What Is Essential?

About a month ago, I took my kids to Temple Square where my mom is a missionary.  She gave us a tour of the Relief Society building, located north east of the reflecting pool.  I loved seeing the beautiful artifacts that early Saints donated to the building of a Relief Society building when they were not allowed to send money, and it was special to find the names of my grandmothers and great-grandmothers in a list of sisters who did donate money.  In the bottom level of the building, they have displays and information about Primary, the Young Women program, and Relief Society.

One display about our priorities made a particular impact on me.  As you read through it, you might ask yourself if you are accomplishing the Essentials before focusing on the Nice to Dos each day.  I loved how in her General Conference talk, Sister Reeves' [thanks for your previous insights Michelle] addressed how spending time in prayer and scripture study each day, and having Family Home Evening each week are really the only things that must get done in our families, and how those things cause us to feel less stress in our lives.

Prioritizing Our Lives
"A good woman knows that she does not have enough time, energy, or opportunity to take care of all the people or do all of the worthy things her heart yearns to do.  Life is not calm for most women, and each day seems to require the accomplishment of a million things, most of which are important.  A good woman must constantly resist alluring and deceptive messages from many sources telling her that she is entitled to more time away from her responsibilities and that she deserves a life of greater ease and independence. But with personal revelation, she can prioritize correctly and navigate this life confidently."  (Source not listed.)

Essentials
The things that must be taken care of and if I don't take care of them, the blessings of eternal life won't be mine, nor will they be the blessings of my family.

Revelation
Pray always
Daily scripture study
Time to ponder and fast
Making and keeping covenants (Sacrament Meeting, temple)
Love one another

Necessary
Things we have to do as part of mortal life in order to be self-reliant and be of service to our families and the Lord.

Marriage and family relationships
Homemaking (cooking, cleaning, working)
Self-reliance and provident living
Compassionate service
Temple and family history
Sharing the gospel
Church service

Nice to Dos
These add variety to our lives, but they won't save us.

Crafts
Hobbies
Recreational reading
Lunches with friends
Movies
Travel
Blogging and recreational computer time
What is on your list?