*During the opening prayer, the brother started with, "We have gathered ourselves together..." For some reason, the fact that we were voluntarily there, having gathered ourselves at the same time in the same place for the same purpose, struck me. It made me more grateful for the fellowship of my ward members, and that we all thought that gathering ourselves was good, and worth it.
*During the testimonies, several people shared thoughts about the worth of souls. Recently someone dear to me expressed feelings of having no worth, and I was happy to have these testimonies to lift that person up.
*I got to sub in the nursery class, which is my 3-year old son's class. We took the older ones (my son included) to Sharing Time for their first time, to practice being there when they are Sunbeams in January. They sang a song and heard the lesson. The counselor did such a great job of being relevant and on point. The last thing she did is have the kids repeat, "Jesus will come again." When we returned to the nursery classroom, one little girl said to the other teacher, "They said Jesus will come again!" I think she is ready for the next level of learning.
It was a delight!
Monday, December 7, 2015
Monday, September 14, 2015
September 2015, Week 2
(Well, I took a brief hiatus, but it looks like I'm back. I really enjoy reflecting on what happens at church!)
*Today at church a brother gave a talk and shared his conversion story. He's spoken before, and always says he isn't great at public speaking, but he has us all engaged the whole time. He said that the despair in the world today reminds him of his life before his conversion to the gospel--dark and depressed and downhearted. He said that he was able to find light through humility, and if the people in the world can find humility, they can have hope. I love to see the gospel take root in someone.
*Today I visited two new Primary Presidents, who happen to be in the Spanish ward and branch. I got to practice my Spanish listening skills! The ward primary is growing, and the branch primary is getting smaller--but both are full of faithful people, who love the children they serve.
It was awesome!
*Today at church a brother gave a talk and shared his conversion story. He's spoken before, and always says he isn't great at public speaking, but he has us all engaged the whole time. He said that the despair in the world today reminds him of his life before his conversion to the gospel--dark and depressed and downhearted. He said that he was able to find light through humility, and if the people in the world can find humility, they can have hope. I love to see the gospel take root in someone.
*Today I visited two new Primary Presidents, who happen to be in the Spanish ward and branch. I got to practice my Spanish listening skills! The ward primary is growing, and the branch primary is getting smaller--but both are full of faithful people, who love the children they serve.
It was awesome!
Friday, August 21, 2015
August 2015, Week 3
This is my 52nd post, which means that this marks a full year of posting about my Sundays at church. I am contemplating if I will continue... Tune in next week to find out, I suppose!
*To commemorate our 15th anniversary, my husband and I went on a vacation to Florida, and ended up traveling on Sunday--so this is the first Sunday in a long while that I did not go to church! When we got to our hotel, though, we pulled out our handy LDS Tools app, and listened to a talk from the last General Conference. Ben chose a good one--Elder (now President) Russel M. Nelson's talk about the Sabbath Day. He reminded us that it's not about the list of things we can't do on the Sabbath, but rather what we do that helps make it holy. It was good. Go listen to it! We spent the last hour of sunlight that Sabbath day walking along the beach. We are definitely privileged to live in such a beautiful world.
It was awesome!
*To commemorate our 15th anniversary, my husband and I went on a vacation to Florida, and ended up traveling on Sunday--so this is the first Sunday in a long while that I did not go to church! When we got to our hotel, though, we pulled out our handy LDS Tools app, and listened to a talk from the last General Conference. Ben chose a good one--Elder (now President) Russel M. Nelson's talk about the Sabbath Day. He reminded us that it's not about the list of things we can't do on the Sabbath, but rather what we do that helps make it holy. It was good. Go listen to it! We spent the last hour of sunlight that Sabbath day walking along the beach. We are definitely privileged to live in such a beautiful world.
It was awesome!
August 2015, Week 2
*Today at church I was not asked to substitute for anything. I had gone to an early morning Stake Council meeting, and had a presidency meeting in the evening, but for the block of church, I got to sit back a bit and listen. It was a nice little break.
*In Relief Society, we discussed eternal marriage. I thought it was fitting, since my own eternal marriage started fifteen years ago this week. We talked about how when you serve someone, you love them, and when you love someone, you serve them. I remember reading an article by Kristen Oakes, who is Elder Dallin H. Oakes' second wife. She said when she was in a singles ward, they always had big service project activities, but now that she was married, she didn't need to look for service opportunities, because she had small service projects all around her, like making dinner for the person she loved. I think of that article a lot when I'm doing something around the house that I don't like to do. They are my service projects for the ones I love. I am amazed that by thinking of household work in this way, I have learned to be much more positive, and in a few cases, I even enjoy doing some things that I really didn't like doing.
It was awesome!
*In Relief Society, we discussed eternal marriage. I thought it was fitting, since my own eternal marriage started fifteen years ago this week. We talked about how when you serve someone, you love them, and when you love someone, you serve them. I remember reading an article by Kristen Oakes, who is Elder Dallin H. Oakes' second wife. She said when she was in a singles ward, they always had big service project activities, but now that she was married, she didn't need to look for service opportunities, because she had small service projects all around her, like making dinner for the person she loved. I think of that article a lot when I'm doing something around the house that I don't like to do. They are my service projects for the ones I love. I am amazed that by thinking of household work in this way, I have learned to be much more positive, and in a few cases, I even enjoy doing some things that I really didn't like doing.
It was awesome!
Sunday, August 2, 2015
August 2015, Week 1
*Today at church I went to Sacrament Meeting in another ward before visiting their Primary. It was kind of lonely going to church alone, and I was sitting in the foyer at first, but I decided to go in during the Sacrament hymn, and I'm glad I did. I do know a lot of people in this ward, since it is one in my building, but I was surprised at how welcome I felt, even though I didn't speak to anyone, and I don't think anyone really made eye contact with me, as I was on the back row. It was just the Spirit there in the meeting that made me feel comfortable and at home.
*During the testimonies, one man told of his family's experience performing in the Hill Cumorah Pageant this summer, and another told of going to Nauvoo for the first time with his family, and a woman shared her experience in the Sacred Grove. The first man said that it takes work to get your children to the places where they can build their testimonies. I thought that was interesting. I don't think a cross-country trip is always necessary, but I think that we should, as a family, consciously work to be in places where the Spirit can testify of truth. (I would really, really like to take the trips, too. I do believe there is great value in them.)
