*Today at church was the Ward Christmas Program. I was not able to sing with the choir, since I have been visiting other wards on Sunday afternoons when they practiced, but I enjoyed being part of the audience this time. Our ward, since the split, is small, and at first I was kind of sad for "us" that we didn't have a huge choir or a full orchestra, like my sister's ward. It didn't matter. The Lord took our humble ward members, and gave them the Spirit. I was really moved by each piece they performed. My husband got back in town Saturday night, and was able to accompany the choir with his viola for the last number. (I could almost hear it from the foyer, where I was with my bitty boy who wanted his dad.) I loved the whole meeting. I love my small ward.
It was awesome!
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
December 2014, Week 2
*Today at church I heard a beautiful talk about service, and how each person has their own private struggles, even when we look from the outside and think we see everything going along just fine. We need to be kind. We need to serve without asking or being asked. We need to prepare to serve, and then just do our best when the opportunity comes.
*Today I went to two other wards to visit their Primaries. I took my 2 year old son with me, and he was not very patient about the experience, so we cut our second visit short. I love that there are such strong Primary leaders in our stake. I love to see the different ideas they all have, and the compassion and care for their children. I hope that somehow I can be of service to these wonderful, capable women.
*Today after church I was able to sing with the stake choir and orchestra for the Christmas program. Wow! I was thoroughly uplifted. I'm so glad I was able to be a part of it! Unfortunately, my husband wasn't able to play his viola there as planned, as he had to leave after our church for a business trip. But the songs that we've been practicing have been going through my mind, and I share them with my family a bit at at time as I sing through the week. My kids were troopers getting to bed for school without me as I had my practices.
It was awesome!
*Today I went to two other wards to visit their Primaries. I took my 2 year old son with me, and he was not very patient about the experience, so we cut our second visit short. I love that there are such strong Primary leaders in our stake. I love to see the different ideas they all have, and the compassion and care for their children. I hope that somehow I can be of service to these wonderful, capable women.
*Today after church I was able to sing with the stake choir and orchestra for the Christmas program. Wow! I was thoroughly uplifted. I'm so glad I was able to be a part of it! Unfortunately, my husband wasn't able to play his viola there as planned, as he had to leave after our church for a business trip. But the songs that we've been practicing have been going through my mind, and I share them with my family a bit at at time as I sing through the week. My kids were troopers getting to bed for school without me as I had my practices.
It was awesome!
Monday, December 8, 2014
December 2014, Week 1
*Today at church we had our Fast and Testimony Meeting. It has been a while since I went up, but as I sat reflecting on things, I realized that it was almost the 10 year anniversary of when my sister's husband passed away from a brain tumor. My sister is only a year and a half older than I am, and she had 5 kids, from 10 to 6 months old when this happened. I felt I could share some of my reflections on this family event. He passed away on my birthday. It was so sad to think about my sister and how she was alone with her children. I selfishly thought this was a very sad thing to have to remember on my birthday each year. A couple years after he passed away, I realized that we now kind of shared a birthday--mine for my birth into this life, and his for his birth into the next life. It helps me to think on the eternal nature of our lives, and how though he probably mourns not being with his wife and children, he probably also rejoices in being able to do the work he needs to be doing now in his next life.
*Today at church I went to the Gospel Doctrine class in my ward for the first time in a couple years...for five minutes, until they needed a sub in Primary. I was happy to help out, as it was for my 7-year old daughter's class. We got to talk about Jesus' resurrection.
It was awesome!
*Today at church I went to the Gospel Doctrine class in my ward for the first time in a couple years...for five minutes, until they needed a sub in Primary. I was happy to help out, as it was for my 7-year old daughter's class. We got to talk about Jesus' resurrection.
It was awesome!
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
November 2014, Week 5
*Today at church I was able to accompany a beautiful musical number. I had been practicing for a couple weeks, on my own and with the singers, and it was so nice to hear it all go smoothly. The words were all about Jesus and his suffering, but how his tears were tears of joy. It was a nice thing to reflect upon the week of Thanksgiving. We are able to point out the things we are grateful for, but I reflected that our Savior was probably grateful that He was able to sacrifice everything for us, because He knew that was the only way we could be saved. I am eternally thankful for Him.
