On Sunday it was my turn to give the lesson in Young Women's. I started out with an object lesson, that I think really brought the spirit we needed to really understand the importance of the message. I will share it, and maybe when you need it you can try it.


Take a piece of paper and write down 2 or 3 things that have really made you mad.  It might take a minutes to think about it, but really think and feel the emotions of it. at this point I had the girls close their eyes. I asked them to crumple up the paper and just throw it. Then I held up a sculpture of Christ and had them open there eyes. (if you are doing this right now just picture Christ in your mind) The room went from a bunch of girls snarling and groaning and sharing stories of why they were so mad, to complete silence. Everyone just looked at my sculpture. As the one in front of 25 people, I could see and immediate change in thier countenance. I saw remorse, embarrassment, and reverence. I asked them if they handled the situation the way Christ would have, and if not, how the situations could have been different.


My lesson was on Being a Peacemaker. I was so humbled by the words of the lesson book. Especially because every Sunday morning is such a struggle at our house. It was amazing to hear the girls tell of times when they have taken the higher road, and not let Satan take control of different situations. Again I was reminded how awesome my calling is and how each one of my girls are an example to me. I have posted some quotes that i like. I challenge you, just like I did myself and the girls to really look for opportunities to be a peacemaker, and reflect on what Jesus would do. ~E

"When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses? When the surf of the centuries has made the great pyramids so much sand, the everlasting family will still be standing, because it is a celestial institution, formed outside telestial time. " 

— Neal A Maxwell

"As I have said, the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself... Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty, but humility." 

— Nelson Mandela

"the Beatitudes 

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Matt. 5:3–11"