*Today as I was in the Primary, the President talked to me about a concern she was having. I didn't know how to solve it. As I sat pondering, an idea of something we could do came to my mind. I believe it was given to me through the Spirit for her benefit. I have been praying to know how to do my calling. As a ward president, there are specific things that you know you have to do each week, but the outline for the stake calling is much more open. I want to support the leaders, but I can't do it if I don't know their concerns. I was glad to be there today to help a bit.
It was awesome!
*During the testimonies, one man told of his family's experience performing in the Hill Cumorah Pageant this summer, and another told of going to Nauvoo for the first time with his family, and a woman shared her experience in the Sacred Grove. The first man said that it takes work to get your children to the places where they can build their testimonies. I thought that was interesting. I don't think a cross-country trip is always necessary, but I think that we should, as a family, consciously work to be in places where the Spirit can testify of truth. (I would really, really like to take the trips, too. I do believe there is great value in them.)
*Today as I was in the Primary, the President talked to me about a concern she was having. I didn't know how to solve it. As I sat pondering, an idea of something we could do came to my mind. I believe it was given to me through the Spirit for her benefit. I have been praying to know how to do my calling. As a ward president, there are specific things that you know you have to do each week, but the outline for the stake calling is much more open. I want to support the leaders, but I can't do it if I don't know their concerns. I was glad to be there today to help a bit.
It was awesome!
July 2015, Week 4
*Today at church my ten-year old daughter and I were able to play a piano duet. We actually forgot that we were scheduled to do it until the day before, when they asked how to spell her name for the program, but we had been practicing off and on for a couple of weeks, so we were mostly prepared. We played "Love at Home," and it turned out really nice. (I didn't mess her up too badly!)
*Our bishop talked briefly about the Sabbath Day, and how we can make the Sacrament more of a focus. I think I've already written this, but it still strikes me that of all the topics (and there are a couple particularly hot issues right now) that the Brethren could have focused on, the one they felt most impressed to stress is a recommitment to the Sabbath Day. I think this is one of those things that if we can get it right, then so many other issues will be in the right place. I hope we as a church can really embrace this and take it seriously.
*I was a last minute sub for the organ and then for nursery. I'm glad that I have the chance to substitute so often. Asking people to be a substitute was one of the hardest things for me to do as a Primary President, and it had to be done almost weekly. I'm glad to be someone that they can come to (when I'm there) and not have to worry about getting an adverse reaction to the request. Plus, I got to be in nursery with my 3-year old son, and he liked having me there.
It was awesome!
*Our bishop talked briefly about the Sabbath Day, and how we can make the Sacrament more of a focus. I think I've already written this, but it still strikes me that of all the topics (and there are a couple particularly hot issues right now) that the Brethren could have focused on, the one they felt most impressed to stress is a recommitment to the Sabbath Day. I think this is one of those things that if we can get it right, then so many other issues will be in the right place. I hope we as a church can really embrace this and take it seriously.
*I was a last minute sub for the organ and then for nursery. I'm glad that I have the chance to substitute so often. Asking people to be a substitute was one of the hardest things for me to do as a Primary President, and it had to be done almost weekly. I'm glad to be someone that they can come to (when I'm there) and not have to worry about getting an adverse reaction to the request. Plus, I got to be in nursery with my 3-year old son, and he liked having me there.
It was awesome!
July 2015, Week 3
*Today at church we had a couple talks about the temple. One of the speakers asked 1) How can we feel more at home in the temple? and 2) What can we do to feel more of the temple in our homes? It is interesting to ponder. He said he gets to go to the same session every week, and now it feels like he's at home there, and people miss him if he can't make it. I hope I can have a time to attend the temple that regularly. The other speaker talked about how his nine year old daughter helps with family history work, and she found a family member of theirs from a nearby city, and they actually got to visit his grave. What an amazing thing! I get caught up in thinking my family history work is mostly done, and if not, there are plenty of other people working on it, but I do have a personal responsibility to get involved, and I'm sure a couple of my kids would be very willing to figure it out with me.
It was awesome!
It was awesome!
Monday, July 13, 2015
July 2015, Week 2
*Today at church I appreciated the Sacrament. I am trying to be more "aware" during this time of the meeting, and it takes effort, but it is worth it.
*Today our Stake President visited our ward, and after Sacrament Meeting, he asked to meet with me for a minute. He told me his experience in calling a new counselor for me, since one of mine is moving. He said he had a really good feeling when I recommended her, as I had, as well. There was some back story to her calling that he wanted me to know, and it is summed up as we called the right person at the right time. I appreciated him telling me this. It helps me to trust that the Spirit can work through me--and him--and my new counselor.
*Today I subbed for the Valiant 9 class. I prepared a lesson on the Widow's Mite before church, which ended up being an interesting topic of discussion for me and my husband, but when class started, they told me they already had that lesson. They told me where they were, and I taught that lesson off the cuff. It was on the raising of Lazarus. I had them read along in their Bibles while I played the recording of the chapter from the LDS scripture app, and it was very dramatic when the narrator read, "Lazarus, come forth!" (John 11:43). They liked it. We talked about resurrection and Jesus's power over death, which led to all the questions they had about the size of the universe, how we'll all fit on the earth after the resurrection, how heaven can be on earth if the earth is going to explode, who Heavenly Father's Father is, and so on... (Most questions were answered with, "Have faith in God's plan and timing...because I don't know.")
It was awesome!
*Today our Stake President visited our ward, and after Sacrament Meeting, he asked to meet with me for a minute. He told me his experience in calling a new counselor for me, since one of mine is moving. He said he had a really good feeling when I recommended her, as I had, as well. There was some back story to her calling that he wanted me to know, and it is summed up as we called the right person at the right time. I appreciated him telling me this. It helps me to trust that the Spirit can work through me--and him--and my new counselor.