*Today I didn't have any Stake responsibilities, so I took the time to enjoy being in my ward. Of course, I checked in in Primary, and they needed a substitute for the Sunbeams, so I volunteered to teach them. Our new Primary President gave her first Sharing Time, and she did a great job. She ended with testifying of her love for the Savior, and how we should follow His example of forgiveness. If all her lessons go as this one did, the Primary is in good hands.
It was awesome!
*Today I didn't have any Stake responsibilities, so I took the time to enjoy being in my ward. Of course, I checked in in Primary, and they needed a substitute for the Sunbeams, so I volunteered to teach them. Our new Primary President gave her first Sharing Time, and she did a great job. She ended with testifying of her love for the Savior, and how we should follow His example of forgiveness. If all her lessons go as this one did, the Primary is in good hands.
It was awesome!
November 2014, Week 4
*Today began with my first Stake Council meeting at the Stake Center. My husband was out of town, so it was also the first Sunday my children had to get up and ready for church by themselves. All seemed to go well, until I got a call in the middle of Stake Council from home. I was excused to return their call, but the kids had left the phone off the hook. I called my husband, who was driving home from a business trip, and asked him to investigate. He finally got a hold of them and found out one child called to complain about another who had roughly made her get out of bed. The meeting was good--I noted some items that I will be using later--but it ran late, so I got home right as our own church meeting was starting. Thankfully the kids were ready, except my 2 1/2 year old, who let me dress him quickly, and we made it just before the Sacrament hymn began. (My sweet 9 year old even did the younger girls' hair.)
*Today I was released as the Primary President of our ward! This is why I was trying to get to our ward on time, but they (thankfully) went ahead and released me without me being there anyway. I generally feel bittersweet about being released, but I think this calling had been a huge weight for a long time, and since I'm already immersed in my new calling, I was thoroughly ready to let it go. I am pleased with who they called to replace me. I got to talk with her for a couple minutes after Sacrament Meeting before I left to go to the Spanish Branch for their Primary Program. My husband had arrived during Sacrament Meeting after driving for four hours, so I turned the kids over to him. He is such a blessing.
*I attended the Spanish Branch with my first counselor, secretary, and the Stake Primary Music Leader. Going to these programs has been a wonderful way to begin our tenure in the stake. We are getting to know each other and the primaries much faster than if we had started at a different time of the year. The program was so sweet, even though I only catch about 20 percent of the Spanish. Most of the children speak English as well, but the Sunday meetings are all in Spanish for the sake of the adults. I am amazed at how the Spirit was just as easy to identify without knowing exactly what the words meant.
*Today I realized what a gift the Stake President gave me with this presidency. I didn't know any of these ladies before we were called. He suggested their names, and we discussed them a bit, but I had to have faith in his recommendations. I'm so glad I did. I also realized that he took us from major callings for our new callings, so we need to make it worth those changes. We need to do good work and not just be a "presence."
*Today I was able to go home for some lunch and spend a half hour with my kids. My husband was asleep, and rightly so, after his business trip. Our house is generally a wreck after Sundays, but I consider it worth it, since the kids are playing together (and we get a nap, though I didn't this day).
*I went back to the Stake Center for an interview with the Stake President. He wanted to check in with me to see how things were going. He is a wise man. I'm thankful for his advice and I'm excited to try to make his desires for the Primary children of the stake come to pass.
*I was able to come home for another half hour to have dinner with my family. We raided the freezer and came up with a decent meal--taquitos were involved. I love to have a stocked freezer for days like these, but I think we need a refill.
*My husband and I went to our Stake choir and orchestra practice for the upcoming Christmas concert. I was looking forward to the time with him as we drove. I love the music. I love having it in my head all week, coming up at random times. I love doing something with him that we both enjoy.
*Tonight I passed off all of my Primary things to the new president. It is a hard time to start this calling, since there is much to do in December to finish the old year and prepare for the next. She is taking it all with grace and willingness, so that is comforting.
