house!

Biding our time on Dr. Appointments.

Family is coming and honestly, I have nothing ready like I like to! 

My current new normal for my life is taking adjusting and adapting. 

A good Sunday nights sleep and getting the things done, that make me happy when family is coming, is on my Monday to do list!!

Regrouping.  again!!!

Later.

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 My heart supports this letter/statement.

Office of the First Presidency

47 East South Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150

---

June 28, 2014

In God's plan for the happiness and eternal progression of His children, the blessings of His priesthood are equally available to men and women. Only men are ordained to serve in priesthood offices. All service in the Church has equal merit in the eyes of God. We express profound gratitude for the millions of Latter-day Saint women and men who willingly and effectively serve God and His children. Because of their faith and service, they have discovered that the Church is a place of spiritual nourishment and growth.

We understand that from time to time Church members will have questions about Church doctrine, history, or practice. Members are always free to ask such questions and earnestly seek greater understanding. We feel special concern, however, for members who distance themselves from Church doctrine or practice and, by advocacy, encourage others to follow them.

Simply asking questions has never constituted apostasy. Apostasy is repeatedly acting in clear, open, and deliberate public opposition to the Church or its faithful leaders, or persisting, after receiving counsel, in teaching false doctrine.

The Council of
The First Presidency and
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Women/Priesthood  here

Excellent counsel....

This is one of the best articles on relationships and kindness ever....here  

Masters of Love

Science says lasting relationships come down to—you guessed it—kindness and generosity.

This would make a great FHE!!!...

Lots to discuss!

this is an amazing talk from 32 years ago.  Given by President Benson about the last days.  Puts things in perspective and offers such great hope to increase faith and to hold to the rod!!
here

Me climbing up on the wall...

not literally but figuratively.  I want to be like Nehemiah.  Stay focused on the task at hand.

I need to be aware of this mess going on and now already it's fanning out and creating more confusion and division but not get embroiled in it.  Read this from today.....

The recent wave of church discipline facing prominent Mormons who have advocated for change within the LDS Church has caused many members to who hold similar views and beliefs to request their own disciplinary councils.

The members being disciplined include Kate Kelly, the founder of the Ordain Women movement, John Dehlin, a prolific writer, researcher, podcaster, and leader in the online LDS community and Alan “Rock” Waterman a prominent blogger at The Pure Mormonism blog.

In response they are organizing a grass roots movement called “Strangers In Zion,” and are calling upon thousands of Church members to send in requests to their local Church leaders for disciplinary councils. This movement has been widely distributed within the online Mormon community, and its website has received 8,000 page views within twelve hours of its launching. Strangers In Zion offers letter templates, community, and the opportunity to sign up at its website http://www.strangersinzion.org.

***************************************

 They are aiming at sending the papers in all at once on July 24th for requesting courts. I wish they would just form their own Church.  Why force yourself on an established Church?

Last days for sure.  I'm thinking of what President Kimball said about us, the women of the Church, in the last days.  We need to know and be able to articulate our feelings and testimony.

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I love that story of Nehemiah.  He refused to budge because he knew they were trying to get him off task and foul up his important work.  We have an important work individually and collectively.

I know the Gospel is led by Prophets inspired through Jesus Christ. 

My Bitty Book

aka Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks.

***********************

Bitty- in my mind...that would be a short book.  a small book. Teensy.  Or is it really a Biddy Book?
An old phrase for a persnickety woman was ...She's an old biddy!  

*******************************************

An old song title.  Aptly describes me soap-boxing.  I just have to get this out of my system.  I'll say it and be done (does anyone that knows me really believe that statement??  Not even I do 100%!!  I actually wrote this post awhile back and decided to just not use it but now I'm going to post it even though it's after the fact of the happenings!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One 

Recently a friend posted this.... (Thanks Sarah!)

Elder Marvin J. Ashton said this in 1987  (it seems even more essential 27 years later)...

"We should learn to talk together, listen together, pray together, decide together, and avoid all forms of possible contention. We must learn to curb anger. Satan knows that when contention begins, orderly progress is thwarted.

There has never been a time when it is more important for us as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to take a stand, remain firm in our convictions, and conduct ourselves with calm assurance under all circumstances. We must not be manipulated or enraged by those who subtly foster contention over issues of the day.

“Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away” (3 Ne. 11:30).