*Today I subbed for the Valiant 9 class. I prepared a lesson on the Widow's Mite before church, which ended up being an interesting topic of discussion for me and my husband, but when class started, they told me they already had that lesson. They told me where they were, and I taught that lesson off the cuff. It was on the raising of Lazarus. I had them read along in their Bibles while I played the recording of the chapter from the LDS scripture app, and it was very dramatic when the narrator read, "Lazarus, come forth!" (John 11:43). They liked it. We talked about resurrection and Jesus's power over death, which led to all the questions they had about the size of the universe, how we'll all fit on the earth after the resurrection, how heaven can be on earth if the earth is going to explode, who Heavenly Father's Father is, and so on... (Most questions were answered with, "Have faith in God's plan and timing...because I don't know.")
It was awesome!
July 2015, Week 1
*Today at church we had Fast and Testimony Meeting. We had arrived home from our vacation late the night before, and we were tired, but as I listened to the testimonies of my ward members, I thought of our vacation, and I realized that we had experienced a miracle. I couldn't quite get all my thoughts together to share at the meeting, but I wanted to here. I'm calling it The Miracle of the Perfect Timing. (Please bear with me--this will probably be long.) We had gone to the beach on Padre Island at Corpus Christi for the Fourth of July weekend. It was Friday the 3rd, so it wasn't as crowded as Saturday, but there were still plenty of people there. This was my children's first experience with an ocean, and they loved it. The older four especially enjoyed boogie boarding in the waves. At one point, my 12-year old daughter went out to boogie board, and the current started pulling her further from us, so my husband and 14-year old son joined her. They got farther away, and my 8-year old daughter wanted to join them, so she walked along the beach until she could be with them. Then they just drifted further and further until I could barely see them. All of a sudden, I got really anxious about them. I really wanted them to come back, but I couldn't leave my other three children, and they had drifted so far that they couldn't see or hear us. I knew that the only way to get them to come back was to pray for them to come, so I asked Heavenly Father to bring them back to me. About ten minutes later, I was relieved (but not surprised!) to see them walking up to us at our spot on the beach. The kids ran to the water and my husband stayed back with me to talk about the boogie boarding. I told him that I had prayed him back, and we kind of chuckled about it. I asked how our 12-year old did, and he said he didn't know--he had sent her back to me when our 8-year old got to him, because she was tired. I said that she had never arrived. We looked around, and sure enough, she was nowhere around us. I immediately headed up the beach with my 6-year old to look for her. We walked quite a way, but saw no sign of her. I kept thinking about what she must be thinking, wondering if she was scared, or hurt, or would think to walk back the right way, or if she was still in the ocean, drifting, or caught in a rip tide, or, or, or... I stopped, ready to turn back to at least get my cell phone so I could keep in touch with my husband, but there he was, just a bit behind me (with our 3-year old), walking fast, ready to press on. I said I'd go back to the others, but when we looked up the beach--there she was, a tiny spot through the crowds, walking along the shore toward us. We hurried up to her, and she said that she had headed back to us originally, but started boogie boarding again, and just got pulled further and further away without her realizing how far she really was. We were all so relieved to be reunited! So, as I reflected on this during church, I already knew that my prayer had been answered, but all the other pieces of the event--the timing of my feeling anxious and praying for their return, the timing of my husband listing to the prompting to head back, the timing of realizing our daughter was gone, the timing of walking up the beach and pressing on until we saw her, the timing of her realizing she had gone too far and turning back to find us...I could see that it was all perfect, and it was a miracle. My 10-year old daughter did go up and bear her testimony, and she said that the Holy Ghost had been with us on our vacation--and she was so right.
*Today during Sunday School, we talked about the suffering of Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. My feelings were already tender, and this lesson was so beautiful. At one point, we discussed the "bitter cup," and if we had ever had experiences where we were scared, and would rather not go through something, but did anyway, knowing the end result would be worth it. It reminded me of another personal experience, and again, I didn't share it there, but want to here. I thought of childbirth, and how it may be a bit of a bitter cup, but my perspective of this changed with the birth of my last baby. With this sixth little one, I was in labor very, very early in the morning, and all of us in the room were pretty tired. My labor hadn't lasted terribly long, but as I was pushing, and knew that his birth would be very soon, I felt a wave of fear--and it wasn't my own. I felt like I could feel the fear of my son, as he was being pressed out of the safe home he'd known, feeling pain and uncertainty. I wasn't surprised when right then the nurse said that his heart rate was increasing. It was a quick flash of insight, and very soon after, when he was born and they handed him to me, I knew that I could comfort the fear away from him, and he did stop crying. I don't know why I got that insight to his feelings right before he was born, but it was so unique and tender. I hadn't really thought of it often since then, but I did today, thinking about how my son had to pass through this challenge of being born, and he was afraid, and I couldn't physically comfort him until he had finished, but it had to be done and it was incredibly worth it for both of us.
It was awesome.
*Today during Sunday School, we talked about the suffering of Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. My feelings were already tender, and this lesson was so beautiful. At one point, we discussed the "bitter cup," and if we had ever had experiences where we were scared, and would rather not go through something, but did anyway, knowing the end result would be worth it. It reminded me of another personal experience, and again, I didn't share it there, but want to here. I thought of childbirth, and how it may be a bit of a bitter cup, but my perspective of this changed with the birth of my last baby. With this sixth little one, I was in labor very, very early in the morning, and all of us in the room were pretty tired. My labor hadn't lasted terribly long, but as I was pushing, and knew that his birth would be very soon, I felt a wave of fear--and it wasn't my own. I felt like I could feel the fear of my son, as he was being pressed out of the safe home he'd known, feeling pain and uncertainty. I wasn't surprised when right then the nurse said that his heart rate was increasing. It was a quick flash of insight, and very soon after, when he was born and they handed him to me, I knew that I could comfort the fear away from him, and he did stop crying. I don't know why I got that insight to his feelings right before he was born, but it was so unique and tender. I hadn't really thought of it often since then, but I did today, thinking about how my son had to pass through this challenge of being born, and he was afraid, and I couldn't physically comfort him until he had finished, but it had to be done and it was incredibly worth it for both of us.
It was awesome.