It was an exhausting day. It was awesome!
*Today I was released as the Primary President of our ward! This is why I was trying to get to our ward on time, but they (thankfully) went ahead and released me without me being there anyway. I generally feel bittersweet about being released, but I think this calling had been a huge weight for a long time, and since I'm already immersed in my new calling, I was thoroughly ready to let it go. I am pleased with who they called to replace me. I got to talk with her for a couple minutes after Sacrament Meeting before I left to go to the Spanish Branch for their Primary Program. My husband had arrived during Sacrament Meeting after driving for four hours, so I turned the kids over to him. He is such a blessing.
*I attended the Spanish Branch with my first counselor, secretary, and the Stake Primary Music Leader. Going to these programs has been a wonderful way to begin our tenure in the stake. We are getting to know each other and the primaries much faster than if we had started at a different time of the year. The program was so sweet, even though I only catch about 20 percent of the Spanish. Most of the children speak English as well, but the Sunday meetings are all in Spanish for the sake of the adults. I am amazed at how the Spirit was just as easy to identify without knowing exactly what the words meant.
*Today I realized what a gift the Stake President gave me with this presidency. I didn't know any of these ladies before we were called. He suggested their names, and we discussed them a bit, but I had to have faith in his recommendations. I'm so glad I did. I also realized that he took us from major callings for our new callings, so we need to make it worth those changes. We need to do good work and not just be a "presence."
*Today I was able to go home for some lunch and spend a half hour with my kids. My husband was asleep, and rightly so, after his business trip. Our house is generally a wreck after Sundays, but I consider it worth it, since the kids are playing together (and we get a nap, though I didn't this day).
*I went back to the Stake Center for an interview with the Stake President. He wanted to check in with me to see how things were going. He is a wise man. I'm thankful for his advice and I'm excited to try to make his desires for the Primary children of the stake come to pass.
*I was able to come home for another half hour to have dinner with my family. We raided the freezer and came up with a decent meal--taquitos were involved. I love to have a stocked freezer for days like these, but I think we need a refill.
*My husband and I went to our Stake choir and orchestra practice for the upcoming Christmas concert. I was looking forward to the time with him as we drove. I love the music. I love having it in my head all week, coming up at random times. I love doing something with him that we both enjoy.
*Tonight I passed off all of my Primary things to the new president. It is a hard time to start this calling, since there is much to do in December to finish the old year and prepare for the next. She is taking it all with grace and willingness, so that is comforting.
It was an exhausting day. It was awesome!
Sunday, November 16, 2014
November 2014, Week 3
*Today I went to two wards for church, and neither were my own ward. I got to visit a Spanish ward and and English ward for their Primary Programs. These programs are all so different, but they all bring the Spirit so quickly. The songs are really the catalyst for the Spirit. The kids know it, and we see it during the programs.
*Today at church I decided that I am going to make an effort to relearn the Spanish that I learned back in high school. I need to add some church vocabulary, as well. Most of the kids are pretty fluent in English, but several adults understand Spanish only.
*Today at church I got to know my counselors and music leader much better. They are wonderful women. The Stake President really gave me a gift with this presidency.
*Today at church I ate a hot dog! The Spanish ward brought them for the kids as a reward for their hard work preparing for the program.
It was awesome!
*Today at church I decided that I am going to make an effort to relearn the Spanish that I learned back in high school. I need to add some church vocabulary, as well. Most of the kids are pretty fluent in English, but several adults understand Spanish only.
*Today at church I got to know my counselors and music leader much better. They are wonderful women. The Stake President really gave me a gift with this presidency.
*Today at church I ate a hot dog! The Spanish ward brought them for the kids as a reward for their hard work preparing for the program.
It was awesome!
November 2014, Week 2
*Today at church we had our annual Children's Sacrament Meeting Presentation, otherwise known as the Primary Program. In all my years of Primary service, this is the first year that I actually had to write the program by myself, and that made me feel much more invested in the whole thing. We had had two practices, but I felt that maybe we could have used another one. Thankfully, I was pretty calm as I realized that there was really nothing anyone (I) could do at that point. Thankfully, it seems that those two practices were enough. Thankfully, the kids moved smoothly and spoke clearly, the songs were beautiful, and we finished right on time. Thankfully, the Spirit was there.