“Ye should live in peace one with another” (Mosiah 2:20). Those with the gift of being calm make lasting peace possible."

It fits right in with my rethink of how I intend to handle/react to some issues that we are facing or will face.

Chapter Two

I'm so opposed to the LDS feminist movement seeking Priesthood for women.  And the gay movement that wants non-traditional marriage bugs me...Mostly because some of this is being legislated, so some think it is suddenly moral, because it is legal.  The big huge issue with me-- is your own Church!!  That is when my irritation starts to grow.  I have to change course in my reaction.

I also have this huge concern over thinking that others will buy into this line of thinking and be hoodwinked.  So am I thinking that I am destined to save the entire world????

What to do?  I know what I believe and what I don't believe.  I believe in Latter-day revelation to the male leaders of the Church at large. the Apostles.  the First Presidency.  I absolutely do not believe that anything I think needs to be changed, or for that matter what anyone else think needs to be changed, will amount to anything more than an irritant to General Church Authorities.  No amount of letter writing or protests, even peaceful, will amount to a twit as far as instigating change.  Revelation/change for the Church at large-- comes from the top, down.  not from the bottom, upwards. (figure that out, huh?  you understand.  right?)

I've really been thinking of this and am going to tweak a few things within myself.  for me to muzzle myself a bit can only come about if I really believe that is what I need to do.  I do believe that.

Last night I was reading a talk by Elder Scott and he was commenting on Alma 7:23 and the word gentle was mentioned.  being gentle in dealing with others was a part of it.  On these social issues- I feel so adamant about others being wrong and me being right, that gentle/gentleness, in any form, does not exist.

Chapter Three

I never got upset while waiting for the Priesthood to be given to all men.  I didn't understand it but I figured the authorities knew what was going on and in time it will all turn out fine.  These present issues, that are in instances old issues, are not in that category.  Authorities/Prophets were pleading for that day to come about Priesthood for all men.  They would mention it.  It was just an matter of time.

Authorities are not praying for revelation on the Priesthood being extended to females.  They are not praying for gays to be sealed in the Temple.  These issues are not open for discussion.

Chapter Four

What really bugs me (more bugging.  bring on the aerosol poison and spray me down!!) is I absolutely love my Church.  I love my association with members.  I love the feeling of calm assurance that He cares.  (Is that a hymn phrase?)  There is a very family feeling, a homey connection, with the familiarity of my worship and the comfort of tradition.  The peace I feel.  I don't want my peace of worship disrupted. I don't want fussing and feuding and protesting and harshness and loudness.  I don't want to have others trying to change what I value as my choice.  No tweaking welcome. 

There is a lot coming down the pike and I can see it will grow and get gnarly but what about me?  Me with the capability/ability to snap back, loudly/meanly (perhaps?), to give them my more than 2 cents worth of thinking?  spewing quotes.  stating scriptures.  am I really changing anything?  Is this my standing as a witness at all times and in all places?  Behavior of someone who believes she is a daughter of God? 

I've really been thinking a lot about this.  Praying a lot.

The Holy Ghost speaks quietly to me.  doesn't he to you also?  Do I drive him away with my, at times strident, manner.

Chapter 5

That phrase calm assurance just stayed with me so I stopped and found it!  I will take this as a part of the puzzle that I'm trying to solve for altering my reaction behavior.  A piece that lets me know I'm on the right track.  It even mentions gentle!  Often hymns that pop into my mind have all/some of answers I'm seeking.  I assume that is how it works for you also.

130 Be Thou Humble

Chapter 6

I've been thinking about Lehi and his dream and the building filled with finger pointing accusing scoffers  to the believers below.  As others ridicule my cherished beliefs, do I conduct myself within the guidelines of the 11th article of Faith.  The article that says it all.  the Article that preaches live and let live.  the foundation of not judging others.  teaching me about unconditional love.  Am I living that as my personal honor code when I'm responding to their choices?  Mirroring their very behavior while expressing what I know to be true?   I'm thinking I'm standing on the ground and conducting myself like those in that building, as I am conducting myself. 

In that building story of Lehi's dream, those on the ground, those having the words thrown at them, the fingers pointed at them...how did they react?.  They heeded not.