June 2015, Week 4
*Today was a visiting day in church. I went to two wards in two buildings. The Primaries are running well, though they all have the challenges of filling callings and finding substitutes to make things run each Sunday. No one has a great solution to that problem, but it is really nice when the presidencies believe that their bishoprics are really trying to help. When they feel supported, they are much more willing to hang in there and make things work. When they feel they are alone, or are constantly told no, then they can't make it for very long. I hope I can help them feel supported. I think that is one of my big jobs.
*Today I happened to know both Sacrament Meeting speakers, even though I'm not from that particular ward. I loved both of their talks. They weren't necessarily profound, but they were so sincere, and they touched me.
It was awesome!
*Today I happened to know both Sacrament Meeting speakers, even though I'm not from that particular ward. I loved both of their talks. They weren't necessarily profound, but they were so sincere, and they touched me.
It was awesome!
Sunday, June 21, 2015
June 2015, Week 3
*Happy Father's Day! Today at church I was a participant--no substituting! (They had actually printed my name in the program as the organist this week, though, since I had done it for this past month--but our organist was able to come! And the Sunbeam teachers are back!) Of course, that threw the balance off for my kids to have me with them for all of Sacrament Meeting, and they were so squirmy and talky! (I try to believe that they really aren't like this every Sunday.) We had some good talks about fathers, and the Primary sang, and the High Counselor talked about fellowshipping, and how we should be fellowshipping everyone, in the church and out, active or not. We seemed to have no Priests there today. A couple men took care of getting the bread ready during the opening hymn, and stayed to bless the Sacrament. It is sometimes nice to have someone do it who hasn't done it in a while, because they tend to sound a little less rote.
*We talked about the Last Supper in Sunday School today. Our teacher asked about things we think about during the Sacrament, and it was a good discussion. One sister shared that when her sons went on their missions, her mom gave them a smooth small stone to keep in their pockets, and whenever things got hard or they were scared or something was troubling them, they could put their hand in their pocket and feel their rock and know there was their grandma out there who loved them and was praying for them every day. She related that to the Sacrament in that it is a tangible thing that we can hold and partake of as a gift from the Savior for us to remember his love and that he's rooting for us, too.
*In Relief Society, we talked about following the living prophet. How grateful I am for my testimony of our prophet, Thomas S. Monson. I can clearly see where the teachings of the church are veering away from the opinion of the world (definition of the family...) and even opinions in the church (Ordain Women movement...), and if I didn't already have that anchor of my faith in a living prophet, it might be harder to know which way to go. It's not hard. I do know. I am grateful.
It was awesome!
*We talked about the Last Supper in Sunday School today. Our teacher asked about things we think about during the Sacrament, and it was a good discussion. One sister shared that when her sons went on their missions, her mom gave them a smooth small stone to keep in their pockets, and whenever things got hard or they were scared or something was troubling them, they could put their hand in their pocket and feel their rock and know there was their grandma out there who loved them and was praying for them every day. She related that to the Sacrament in that it is a tangible thing that we can hold and partake of as a gift from the Savior for us to remember his love and that he's rooting for us, too.
*In Relief Society, we talked about following the living prophet. How grateful I am for my testimony of our prophet, Thomas S. Monson. I can clearly see where the teachings of the church are veering away from the opinion of the world (definition of the family...) and even opinions in the church (Ordain Women movement...), and if I didn't already have that anchor of my faith in a living prophet, it might be harder to know which way to go. It's not hard. I do know. I am grateful.
It was awesome!
June 2015, Week 2
*Today at church I did my typical substituting--on the organ and for the Sunbeams. Our poor organist has really delicate health, and the Sunbeam teachers were out of town for two weeks. I am actually happy to help out with both. I do feel bad for my sweet husband who has to wrangle kids mostly on his own for Sacrament Meeting while I'm playing, but he has not once ever complained about it. And those Sunbeams and I are really starting to figure each other out.
*My 14 year old son gave a talk in Sacrament Meeting today. (There is not a huge number of youth in our ward, so they get the chance to speak a lot!) He had just returned from a week at a high adventure scout camp, and he shared about going on a hike with a large number of LDS kids, and a couple non-member kids. He's usually the one in the minority! It was a positive experience for him, and there were apparently several gospel discussions on their hike.
*The 10 and 11 year old girls (including one of mine) sang "Choose the Right" as the special musical number. They did it to pass of one of their Faith in God requirements. That is a good group of girls right there, and I'm glad my daughter has such strong girls to grow up with. I like that song in particular, because it is my "go-to" song whenever I have something float into my brain from whatever source that I want out. I pull up that song and the offender goes away.
It was awesome!
*My 14 year old son gave a talk in Sacrament Meeting today. (There is not a huge number of youth in our ward, so they get the chance to speak a lot!) He had just returned from a week at a high adventure scout camp, and he shared about going on a hike with a large number of LDS kids, and a couple non-member kids. He's usually the one in the minority! It was a positive experience for him, and there were apparently several gospel discussions on their hike.
*The 10 and 11 year old girls (including one of mine) sang "Choose the Right" as the special musical number. They did it to pass of one of their Faith in God requirements. That is a good group of girls right there, and I'm glad my daughter has such strong girls to grow up with. I like that song in particular, because it is my "go-to" song whenever I have something float into my brain from whatever source that I want out. I pull up that song and the offender goes away.
It was awesome!
Sunday, June 7, 2015
June 2015, Week 1
*Today I had an early morning Stake meeting before church. The focus was on keeping the Sabbath Day holy, and it was from a teaching session from the General leaders of the church. They had been discussing those that are losing faith, and who are less active, and what they could do to help prevent that. Of all the things that could be the result of this discussion, they chose keeping the Sabbath Day holy as what would help the most. I loved that so much. We talked about things we could do to invite members to have a spiritual experience during Sacrament Meeting, and how to extend that into our homes, and what we as Stake Leaders could do to use this in our training sessions. I hope to be having this discussion in several settings in the near future, since I think we can all use the reminders.