*Today at church, I was not yet released as the Ward Primary President.
*Today at church, I did my first visit as the Stake Primary President, to see another ward's Primary Program. Theirs was also well done. This is the largest primary in our stake, and the logistics of seating everyone and moving everyone and letting everyone have a part in the alloted time is a lot to figure out. I do know the challenges, as our primary was the same size before our ward split. A primary that size is a good kind of challenge, but it is also exhausting.
*Today after church, we had the baptism of the sweetest 8-year old boy. It was a surprise to arrive at the church to find the other ward had thought a child turned on the font, and had turned off the water and drained it all. The font takes 3-4 hours to fill. There were some discouraged people, but we had a baptism to do, so we all grabbed pitchers and pots from the kitchen and turned on every tap in the chuch and filled that font by hand. It took about 40 minutes. We all believe that it was like the miracle of the loaves and the fishes, where the water that was in the font in the end was more than we actually put in. There was an amazing spirit at the baptism for many reasons.
It was awesome!
*Today at church, I was not yet released as the Ward Primary President.
*Today at church, I did my first visit as the Stake Primary President, to see another ward's Primary Program. Theirs was also well done. This is the largest primary in our stake, and the logistics of seating everyone and moving everyone and letting everyone have a part in the alloted time is a lot to figure out. I do know the challenges, as our primary was the same size before our ward split. A primary that size is a good kind of challenge, but it is also exhausting.
*Today after church, we had the baptism of the sweetest 8-year old boy. It was a surprise to arrive at the church to find the other ward had thought a child turned on the font, and had turned off the water and drained it all. The font takes 3-4 hours to fill. There were some discouraged people, but we had a baptism to do, so we all grabbed pitchers and pots from the kitchen and turned on every tap in the chuch and filled that font by hand. It took about 40 minutes. We all believe that it was like the miracle of the loaves and the fishes, where the water that was in the font in the end was more than we actually put in. There was an amazing spirit at the baptism for many reasons.
It was awesome!
November 2014, Week 1
*Today at church I was reminded about how wise our Relief Society President is. She shared her testimony today, and related some things about the 5K training program that we are both currently trying to do. She said that sometimes, running those first few challenges, which are only a few minutes long, can seem way beyond our capacity, but we hang on, and somehow make it through. It's like our challenges in life. Sometimes those challenges seem way too hard to go through, but if we hang on, we will make it, and we will be stronger for our efforts. And, the next time, it won't seem so hard. She also said that it's like doing all the "little" things with our families--prayers, scripture study, etc. How can those little things make a difference? But they do. They all add up, and they make us stronger bit by bit. I really appreciated her thoughts, and think about them as I run. :)
*Today at church I was not yet released as the Ward Primary President. We still have our Primary Program to do. Maybe after?
It was awesome!
*Today at church I was not yet released as the Ward Primary President. We still have our Primary Program to do. Maybe after?
It was awesome!
Monday, October 27, 2014
October 2014, Week 4
*Today at church, we had Stake Conference, and I was asked to give one of the talks. It was about how we can teach our children to share the gospel. It was a topic that could be very broad or very specific. I had been asked about 2 and a half weeks before, and was mulling it over in my mind, and it was interesting that a good three quarters of what I thought I'd talk about didn't make it into my talk. Then, as other talks were given, they covered those other items that I had wanted to talk about! I think my talk went well. It was a lot of practical advice of things we can do along with what we are already doing to make sharing the gospel more of a priority. Now I have to apply this talk to myself and do what I know I need to do!
*Today in church I was sustained and then set apart as the Stake Primary President. This will be a new adventure in my life. I'm still not sure about everything that is involved in this new calling, but I'm excited to begin. My Stake Presidency wanted me to have counselors from all over the stake. We have 10 units I'll be working with, in four buildings. They recommended three wonderful ladies for my two counselors and my secretary. I got to meet two of them after church on Sunday, and look forward to meeting the other, and getting to know these ladies. I have a lot of trust in my Stake President.
