Principles that apply in weaving and in life..."Wisdom and order" (Mosiah 4:27)

So, I set some goals this year for learning some more basketry techniques. (Basketry is more sculptural and "artistic" than basket making...either way, I love to weave.) And I just completed my first basket that I made following the pattern/tutorial from a book that was written by Kari Lonning, an amazing contemporary basketry artist. I decided I needed to refine my technique and really learn/perfect certain forms of weaving. This is all good stuff, except for the fact that I am a perfectionist and have a really hard time seeing the good in what I do or accomplish- and not just in weaving (that's not so good.) As I am improving my ability to weave, I am also learning that many gospel principles apply to everything in life- even weaving.

Here are 4 things that I am trying to work on and apply in my weaving...and in my daily life.

1) Ask! "...Ye are commanded in all things to ask of God" (D&C 46:7)- this includes learning a new skill, understanding new things, learning His ways. Ask God for help. One of my favorite scriptures is D&C 88:118 "And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith". I feel like this scripture not only applies to learning about God, His Church, and His ways, but also about learning all truth. There are ways of getting better at developing our talents, and God knows all of those ways. "Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear" (D&C 136:32). As I ask, He will guide my understanding, knowledge, and how to improve in all things. I have learned this for myself. It works!

2) Keep Trying! Sometimes I expect myself to know things perfectly that perhaps I have heard, read, or learned repeatedly over the years, yet, I still make mistakes. I must remember to keep trying. We get to learn "line upon line" (D&C 98:12), a little at a time and over and over. We get to learn things in wisdom and order, which is essential. "And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order" (Mosiah 4:27). This has so many applications in life, and in weaving. As we keep trying and learning in wisdom and order, we will improve and get better at the things we desire most. It's totally worth the effort, especially when we don't run (or expect to perform) faster than we we are able. It will come. Keep trying. It's totally worth the effort.

3) Patience! The scripture in Matthew "Be ye therefore perfect" (Matt. 5:48) is not about being perfect now. Footnote b gives more insight to the meaning of 'perfect'. It says, "complete, finished, fully developed". I am learning and need to practice patience with myself, just as I would my own children because my weaving skills aren't fully developed, finished, or complete. I'm in the developmental stages, just like I am in many things. It takes time to develop new skills, change bad habits, or even learn to be open to the whisperings of the Spirit. So, while I learn these skills, I also get to practice patience. It's a double blessing.

 4) One last thing: Have fun! "Men are that they might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25). And on those days that might not go as planned, or didn't meet your expectations, follow this advice: "If thou art sorrowful, call on the Lord thy God with supplication, that you souls may be joyful" (D&C 136:29). Now that is great advice.

Now- "Go and do" (see 1 Nephi 3:7) ...and have fun will doing all of it! It's worth the effort. This I testify.

The beginning of the basket..."wisdom and order" for sure!

The completed basket...not perfect, but I learned a ton of things! 

A view from the top...remember- Have Fun!

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16)

I have an original painting I got with gift money which has brought me great joy. It is of the resurrected Christ standing next to Mary just outside the garden tomb. Mary hasn't yet seen or noticed Him. I have often pondered on this event captured in this painting. 

(Painting by J. Kirk Richards click here to see more of his work)

There must have been such grief for so many who had lost their Lord and Master, a Beloved Friend, Teacher, Family Member, Leader, Loved One. The depths of sorrow, I can't comprehend. I then ponder the joy that must have filled Mary as she recognized her Master, her Beloved Jesus Christ (see John 20:13-18). His promise to rise again in three days (see Mark 8:31) had been fulfilled, which I can only imagine, had been hoped and was then comprehended. He had "finished the work" of his Father ( John 17:4).

Jesus Christ is truly resurrected, lives, is whole, and complete. He is the Gift to us from our Father in Heaven. We must choose whether or not we want to receive this Gift through faith, for there is no other way to receive Him. I think Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004) said it eloquently when he stated: "Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus" (Settle This in Your Hearts)!

The words to a Children's Primary song, "He Sent His Son" (#34) teaches many principles of sacrifice, love, hope, and enduring, that come from the Gift of our Savior which Heavenly Father gave to all the world. The words are as follows:

How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?

He sent his Son, a newborn babe, with peace and holiness.

How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go?

He sent his Son to walk with men on earth, that we may know.

How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death?

He sent his Son to die for us and rise with living breath.

What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say?

Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way.

What does He ask? Live like his Son.

(Words by Mabel Jones Gabbott, 1910-2004)

We are all God's children, and Heavenly Father needs to teach and have us learn of perfection (see Matt. 5:48). So He sent us a perfect example, because He loves us- perfectly. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Our Heavenly Father gave us the Gift of Christ, He sacrificed his Son for us that we might live again with them if we exercise faith in Jesus Christ. Faith takes action, and sometimes that action is to willingly sacrifice.

At Christmas time, it is a time for giving gifts, which brings great joy. My Children often give me gifts that are a sacrifice of time and money for them. I appreciate these small sacrifices for me, which brings joy to both of us. In a small way, they are expressions of their love. Heavenly Father wants us to receive the joy of giving gifts (see 2 Nephi 2:25). He sometimes may ask us to sacrifice or offer things we may not want to give up or aren't ready to part with, such as time, money, habits, grudges, loved ones, just to name a few. We often think of these things as our possessions or our "substance, which [does] not belong to you but to God" (Mosiah 4:22). When we willingly offer them to Him as gifts and we put our faith in His time table and His plan for us, then our joy will be fuller and deeper. "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy" (Psalms 126:5). The Lord has also said: "I will order all things for your good, as fast as ye are able to receive them" (D&C 111:11). And Paul testified: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

"What does the Father ask of us? Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way" (#34). What beautiful and simple gifts to give our Father in Heaven and our Savior this year: faith, hope, love, kindness, forgiveness, peace. Christ is the perfect example, the perfect Gift. Mary, in the garden tomb, was joyful at the resurrection of Jesus Christ. At this time of year, each of us gets to decide if we will turn and see the resurrected Christ; or in other words, "if there is room for Jesus".