Isn't that what the Savior did?  When he was tempted, teased, taunted, challenged by the adversary...the scriptures say...He heeded not.

the story of the worker on the wall.  would not allow him self to be distracted.  stayed focus.  didn't lose sight of his purpose. (Nehemiah)

help beyond.  they that be for us.  are more than those against us. ( Elisha.2 Kings)

things will get rough.  It's the last days.  (Holland?)

I can preach/teach/witness truth or rant and rave about untruth.  which approach really moves the work forward and saves my own soul?  hopefully. (on the soul saving part!)

Chapter 7

We women can be so insistent, so strident, so abrasive, so stubborn, so naggy, so obnoxious IF we really believe we are right.  I can say that and know I do not stand alone in that definition.  not all the time but sometimes.  This scenario of the Priesthood for women and the entire Gay marriage etc. bring out the worst in many.  I think my total opposition to their position puts me in same style battle gear.  The bad thing is it feels quite comfy to wear and screech back that they are wrong and I'm right.  Yes.  I need to regroup.

Actually it's not my Church.  It's the Lord's Church.  The best thing I can do is live it to the best of my ability.  Build up my local Ward.  Support my local leaders. Develop my Spiritual self by trying to follow promptings of the Holy Ghost.  Go to the Temple. and all the other myriad of details for LDS living, as what I know to be-- true Christianity.  My prayers for the Prophet and Apostles, will help the cause for belief in revealed truth, far more than me arguing. figuring out how to love everyone unconditionally would be better time spent.

Chapter 8

This letter to the women wanting access to the all male meeting is one of my all-time favorite statements.
especially.....



Cody Craynor about what happened on Temple Square:

Despite polite and respectful requests from church leaders not to make Temple Square a place of protest, a mixed group of men and women ignored that request and staged a demonstration outside the Tabernacle on General Conference weekend, refusing to accept ushers’ directions and refusing to leave when asked. While not all the protesters were members of the church, such divisive actions are not the kind of behavior that is expected from Latter-day Saints and will be as disappointing to our members as it is to church leaders.

 Chapter 9

Temple Recommend..... These two questions alone are so telling.....

2. Do you sustain the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the prophet, seer, and revelator; and do you recognize him as the only person on the earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys?

6. Do you affiliate with any group or individual whose teachings or practices are contrary to or oppose those accepted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or do you sympathize with the precepts of any such group or individual?

Chapter 10

As of Sunday morning Ordain Women has 2719 likes.  While a new group, Mormon Women Stand, totally supportive of the Prophet and Apostles, had 20,897 likes.  +1.  Me.  OW, according to their stats had 510 women in attendance + 360 proxy cards, of women that supported, wanted to attend but couldn't.  If we say 500 were involved out of the 15 Million membership then that is a percentage of .0000333!  How do you even say that miniscule amount.  A bitty amount participating overall but definitely an irritant to peaceful worship!

Chapter 11

Below....The founder of Ordain Women.  A beautiful young LDS woman that wants the Priesthood for herself and all females.  Raw picture of her Saturday before heading to Temple Square...Crying and moved and touched with the emotion of what she wants.  Strange that I wept for what she wants also.  Not because I want it but because she does.

*************************************************

I just remembered that I said here that I would do 4 Soapbox items.  So this is #1.

*************************************

That letter from her Bishop is so touching and beautifully written and I just think it tells it all!  I re-read it again.   here

Still on my mind....

Last night I heard from Amy, one of my Laurels from long ago, and I just wanted to share a couple of things.  She'd had a great lesson and discussion with her YW about Women and the Priesthood.  I love hearing from readers!

The letter from the Bishop here to Kate Kelly has some excellent insight. 

This whole thing, in my book, boils down to testimony.  Do we believe our Church is THE Church?  Do we believe the heavens are open to communication from God to living Prophets?  The scriptures tell us that God will do nothing save he reveals it to his Prophets.  Do we really believe that?  Do we really believe that revelation, in regards to how the Church is "run", exists?  For me, there is one answer for all of these...YES.

This brings me back to the simplicity of the fact that Church wide change in anything comes from the top downward and not from the ground up.  We will never receive inspiration/revelation for the Church at large no matter how much we want something changed.   We can't even receive personal revelation for simple callings in our Ward except for our own calling!  No one else's!!

This is not a political organization with campaigns/walk-in/write-ins/petitions etc.  This is our religion of choice and we understand how that works.