*Today in church I was able to sing with the Stake Choir. (I was already sitting on the stand, after all!) I loved being part of making beautiful music. I haven't been in a choir for so long--I feel like a novice in this group. Lots of talent surrounds me.
It was awesome!
*Today in church I was sustained and then set apart as the Stake Primary President. This will be a new adventure in my life. I'm still not sure about everything that is involved in this new calling, but I'm excited to begin. My Stake Presidency wanted me to have counselors from all over the stake. We have 10 units I'll be working with, in four buildings. They recommended three wonderful ladies for my two counselors and my secretary. I got to meet two of them after church on Sunday, and look forward to meeting the other, and getting to know these ladies. I have a lot of trust in my Stake President.
*Today in church I was able to sing with the Stake Choir. (I was already sitting on the stand, after all!) I loved being part of making beautiful music. I haven't been in a choir for so long--I feel like a novice in this group. Lots of talent surrounds me.
It was awesome!
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
October 2014, Week 3
*Today at church, my burdens were made lighter. I began the day with heavy weights on my shoulders, and one by one, they were lifted off or they worked out in ways that amazed me. I ended the day with the recurring thought that "God knows me. He LOVES me."
*Today at church, my family performed a musical number. We had been asked weeks ago, and I didn't realize it would be on such a busy day, and my 13 year old son woke up sick, so we left him home, and we practiced before church started, but it was kind of a disaster, and when we went up to the stand, my 2 year old son wanted to sit on the piano bench with me, but we just went for it. My four girls sang so sweetly, and my husband on the viola was tender. The song "I Am a Child of God" may be one of the most common for children in our church to sing, but it can still bring the Spirit to many hearts.
*Today after church I was given a new calling. It will be a new chapter and a new challenge. I will write more, I'm sure.
It was awesome!
*Today at church, my family performed a musical number. We had been asked weeks ago, and I didn't realize it would be on such a busy day, and my 13 year old son woke up sick, so we left him home, and we practiced before church started, but it was kind of a disaster, and when we went up to the stand, my 2 year old son wanted to sit on the piano bench with me, but we just went for it. My four girls sang so sweetly, and my husband on the viola was tender. The song "I Am a Child of God" may be one of the most common for children in our church to sing, but it can still bring the Spirit to many hearts.
*Today after church I was given a new calling. It will be a new chapter and a new challenge. I will write more, I'm sure.
It was awesome!
Monday, October 13, 2014
October 2014, Week 2
*Today at church, I had some serious cuddle time with my girls--one on each side, snuggling for the whole hour of Sacrament Meeting. It was sweet (and slightly claustrophobic).
*Today at church, one of the speakers reminded me of how we need to apply the Atonement in our every day lives. This includes the joy it brings, and the progression we feel when we are living the gospel standards.
*Today at church, I got to teach the Primary children about "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." We were meant to specifically teach about the part that states that "marriage between a man and a woman is essential to His plan." We talked about how this has been the Lord's standard since the very beginning with Adam and Eve. Man and woman marry, and multiply to create a family. There are different family combinations in the world, by circumstance or by choice, but if we want to be the most successful and the most happy in this life and in the life to come, we do it the Lord's way. I was glad to be able to testify of this truth.
*Today after church, I went to a choir practice for our Stake Christmas Fireside. I haven't been part of a choir for a really long time, and I feel that I need to do this for Christmas this year. I am so glad I went. After only one run-through for the songs, I was already tearing. I also realize it's been a long time since I've challenged my voice and my sight-singing skills, and will have work to do!
It was awesome!
*Today at church, one of the speakers reminded me of how we need to apply the Atonement in our every day lives. This includes the joy it brings, and the progression we feel when we are living the gospel standards.
*Today at church, I got to teach the Primary children about "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." We were meant to specifically teach about the part that states that "marriage between a man and a woman is essential to His plan." We talked about how this has been the Lord's standard since the very beginning with Adam and Eve. Man and woman marry, and multiply to create a family. There are different family combinations in the world, by circumstance or by choice, but if we want to be the most successful and the most happy in this life and in the life to come, we do it the Lord's way. I was glad to be able to testify of this truth.
