Merry Misadventures of a Matriarchal Madwoman

For most of my adult life, I have served in one capacity or another in the Relief Society. I began attending when I was an 18-year-old bride, when we had Relief Society during the week! (I guess that dates me for sure!)

I've always loved Relief Society. I have learned SO many things from the homemaking meetings, been inspired in the Sunday meetings and tried to faithfully do my visiting teaching (although not always without complaint)

I've had the opportunity to be more "up close and personal" to several of the last general Relief Society presidents, but none has affected me more than Sister Julie B. Beck. I love that on her bio it read, "she was a homemaker when she received her calling."  I love that she is an amazing student of the scriptures, you could tell by looking at them that they were used and loved. I loved how she would speak so much of receiving personal revelation. I loved that she didn't speak down to us, in a "sweet" voice. She is genuine and a strong, faithful woman of God.  I guess this is why I wanted to write a short post on how much I have learned from her, and how much I am going to miss her as the general president. I'm sure Sister Burton is amazing, or she wouldn't have received the call...but there will always be a soft spot in my heart for Sister Beck. 

She came to see us here in Arizona a few months ago, and specifically requested to meet with the Spanish-speaking sisters. What an honor it was! She spoke wonderful Spanish and the sisters loved her for speaking their language. After the meeting was over, there was a foot race to the front to give her "abrazos." I think my first counselor was the first one there!

She told a story that I will never forget and that has remained with me these last few months since she was here. She didn't repeat the story in her training last week, but she spoke of it.  I would like to share what she said.

She said when her mother was young and raising her family, (they had ten children), she made a plan. It was a daily plan to show Heavenly Father that she loved him.  It was a simple plan that consisted of four things.

1.   Get on your knees and pray as soon as you get out of bed.
2.   Read something out of the scriptures.
3.   Get dressed.
4.  Make your bed.

She said those four things were a symbol, a symbol that she was ready to serve and that she would remember Heavenly Father and His Son first before all else. It was something she could accomplish even though she had a houseful of kids.

I will never forget that story, nor will I ever forget the impact that she has made on my life. Thank you so much for your service, Sister Beck! You are my hero!!