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!

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!

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!

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!