*One of the scriptures we talked about was Isaiah 58:13-14-- "If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord..." I've heard the phrase "call the sabbath a delight" before, but I think I haven't reflected on how I can make that really happen. I'm still working on my thoughts on that one. I did share how reporting on my Sundays each week has helped my Sabbath Day perspective tremendously, and was reminded that I can give that gift to my children if I consistently ask them to return and report on their lessons, as well.
*I subbed on the organ, and the first hymn was 226, "Improve the Shining Moments." There's a line that caught my eye today--"We cannot bid the sunbeams to lengthen out their stay." It made me laugh a bit, because I also subbed in the Sunbeam class again, and we've been working on a reasonable level of reverence for the class. The line from the song seemed applicable. :)
It was a delight!
*One of the scriptures we talked about was Isaiah 58:13-14-- "If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord..." I've heard the phrase "call the sabbath a delight" before, but I think I haven't reflected on how I can make that really happen. I'm still working on my thoughts on that one. I did share how reporting on my Sundays each week has helped my Sabbath Day perspective tremendously, and was reminded that I can give that gift to my children if I consistently ask them to return and report on their lessons, as well.
*I subbed on the organ, and the first hymn was 226, "Improve the Shining Moments." There's a line that caught my eye today--"We cannot bid the sunbeams to lengthen out their stay." It made me laugh a bit, because I also subbed in the Sunbeam class again, and we've been working on a reasonable level of reverence for the class. The line from the song seemed applicable. :)
It was a delight!
May 2015, Week 5
*Today at church we were happy to be accompanied by my husband's parents. They were in town because of my newly eight-year-old's baptism that week. My sweet girl is our fourth child to be baptized. This time we didn't do all the preparations we have in the past, like a Family Home Evening or other discussions about baptism, and I wasn't sure I'd prepared her as much as she might need. I shouldn't have worried. It was a small group who attended (including my parents, who had to leave on Saturday), but the Spirit that was there filled the room. My daughter told me that when she went into the font, the water was cold, but as she was immersed, she was filled with warmth. I asked her (as she was dripping wet and shivering and I was helping her get dry and dressed) what she think made her feel so warm. She said it was the Holy Ghost there, because she was doing what was right. Her eyes were so sparkly and bright. She's a treasure.
*Today we heard a talk from a sister about grace and the Atonement. It was pretty awesome. She quoted a lot form Brad Wilcox's talk on the Infinite Atonement. That's a talk worth reading more than once. I had the privilege of hearing it in person at Time Out for Women a couple years ago.
*I was able to go to Sunday School and combined 5th Sunday Discussion with my in-laws and my husband, as I only subbed on the organ. I like going to classes with family. I do miss being closer to my family, but my ward does a great job at filling in.
It was awesome!
*Today we heard a talk from a sister about grace and the Atonement. It was pretty awesome. She quoted a lot form Brad Wilcox's talk on the Infinite Atonement. That's a talk worth reading more than once. I had the privilege of hearing it in person at Time Out for Women a couple years ago.
*I was able to go to Sunday School and combined 5th Sunday Discussion with my in-laws and my husband, as I only subbed on the organ. I like going to classes with family. I do miss being closer to my family, but my ward does a great job at filling in.
It was awesome!
May 2015, Week 4
*Today I had to go to church early, and I was listening to a sermon from a church in Dallas on the radio on the way there. The speaker said that it's interesting how some churches focus on God (Muslims, Jews), some focus on Jesus (Baptists, Church of Christ), and some focus on the Holy Spirit (Pentecostal). He said it would be ideal if we could take these focuses and mix them in a bowl and pull out the ideal combination for our worship. He said it's kind of up to us to find that mix for our personal worship of the Godhead (though he said the Trinity). I wanted to talk to that man on the radio and say, "It is not up to chance! There is a sure way! There is truth about the Godhead, and it is easy to find!" I was left with a gratitude that I did not have to search far to find the truth (thanks to the gift of the gospel taught to me as a child), and that the truth about our Heavenly Father, our Savior Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost and their unique roles and identities has been confirmed to my soul. I know them and I love them, and I rejoice to be able to worship them.
It was awesome!
It was awesome!
Monday, May 18, 2015
May 2015, Week 3
*Today at church I substituted on the organ. I was surprised to see all the songs were different than the ones the organist had told me, since there were last-minute switches that happened. Thankfully, the new songs were easier than the original ones, except for the intermediate hymn, which was loud and fast--but joyful! (It was Hymn #64--On This Day of Joy and Gladness.) It went well. :)
*Today my big little girl, newly 12, gave her first talk in Sacrament Meeting. She was assigned the topic of "Physical and Emotional Health." She did not want to do it. Not at all. But, when the time came, she just walked up and gave the talk she and her dad had prepared. I was so proud of her.
*Today our High Counselor gave a talk about service. It was a nice talk--but the thing I noticed most was that all of his quotes came from women. (Bonnie D. Parkin, Marjorie Hinckley, etc.) He also told one of my favorite stories about President Thomas S. Monson--how he would go on trips to Europe, especially East Germany, and come home with much less clothing than when he left because he would give it all away. He'd come home in his slippers after giving his shoes away. He loves and serves people--individual people. Later, in Sunday School, someone commented about what Elder Bednar talked about in a "live chat" broadcast he had with the youth earlier this week. One youth asked him what it's like to be an apostle. He said it seems that what they do is very public, with General Conference, Ensign articles, and so on. But he said he's learned that much of what they do as apostles is very private. He said (basically), "Would the Lord send an apostle all the way around the world for one person? Yes! He does it all the time." We are known and loved.
*Today a sweet sister told of her conversion, and how it hinged on the Book of Mormon. She told of how she investigated the church as a youth, and has dyslexia, so reading the Book of Mormon was a huge challenge, but she kept at it, and one day, it just hit her--it is TRUE. All of it. No turning back now. Then, in Relief Society, we had a lesson all about the Book of Mormon being the keystone of our religion, and we all were able to ponder our own testimonies of the Book of Mormon, and how the gospel is held up by its teachings. Our teacher has been a member for less than a year, and it was great to hear again this message from one who has completely converted and completely believes. I have always had the Book of Mormon in my life, and sometimes wonder what my reaction to it would be if I hadn't been introduced to it until I was an adult. I hope that I could recognize it as truth as these sisters did, and not be blinded by the teachings of men. I am thankful for my testimony of the Book of Mormon. I agree with the first sister--it is true. All of it. No going back now.