*Today after church, I went to a choir practice for our Stake Christmas Fireside. I haven't been part of a choir for a really long time, and I feel that I need to do this for Christmas this year. I am so glad I went. After only one run-through for the songs, I was already tearing. I also realize it's been a long time since I've challenged my voice and my sight-singing skills, and will have work to do!
It was awesome!
October 2014, Week 1
*This Sunday was General Conference, so we didn't go to church. We watched two sessions on Saturday, and two sessions on Sunday at home. We had my husband's brother and his family with us again. It was great to have them. It was a little hard to concentrate on the talks, as it generally is with children involved, but we got to hear the words of the Lord through his representatives. We loved the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the spirit they bring. I loved the pattern on Sunday morning's session--two talks in a row specifically about following the Prophet, plus other references in other talks, and then President Monson's concluding talk was all about following Christ. That's what it's all about.
It was awesome!
It was awesome!
Sunday, September 28, 2014
September 2014, Week 4
*Today at church I was able to work with two talented and dedicated women--my Primary counselor and secretary. They anticipate needs, they work hard to set up, teach, organize, and train, and they love the children. They never complain or question when I ask them to do something. They smile. They help to bring the Spirit to our Sunday meetings. I could not do my calling without them. I am excited to get a second counselor soon, but even without one, we are a team, and we are doing the Lord's will.
It was awesome.
It was awesome.
Friday, September 26, 2014
September 2014, Week 3
*Today at church, I substituted on the organ last minute. I'm grateful that I have the ability to play music well enough for our congregation to sing along to. I'm grateful that our congregation is forgiving enough to sing along as I make mistakes. I'm grateful to participate in making holy music, which is the most powerful conduit for the Spirit I know.
*Today at church the Primary sang the song, "Teach Me About the Temple." It reminded me of my responsibility to my family and to my Primary kids. I want them all to say that they want to go to the temple with their families.
It was awesome!
*Today at church the Primary sang the song, "Teach Me About the Temple." It reminded me of my responsibility to my family and to my Primary kids. I want them all to say that they want to go to the temple with their families.
It was awesome!
Sunday, September 14, 2014
September 2014, Week 2
*Today at church, my boy was called and set apart to be the president of his class (the Deacon's Quorum). Our Bishop gave him such a beautiful blessing. I hope my son will take his duties with the reverence and dignity that the calling requires.
*Today at church a friend who exemplifies serving others gave a talk about service. He told some great stories. I remember one was about D. Todd Christoffersen's father and mother. His mother had had cancer, and required a surgery to remove a large portion of her shoulder, and therefore was often in great pain. About a year after her surgery, his father took her to an appliance store to purchase an ironing machine, where you could put the clothes inside and a hot roller would move along the clothes to iron them. He said that now she wouldn't have to go to her room and cry in pain after ironing, as she had previously done, though she thought it was in secret. Her medical bills had taken a toll on their finances, and she was concerned about how they could afford such a machine. His father revealed that he had gone without lunches for that year so that he could pay for it in cash. It was touching.
*Today at church, we had a lesson about honesty with the Primary. I was reminded of times in my life when I chose to be honest--and also when I have not. It is always easier, in the end, to just be honest.
*Today at church we started a new chart for the Sunbeams. They get to put a sticker on our sun poster if they can sit in their own seat for the whole Sharing Time. All of them got a sticker!
It was awesome!
*Today at church a friend who exemplifies serving others gave a talk about service. He told some great stories. I remember one was about D. Todd Christoffersen's father and mother. His mother had had cancer, and required a surgery to remove a large portion of her shoulder, and therefore was often in great pain. About a year after her surgery, his father took her to an appliance store to purchase an ironing machine, where you could put the clothes inside and a hot roller would move along the clothes to iron them. He said that now she wouldn't have to go to her room and cry in pain after ironing, as she had previously done, though she thought it was in secret. Her medical bills had taken a toll on their finances, and she was concerned about how they could afford such a machine. His father revealed that he had gone without lunches for that year so that he could pay for it in cash. It was touching.