Yesterday I got my Temple Recommend renewed and I thought about how I value that little piece of paper and the doors it literally opens for me.  Not only to enter the Temple doors but to receive peace of heart and personal revelation to help me withstand the rigors of life.  I'm thankful to not be embroiled against the Church.

It's quite amazing to think that the Church is world wide.  The difficulty of keeping the Church pure with the scriptural adage of one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism is overwhelming to contemplate.  To keep things laser beamed on the Gospel and making sure that all mankind- no matter their country of origin, their language, their cultural, their traditions, their former religious beliefs- understand the way of the Gospel is just a miracle in itself.

The Church has adapted over the years in many ways to fit the growing needs of a growing Church.  Doing away with details that aren't applicable for everyone.  Simple things to improve, expand in preparation for the last days that we live in.

To bring attention to the Church in such a negative way in wanting to actually insist a Doctrinal change be made, differs on all levels of being appropriate.

Ordain Women had a thousand or so women write the Authorities supporting their cause, pleading for conversation/dialogue.  The entire thing reminded me of that old catch phrase "what part of no don't you understand???"  They asked for women to be ordained.  They were told no. They refused to accept it and said they will persist.  Are they really thinking they will wear down the Prophets?

The Church is always on the lookout for changes, as far as I'm concerned, and in the past years have done lots to involve women more.  I believe we will see more and more changes.  What is rather irksome to me is the Ordain Women group will take credit for those changes.  As they already have.  Like the prayer at General Conference by a woman, which had been in place for months, and yet they were asking/requesting/questioning so they put a feather in their bonnet.  I'm sure there will be more things like that.  I know that any change that happens regarding women will happen because that is what the Lord wants to happen in His Church not because of women counseling the Prophets. 

Such a small group of agitators but with today's technology this will be all over the place.  We need to be comfortable with our beliefs, not be wishy-washy, stand for truth- in support of divine revelation for the Church at large.

I have a blog that I wrote but never posted about this subject of women wanting change.  I seem to feel the need to purge and share.  tomorrow.  Yes.  I'll share it tomorrow!  if you can stand one more post!!!  You are forewarned!  And then I think that will be enough except for follow-up. 

************************************************

this is after the fact but this sort of shannigan, to bring about change, resonates so wrong in my soul that it repulses me....here 

The Battle heats up....

Just read this about Kate Kelly's excommunication.... here

This is when the unraveling begins... choosing sides...  faultfinding... accusations....our very own, yet personally unknown, LDS sisters and their families dealing with heartbreak.

She says she will not stop her Ordain Women goal, even though in the above article, she is asked by the Church to do so.

I'm sure the LDS homosexuals desiring Temple marriage etc.,  will rally to her support and increase the pressure that will not amount to a twit as far as change in doctrinal issues.

How very sad.

Attitude Adjustment...

I have always felt blessed that somewhere along the line I was prompted to read pure doctrine.  I love that sort of thing.  Preferred over all other good or great publications.  In looking back I see the main guideline I had was a feeling to only read truth about the Church.  Even not understanding the source at that time, the Holy Ghost was influencing me and I was heeding that nudge to go in a specific direction.

This grass roots effort of some LDS women, and also some LDS men, feeling the effective way to make needed changes in the Church is by organizing members in counseling, petitioning, forming discussion groups and writing 6 Missionary Discussion lessons to be taught, has really rankled me.  You that read my blog already know that!

Comparatively speaking they are a few people, percentage-wise, to the Church at large, yet they are bothersome.  They bring negative attention to the Church, create discord, cause dissension and for me personally?--they disrupt the peace I feel in my own worship and enjoyment of my religious choice.

Like an irritating buzzing mosquito that I bat at and never quite give a lethal smack, they just ease their way in, oozing untruths while schmoozing with their own avowed testimonies of truth.  No amount of my hand-flailing to bat the pesky bug proves successful, they stay on course.

I can deal with them wanting something for themselves but my problem is when they are trying to present ideas and act like I want what they want! and I don't want it at all.  It's an irritant beyond measure!  Even if I wanted change in the Church, of any sort, I 100% understand that I have no voice, no power, no influence on the General leaders.  That is not the workings of the wheels that grind slowly.  Slowly perhaps because they can't be changing a world-wide Church every time someone voices their request for their doctrinal adjustment desire.  Acting as if the Authorities don't have a grain of sense to realize what is needed!