It was awesome!
*Today my big little girl, newly 12, gave her first talk in Sacrament Meeting. She was assigned the topic of "Physical and Emotional Health." She did not want to do it. Not at all. But, when the time came, she just walked up and gave the talk she and her dad had prepared. I was so proud of her.
*Today our High Counselor gave a talk about service. It was a nice talk--but the thing I noticed most was that all of his quotes came from women. (Bonnie D. Parkin, Marjorie Hinckley, etc.) He also told one of my favorite stories about President Thomas S. Monson--how he would go on trips to Europe, especially East Germany, and come home with much less clothing than when he left because he would give it all away. He'd come home in his slippers after giving his shoes away. He loves and serves people--individual people. Later, in Sunday School, someone commented about what Elder Bednar talked about in a "live chat" broadcast he had with the youth earlier this week. One youth asked him what it's like to be an apostle. He said it seems that what they do is very public, with General Conference, Ensign articles, and so on. But he said he's learned that much of what they do as apostles is very private. He said (basically), "Would the Lord send an apostle all the way around the world for one person? Yes! He does it all the time." We are known and loved.
*Today a sweet sister told of her conversion, and how it hinged on the Book of Mormon. She told of how she investigated the church as a youth, and has dyslexia, so reading the Book of Mormon was a huge challenge, but she kept at it, and one day, it just hit her--it is TRUE. All of it. No turning back now. Then, in Relief Society, we had a lesson all about the Book of Mormon being the keystone of our religion, and we all were able to ponder our own testimonies of the Book of Mormon, and how the gospel is held up by its teachings. Our teacher has been a member for less than a year, and it was great to hear again this message from one who has completely converted and completely believes. I have always had the Book of Mormon in my life, and sometimes wonder what my reaction to it would be if I hadn't been introduced to it until I was an adult. I hope that I could recognize it as truth as these sisters did, and not be blinded by the teachings of men. I am thankful for my testimony of the Book of Mormon. I agree with the first sister--it is true. All of it. No going back now.
It was awesome!
May 2015, Week 2
*Today at church, in order to celebrate Mother's Day the very best way, my oldest son was set apart to the office of Teacher. He makes his mother's heart happy. We were fortunate to have my husband's brother's family in town for the weekend, so my son's dad and uncle were in the circle to ordain him. I am thankful for the Priesthood.
*Today at church I was able to substitute those Sunbeams again. This time I had time to prepare, and what a difference it made! We played a game, we had a snack, we had a lesson, we sang songs--we had order! They were just as wiggly as in the past, but I was ready, and not trying to figure out what in the world to do next. Plus, we were able to do a little craft for their mothers.
It was awesome!
*Today at church I was able to substitute those Sunbeams again. This time I had time to prepare, and what a difference it made! We played a game, we had a snack, we had a lesson, we sang songs--we had order! They were just as wiggly as in the past, but I was ready, and not trying to figure out what in the world to do next. Plus, we were able to do a little craft for their mothers.
It was awesome!
May 2015, Week 1
*Today at church we had another wonderful Fast and Testimony Meeting. Some people in my ward simply have a gift for sharing their testimonies in a way that touches so many of us.
*In Sunday School, we talked about the Light of Christ, as well as how we are like clay in the Potter's hands. I am really enjoying being able to attend Sunday School (when I'm not visiting or subbing) this year as we talk about the New Testament--especially the life of our Savior.
It was awesome!
*In Sunday School, we talked about the Light of Christ, as well as how we are like clay in the Potter's hands. I am really enjoying being able to attend Sunday School (when I'm not visiting or subbing) this year as we talk about the New Testament--especially the life of our Savior.
It was awesome!
Sunday, April 26, 2015
April 2015, Week 4
*Today was a long church day, but that's a good thing. I had an early Stake Council meeting, but was able to make it back in time for my own ward's meeting, where I was a last-minute sub for the organist and for the Sunbeam teacher. Easy, upbeat songs today--I like that. Primary in my ward is always a treat, and then I got to go to the Spanish Branch primary for a visit. I am happy to be remembering the children and their leaders!
*One of the youth speakers has dyslexia, and stumbled a bit giving her talk. After she sat down, she was on the verge of tears, and we could see her feeling worse and worse, even though we were all rooting for her and trying to give her whatever "thumbs-up" expressions we could. She was sitting between our High Counsel speaker and the adult speaker, and the High Counselor grabbed the tissues, and the adult speaker put his arm around her and quietly reassured her, and it was so sweet. I hope that the youth speaker felt of the love of everyone around her.
*Those Sunbeams--what an adventure! I think that if I had time to prepare, or if they had a routine I could jump in and follow, we would be sailing a little smoother. I couldn't get them all to look at me at one time, and there are only four. I thought I had basically taught the lesson to the air, and just let them color for the last 15 minutes. However, when they gave the closing prayers (they all wanted a turn), they each mentioned something from the lesson, and the most detailed list was from the one boy that I was sure was paying the least attention. I was humbled.
It was awesome!
*One of the youth speakers has dyslexia, and stumbled a bit giving her talk. After she sat down, she was on the verge of tears, and we could see her feeling worse and worse, even though we were all rooting for her and trying to give her whatever "thumbs-up" expressions we could. She was sitting between our High Counsel speaker and the adult speaker, and the High Counselor grabbed the tissues, and the adult speaker put his arm around her and quietly reassured her, and it was so sweet. I hope that the youth speaker felt of the love of everyone around her.
*Those Sunbeams--what an adventure! I think that if I had time to prepare, or if they had a routine I could jump in and follow, we would be sailing a little smoother. I couldn't get them all to look at me at one time, and there are only four. I thought I had basically taught the lesson to the air, and just let them color for the last 15 minutes. However, when they gave the closing prayers (they all wanted a turn), they each mentioned something from the lesson, and the most detailed list was from the one boy that I was sure was paying the least attention. I was humbled.
It was awesome!