*Today at church, we had a lesson about honesty with the Primary. I was reminded of times in my life when I chose to be honest--and also when I have not. It is always easier, in the end, to just be honest.
*Today at church we started a new chart for the Sunbeams. They get to put a sticker on our sun poster if they can sit in their own seat for the whole Sharing Time. All of them got a sticker!
It was awesome!
Monday, September 8, 2014
September 2014, Week 1
*I am surrounded by men and women with strong faith. In our Fast and Testimony meeting, several of my friends bore their testimonies, and their strength was so obvious to me. Sometimes I am the one who needs to be lifted, and I was.
*I got to spend time with a Primary class. It was a joy. I teach half of the Primary at a time regularly, but I don't often get such individual time with the children. I need to make a way to have it happen more often.
*In my Temple Recommend renewal interview, I was reminded of the things I know are true and that I know about my soul. I was pleased at how easy it was for me to confirm my most inner beliefs, and a blessing to do it aloud.
It was awesome!
*I got to spend time with a Primary class. It was a joy. I teach half of the Primary at a time regularly, but I don't often get such individual time with the children. I need to make a way to have it happen more often.
*In my Temple Recommend renewal interview, I was reminded of the things I know are true and that I know about my soul. I was pleased at how easy it was for me to confirm my most inner beliefs, and a blessing to do it aloud.
It was awesome!
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
August 2014, Week 5
*Today at church, I was reminded to look at trials with gratitude, with bliss in His mercy. As President Uchtdorf said, "How much of life do we miss by waiting for the rainbow before thanking God that there is rain?"
*Today at church, our family filled the whole row, since we had my husband's brother and wife and their two children visiting.
*Today at church I got to bare my testimony to my children (and all the other Primary children) about how keeping the Sabbath Day holy blesses my life. It was particularly pertinent that day, since there was a block party all afternoon and night in front of our house for Labor Day, and while there was a little wistfulness about wanting to go on the waterslide bounce houses, none of my children really complained about not being able to join in.
It was awesome!
*Today at church, our family filled the whole row, since we had my husband's brother and wife and their two children visiting.
*Today at church I got to bare my testimony to my children (and all the other Primary children) about how keeping the Sabbath Day holy blesses my life. It was particularly pertinent that day, since there was a block party all afternoon and night in front of our house for Labor Day, and while there was a little wistfulness about wanting to go on the waterslide bounce houses, none of my children really complained about not being able to join in.
It was awesome!
Sunday, August 24, 2014
August 2014, Week 4
*Today at church, a 17-year old boy blessed the sacrament for our congregation, and as he spoke to God, I could tell that he knew he was really speaking to Him.
*Today at church, a sister accepted a calling to lead the Primary music. It is out of her comfort zone, but she is willing and will do an amazing job.
*Today at church, over fifty children memorized a scripture to give them strength when facing temptations, as Jesus did when he was tempted by Satan in the wilderness.
*Today at church, while subbing on the organ, I could watch my family. My husband winked at me.
*Today at church I got three hugs. The first was from my Down Syndrome friend. We've been in Primary together now for over two years, but we've never connected like today. He looked into my face, then gave me a hug before scampering away. The second was from a young woman on her 13th birthday. She somehow always finds a way to compliment me. The third was from a friend who had moved, and then moved back.
It was awesome!
*Today at church, a sister accepted a calling to lead the Primary music. It is out of her comfort zone, but she is willing and will do an amazing job.
*Today at church, over fifty children memorized a scripture to give them strength when facing temptations, as Jesus did when he was tempted by Satan in the wilderness.
*Today at church, while subbing on the organ, I could watch my family. My husband winked at me.
*Today at church I got three hugs. The first was from my Down Syndrome friend. We've been in Primary together now for over two years, but we've never connected like today. He looked into my face, then gave me a hug before scampering away. The second was from a young woman on her 13th birthday. She somehow always finds a way to compliment me. The third was from a friend who had moved, and then moved back.
It was awesome!
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