Though surrounded by worldly influences and periodic doubts, LDS women have the ability to move forward and achieve more than ever before of what the Lord desires of them through making covenants, strengthening families, creating beauty and serving others.

During the general Relief Society meeting Saturday night in the Conference Center, female leaders joined President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the LDS Church's First Presidency in encouraging LDS women to see the depth of their own potential.

In his first-ever address to LDS women since becoming a member of the First Presidency earlier this year, President Uchtdorf said he understands that "our splendid sisters sometimes undervalue their abilities — they focus on what is lacking or imperfect rather than what has been accomplished and who they really are."

Realizing there are those who "harbor deep sorrows," wrestle with various fears, or deal with loneliness, he said women who find ways to be creative and to serve others will emulate the Savior.

"Everyone can create. You don't need money, position or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty," he said. Mothers not only assist God in providing bodies for and teaching their children, but those who are not mothers will find that creativity "extends far beyond the limits of canvas or sheet of paper and not require a brush, a pen or the keys of a piano.

"Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before: colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter." Those who feel intimidated can begin with small things like a letter of appreciation, learning a new skill or beautifying a space in some way.

"As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you."

Serving others opens the windows of heaven. "As we lift others, we rise a little higher ourselves." He shared a piece of advice that the late President Gordon B. Hinckley had for a woman recently widowed after his own wife had died. "Work will cure your grief. Serve others."

Though women are often told to "look inward, indulge ourselves, spend first and pay later and to satisfy our own desires even at the expense of those around us," true happiness doesn't come that way, he said.

In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance. Let us open our eyes and see the heavy hearts, notice the loneliness and despair; let us feel the silent prayers of others around us and let us be an instrument in the Lord's hands to answer those prayers."