April 2015, Week 3
*Today it was a little different at church. I had planned to substitute for the Primary pianist, but she ended up not needing me today, so I was not a substitute for anyone! I went to Sacrament Meeting, Sunday School, and Relief Society, and was just a participant. Actually, since I've had a cold all week and have not much of a voice, I mostly just listened. It was...nice, but, I do prefer to be "doing" at church instead of just sitting. Oh--I did give the closing prayer in Relief Society, so that gave me some validation. :)
*Speaking of "doing" at church, our Relief Society secretary was the only one in the presidency there, so she conducted the meeting, led the music, and, since the instructor fell the night before, also taught the lesson. Busy! She told a sweet story of her son. Her own father passed away when she was young, and she has very few memories of him. However, her young son used to cry and tell her how much he missed his grandpa. She would tell him that he didn't even know him, but he would assure her that he did, and that he missed him. "Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting..."
It was awesome!
*Speaking of "doing" at church, our Relief Society secretary was the only one in the presidency there, so she conducted the meeting, led the music, and, since the instructor fell the night before, also taught the lesson. Busy! She told a sweet story of her son. Her own father passed away when she was young, and she has very few memories of him. However, her young son used to cry and tell her how much he missed his grandpa. She would tell him that he didn't even know him, but he would assure her that he did, and that he missed him. "Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting..."
It was awesome!
Sunday, April 12, 2015
April 2015, Week 2
*Today at church we heard some great talks about the Restoration. I am realizing now that it is probably because it was April 6th this week, and therefore the anniversary of the Restoration of the Gospel. The sister missionaries serving in our ward both spoke. One of them said something that is really applicable and profound: "You can't expect a thousand dollar answer from a ten cent prayer." I'll be thinking of that one as I pray for a while to come.
*I visited another ward for their Primary, and the theme for the month is...the Restoration of the Gospel! For Junior Primary, their president gathered all the kids together at her feet to tell them "her favorite story." Then she told of Joseph Smith as a boy, and the events leading to and during his prayer in the Sacred Grove. I could feel the Spirit immediately as she began the lesson. When I was a missionary, we did the "old school" discussions, and we shared this story with everyone we taught in the first lesson. At first I was a bit uncomfortable, because it seemed that Joseph Smith was maybe too much too fast, and people were often wary as soon as we brought his name up. Then I noticed that frequently, when we started this part of the lesson, a distraction in the home would happen--the phone would ring, a baby would cry, etc. I thought about it, and realized that the distractions and my first attitude were keeping the Spirit away. When I changed my attitude, and worked to keep that part of the lesson as free from distractions as we could, the Spirit was there full-force. Satan knew that--he tried to stop Joseph that day, and he works to stop missionaries now from telling the story, but he didn't win then, and he won't now. It became my favorite part to teach in any missionary lesson. I am so grateful for Joseph Smith--for the faithful boy, and for the dedicated man.
It was awesome!
*I visited another ward for their Primary, and the theme for the month is...the Restoration of the Gospel! For Junior Primary, their president gathered all the kids together at her feet to tell them "her favorite story." Then she told of Joseph Smith as a boy, and the events leading to and during his prayer in the Sacred Grove. I could feel the Spirit immediately as she began the lesson. When I was a missionary, we did the "old school" discussions, and we shared this story with everyone we taught in the first lesson. At first I was a bit uncomfortable, because it seemed that Joseph Smith was maybe too much too fast, and people were often wary as soon as we brought his name up. Then I noticed that frequently, when we started this part of the lesson, a distraction in the home would happen--the phone would ring, a baby would cry, etc. I thought about it, and realized that the distractions and my first attitude were keeping the Spirit away. When I changed my attitude, and worked to keep that part of the lesson as free from distractions as we could, the Spirit was there full-force. Satan knew that--he tried to stop Joseph that day, and he works to stop missionaries now from telling the story, but he didn't win then, and he won't now. It became my favorite part to teach in any missionary lesson. I am so grateful for Joseph Smith--for the faithful boy, and for the dedicated man.
It was awesome!
April 2015, Week 1
*Today for church we watched General Conference at home. We had my brother-in-law and his wife and their two small children here. This year it was Easter Sunday, too! It is always a blessing to listen to the Prophet and the apostles give their testimonies of the Savior on Easter Sunday. Elder Holland's talk was particularly moving, as usual. I am anxious to watch the talks again, when the house is a little quieter. (I do find that munching on Easter candy during Conference helps me to focus...)
It was awesome!
It was awesome!
March 2015, Week 5
*Today at church, I substituted on the organ. Sometimes while I was playing, I got distracted because I was reading the words, and forgot to read the notes. I love the hymns. I read a quote the other day by Rita Dove that said, "Poetry is language at its most distilled and most powerful." I appreciate how powerful sermons can be taught in a few lines, and the fact that they're accompanied by beautiful music makes it that much easier for them to usher the Spirit right into my soul.
*My almost 14-year old son passed the Sacrament to me up on the stand. He somehow arranges to be the one to pass it to our family almost every Sunday, so it's not unusual to have him hand it to me, but this time, it struck me how grateful and blessed I am to have this boy for my son. He is beginning to take seriously the charge to find his own testimony, and he is already cheerfully explaining and defending his faith on a regular basis to his friends at school.
*I substituted the Sunbeam class today, and wow! There were only three kids, but I got a workout. In between corralling and bathroom trips and rearranging seating and taking a walk around the church to enjoy the BEAUTIFUL spring weather, we did have a sort lesson about Easter. They were most struck with the fact that there were bad men who would kill Jesus. It baffles me, too, but I'm grateful for the outcome of the whole Atonement. I hope they heard me tell them that.
It was awesome!
*My almost 14-year old son passed the Sacrament to me up on the stand. He somehow arranges to be the one to pass it to our family almost every Sunday, so it's not unusual to have him hand it to me, but this time, it struck me how grateful and blessed I am to have this boy for my son. He is beginning to take seriously the charge to find his own testimony, and he is already cheerfully explaining and defending his faith on a regular basis to his friends at school.