The General Authorities are in charge of the vineyard and all the seasons and tending.  Preparing for the last harvest.  I hold to that fact.  I have confidence, faith and security that Prophets will cautiously guide me/us through this tenuous time.  I can have inner peace through the challenges of mortality and it's endless testing and trials because they will let me/us know what is coming and what is needed on a personal and collective level.

My attitude can be summed up in what I will tell my Laurel girls...Change in the Church will come from the top down and not the bottom up.

With absolutely no desire to hold the Priesthood and also patience to be okay with how the Church is in women's roles and a believer in that beautiful 11th article of faith, I just want the dis-satisfied feminists to use their power and satisfy their own needs by forming their own Church.  Leave me alone.  I'm fine.

And I've come to the conclusion that I will leave them alone.  I will stay attuned to their happenings in a broad sense as to what ends up happening to them and I predict excommunication and the repercussions of that sad fact but I'm not going to read much more than that.

The leaders of the opposition have been served notice by their local Priesthood leaders, which is the way it is done ( Church stand  here)  and they are crying foul already.  They have wonderful women on their site that each bear testimonies of love of The Church but change is needed now as far as they are concerned.  They have an organized plan and a part of it is a 6 plan discussion booklet.  How to express yourself.  What they want to accomplish etc. etc.  Color coded like Preach My Gospel.  Then they have online meeting/discussion groups plus they want their members to hold small at home meetings with even a couple of friends and talk about how they can bring about this needed and desired change.

I read many of their testimonies. I scanned through most and thoroughly read some of their discussions.  I watched the entirety of their initial introductory YouTube (?) class to the future introductions.


As I read and studied their viewpoint, noted their sweetness, beauty, intelligence, persuasiveness, testimony, sincerity- the thing that kept popping into my mind was---this is wrong...this is not true...this is false.  

Then it really hit me when I finished one item and it took me to all sorts of anti-Mormon sites, and the Spirit said again...this is wrong...that it was dual meaning, for me personally.  Not only was what they are saying wrong but it was wrong for me to devote a lot of time studying it out.  At a certain point there was a line crossed with my desire to understand why on earth they are going about things in such a bizarre incorrect way.

I did find that I knew enough on Church government to understand the erroneous way they were approaching their desire for monumental change.  Doctrine is not changed by desire of any group of members, large or small, no matter what angle they come at it.

Ours is to live the restored Gospel and enjoy it and allow our lives to be blessed by it.  Especially figuring out how to receive personal guidance from the Holy Ghost (what a Gift!!!)

So in that revelatory moment of This is wrong...not true...etc.  These popped into my mind...
We talk of Christ  also 13th Article of Faith and 11th Article of Faith also  Instrument of Thy Peace also I feel my Saviors love.

2 Nephi 25:26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

13th Article of Faith-- We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. 

11th Article of Faith-- We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

 

video of Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing...I Feel My Saviors Love  here


My time needs to be spent studying truth and not gearing up for contentious battle.... Preparing myself to explain the truths I love as a believer in the Gospel and follower of Christ.

Party Lunch

Rude!  just plain rude to have not at least said something on here.  Instead a blank page yesterday.

Things have been hectic here but today I played in the middle of the day...celebrated a friends birthday. 

I love women at lunch with all the chatter and laughing and enjoying/comparing food choices.

Happy Birthday, Maurine!!!

Again!!!

A great Sunday Father's Day followed by a Monday trip to Emergency.  Not as horrible as it sounds.

Just a time user upper!  3 hours!!

He was diagnosed with...Anterior Epistaxis  aka serious nosebleed!

Has had AE off and on and we knew at some point he needed to do more than stuff cotton manicure remover pads in his nostril!  Today was the day!  Hopefully after 2 swabs cauterizing the spot and a clamp placed on his nose until it hurt, he is set for life and no more of this sort of thing.  The clamp squeezed his nostrils so tight that he looked like a Who from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.  He saw no humor when I was wishing I had my camera and could share it.  I asked him if it stung a bit as he didn't make a sound.  He said...no!  it didn't sting.  it burnt!  it's acid.  It hurt!  I told him he was brave.

Father's Day.....

Kipper & Terry

Vikings are strange folks!

not an award winning photo.  Vikings are fierce fellows!

Is there no end to such foolishness?????

