Her father, Elder W. Grant Bangerter, just passed away last week, and she talked about her few last tender visits with him. His parting words to her were “What is your mission?” He told her that each of us has a mission. That we all are here to develop ourselves and to build the Kingdom of God.

This year, she had the opportunity to study, in depth, Rebecca. How we love Rebecca, and her insight in literally saving the House of Israel with her personal revelation of how the birthright should be distributed. Today, the House of Israel depends on modern day Rebeccas, who are us.

Sis. Beck mentioned the Priesthood a lot in the course of her talk. We, as Women of God, work alongside the Priesthood. As we attend the temple, she encouraged us to pay attention, as we discover our Priesthood role in the temple. God needs all of us to do our part; and both male and female have a vital role in the workings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Does our understanding of the Priesthood have to do with our mission?

We all have responsibilities and it is important to recognize them and do our best with them. They are:

1. Personal Righteousness—We need to fight Satan and push him back. If we are spiritually strong, we will be more capable, more helpful, and more worthy of the blessings that will come.
2. Stronger Homes—The Spirit must dwell in our homes. We must teach our children the gospel. We must love our husbands, children, brothers, sisters, cousins, all who depend on us.
3. Seek Out People in Need—They are all around us. There are people who need a smile. They need the gospel. They need a listening ear. We need to offer ourselves as instruments of the Lord.

The Lamanite mothers are prime examples of what we should be like. They combined their efforts in the raising of their warrior sons. As a sisterhood, they must have supported one another, perhaps serving as examples. These astounding mothers were Daughters of God who were personally righteous, made their homes strong, and sought out each other with strength and conviction. Do you think anyone slipped through the cracks?

Sis. Beck said these very motivating words: “If the mother believes in a mission, she will teach her family the mission.” I love that statement. Everyone knows that the home is highly influenced by a woman. Wouldn’t it be dynamic for every home to have a mission statement, a direction and purpose where children are taught, good examples are offered, testimonies are born, values and morals are lived, and God is worshipped with full purpose of heart?

She talked about priorities. “When priorities are out of order, we lose power.” Let’s consider our daily choices:

1. Essential—This is where we cultivate our Eternal Skills: personal revelation, scripture study, service, keeping covenants, sharing the gospel, etc. When we pray, have a pen and paper at the ready to note your thoughts and inspirations, people you need to visit, things to act on.
2. Necessary—This would be your mothering and homemaking skills. Model your home after the temple. Put your household/life in order. Be self reliant. And teach your children the gospel.
3. Nice—These are nice things that will not save you. Only consider these when your other priorities are in place.

As we fight for and protect our homes and our families, Sis. Beck dared us to be the Lioness At The Gate. Be on guard-Always. Be fierce against the Destroyer.

Because single sisters tend to be less overwhelmed than mothers, they need to capitalize on their strength and power and help those who are weak. Single sisters can prepare the minds of the faithful, provide refuge and safety, and give help where needed. Everyone is essential in the Kingdom.

Sis. Beck challenged us to get a new Book of Mormon. In the first empty pages write down these questions:

• Who am I?
• What are my responsibilities in the House of Israel?
• How do I fulfill these responsibilities?

As you read the Book of Mormon, find the answers to these questions and write your inspirational answers in that book. Take a week, a year, or a lifetime, to understand how YOU fit in and are essential to your Father in Heaven.

She ended with this powerful statement of how when Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in the Grove, he learned who he was, what he needed to do, and how to do it. Each of us must seek after our own First Vision.