Finding our voice

Last week I saw a picture of a beautiful field of blue bonnets and Texas wild flowers and was reminded me of the power of one woman.  the power of a singular act.  the power of vision of what is possible when a woman takes action. Here is the picture....

The woman I speak of is Lady Bird Johnson and here is a picture (not so good one!) of her sitting amongst some of the wild flowers that she so loved.

 

Johnson was a lifelong advocate for beautifying the nation's cities and highways ("Where flowers bloom, so does hope") and the Highway Beautification Act was informally known as Lady Bird's Bill. She was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold 
Medal, the highest US civilian honors.





She was a successful businesswoman in the days when there weren't very many in the field of business.  Her husband Lyndon Baines Johnson became President when President Kennedy was assassinated.  I'm older now but I now look back on my life and see that I've been fascinated with people and their stories for what seems to be my entire life.   I was intrigued by her.  Mrs. Kennedy had refurbished the interior of our Nations house-- The White House.  Mrs. Johnson wanted to take on the Nations exterior-- the land!  She loved our country and wanted roadways and highways to be beautiful.  She wanted them tidy.  She wanted an abundance of native flowers that would flourish in their wildness on any barren roadside.

Eventually she wrote a big thick book (at least in memory it seems so) about The White House Years.  That might have actually been the name of the book.  So I read the book and wrote her a letter telling her how much I'd enjoyed the book and asking some questions.  She wrote me a letter back (somewhere in all my paper stacks I still have it)  spoke very kindly to me and answered my questions.  I realized that she understood the power of persuasion & persistence.  She accomplished her goal with that great desire and vision of what could be done and needed to be done.   

I've really given a lot of thought to the power we have as females and our ability to pretty much accomplish anything we set our minds to.  When Maya Angelou, the black poetess, author, lecturer and all sorts of accomplishments recently passed away, I watched the entire funeral on TV.  It was interesting to see Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey speak.  Speak about the power of women and what women can do when united.  The great power synergistically speaking.  Then there was a special celebration honoring black women of personal accomplishments, being referred to as ground breakers and making the way, through their individual accomplishments and yet banding together as a group, to allow others to build on what they had done.  To stand on their shoulders by barriers broken down and doors now open.

There was also a special over the D-Day anniversary and a man was telling of the greatest tragedy, with 
 so many men wounded and dying and he said the word that was clearly heard from everywhere, the last words, their last thoughts...the person they cried out for was--   Mother.  Mom.  Ma. 

 I do not doubt we are powerful and impactful as females.  that war scene, just the thought of that sound rendering the air made me teary.

A couple of days ago a glimpse of this Seattle newspaper made me cry also.

actually running!!

a baby girl!!

This made me teary also.... here

Yesterday I talked to my Laurels about women and the Priesthood.  My concern for them is them, perhaps, not really knowing how they feel about the Priesthood being for males only...realizing it will not be extended to them... and being prepared to explain themselves.  The above article subject is just the beginning of what is going to be so polarizing to the Church and to we females.

I saw this happen years and years ago and it got divisive but on a more limited way because there was not today's technology.

Change in the Church will never be brought about by grassroots effort...petitions...etc. etc.  Change in the Church never comes from the ground upward.  Change in the Church comes from Heaven downward.  We believe in Prophets.  They will keep us informed as to the happenings with their clear warnings and counsel.

Understanding our own feelings on this subject is one way we stand as a witness of God at all times and in all places and in all things.  

Note to self: Be prepared to explain your feelings with gentleness and kindness.    

(I still want people, those so dissatisfied with the Church that they want to change it, to go form their own Church and PLEASE leave the Church I support and believe in, just as it is.)

 I just have to post this quote again!!!!!

Finally, my dear sisters, may I suggest to you something that has not been said before or at least in quite this way. Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world (in whom there is often such an inner sense of spirituality) will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. 

This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world.

Among the real heroines in the world who will come into the Church are women who are more concerned with being righteous than with being selfish. These real heroines have true humility, which places a higher value on integrity than on visibility. Remember, it is as wrong to do things just to be seen of women as it is to do things to be seen of men. 

Great women and men are always more anxious to serve than to have dominion.

Thus it will be that female exemplars of the Church will be a significant force in both the numerical and the spiritual growth of the Church in the last days. 
                                                                            by President Spencer W. Kimball (1979)