*I substituted the Sunbeam class today, and wow! There were only three kids, but I got a workout. In between corralling and bathroom trips and rearranging seating and taking a walk around the church to enjoy the BEAUTIFUL spring weather, we did have a sort lesson about Easter. They were most struck with the fact that there were bad men who would kill Jesus. It baffles me, too, but I'm grateful for the outcome of the whole Atonement. I hope they heard me tell them that.
It was awesome!
Monday, March 23, 2015
March 2015, Week 4
*Today at church, we had some great talks in Sacrament Meeting. The first was given by the 14-year old son of a lady who (along with her two sons) recently moved into our ward after recently joining the church. It sounded as if he had been a member all his life. I don't remember most of his words, but I remember his confidence and how the Spirit touched him. I'm so grateful that my children are growing up with this same opportunity to publicly share their testimonies through giving talks. I'm so grateful that I was able to, as well. It is not something that my natural self would tell me is a good thing for me to do, but every time I do, I realize that my natural self is wrong...again.
*The second and third talks were given by friends of ours. They spoke on finding answers to prayers, and on President Uchtdorf's talk from General Conference, "Lord, is it I?" I enjoyed them. I liked the stories from the talk--the one dandelion in the neighbor's otherwise perfect lawn that bothered the man so much, when he ignored the hundreds of them in his own yard--the reminder to remove the beam from yourself before looking for motes in others. He also asked if we are missing out on blessings because we rationalize, or we are lazy, or we simply choose disobedience. Maybe he didn't talk exactly about these things, but these are what I'm thinking about after the talk, so that's what's important for me, anyway. I should go read it.
It was awesome!
*The second and third talks were given by friends of ours. They spoke on finding answers to prayers, and on President Uchtdorf's talk from General Conference, "Lord, is it I?" I enjoyed them. I liked the stories from the talk--the one dandelion in the neighbor's otherwise perfect lawn that bothered the man so much, when he ignored the hundreds of them in his own yard--the reminder to remove the beam from yourself before looking for motes in others. He also asked if we are missing out on blessings because we rationalize, or we are lazy, or we simply choose disobedience. Maybe he didn't talk exactly about these things, but these are what I'm thinking about after the talk, so that's what's important for me, anyway. I should go read it.
It was awesome!
March 2015, Week 3
*Today in church I spent the second two hours in the best way: as a substitute in the Nursery with my almost 3-year old son. We ate goldfish, played with cars and bubbles, and traced hands to remember that we have a body like Heavenly Father does. There are some super sweet kids in his Nursery class. He's learning how to not scowl at everyone.
*I was thinking about how when people say that there is no calling more important than others in the church, they usually use the examples "from the Prophet (or Stake President or Bishop) all the way down to the Nursery Leaders." I don't care for the "down" part of that expression. There is no "down." You have to be very spiritually secure in order to be a Nursery teacher. Beyond Sacrament Meeting, there is only a five minute simple lesson that completes your spiritual instruction at church. If you want more, you find it on your own at home. I admire those who do it and love it and are fulfilled.
It was awesome!
*I was thinking about how when people say that there is no calling more important than others in the church, they usually use the examples "from the Prophet (or Stake President or Bishop) all the way down to the Nursery Leaders." I don't care for the "down" part of that expression. There is no "down." You have to be very spiritually secure in order to be a Nursery teacher. Beyond Sacrament Meeting, there is only a five minute simple lesson that completes your spiritual instruction at church. If you want more, you find it on your own at home. I admire those who do it and love it and are fulfilled.
It was awesome!
Sunday, March 8, 2015
March 2015, Week 2
*Today was our Stake Conference instead of our regular meetings. We had a visiting General Authority, Larry Y. Wilson, from the Seventy. What a great man. He spoke about a lot of things, because he'd take a bit from each person who spoke before him, and comment on it, and expound a bit on it, and share some personal experience about it. Then he gave his own talk--this morning about keeping worthy of going to the temple, and last night (at the adult session) about holding fast to the iron rod. It was a pleasure listening to him, and to our Stake President, and the others who spoke. My kids were fairly clingy and a bit noisy and restless, and kind of tired (Daylight Savings began last night!), but were, overall, good.
*I was especially relaxed, because I had given a talk the night before at the adult session of the conference, and all my stress was gone! Yes, that's two Stake Conferences in a row I have been asked to speak at, but this time it was at the request of Elder Wilson. (He doesn't know me, but asked that the Stake Primary President, among others, would speak.) My topic was "Effective Ministering through Family Councils." I started out with a story about how my parents used a family council to help us stop calling each other names. After the session, Elder Wilson said that it was the most effective story he'd heard about family councils, and asked if he could share the story around the church. Umm, yes. Yes, you can.
It was awesome!
(My sweet counselor was released today. I am so sad for her, but she has determination and faith and multitudes of pray-ers on her side.)
*I was especially relaxed, because I had given a talk the night before at the adult session of the conference, and all my stress was gone! Yes, that's two Stake Conferences in a row I have been asked to speak at, but this time it was at the request of Elder Wilson. (He doesn't know me, but asked that the Stake Primary President, among others, would speak.) My topic was "Effective Ministering through Family Councils." I started out with a story about how my parents used a family council to help us stop calling each other names. After the session, Elder Wilson said that it was the most effective story he'd heard about family councils, and asked if he could share the story around the church. Umm, yes. Yes, you can.
It was awesome!
(My sweet counselor was released today. I am so sad for her, but she has determination and faith and multitudes of pray-ers on her side.)
March 2015, Week 1
*Today at church was our Fast and Testimony meeting again. I wish I had transcripts of the testimonies, because they were inspiring. The people in my ward are so great.
*Today we had the Visiting Teaching Conference in Relief Society. I loved it. Our Visiting Teaching Coordinator based her lesson on Chapter 7 of the Daughters in My Kingdom book, and reminded us of what a minister is. She listed questions we can ask our sisters, and she gave us action words for things we can do for them, like pray, seek, contact, care, greet, etc. Then our Relief Society President spoke more about the word "seek." She said it takes hard, dedicated work, but we need to seek out ways to reach our sisters. I am recommitted to seek ways to help and reach the sisters I teach. I think I have been coasting, and not working.
It was awesome!
*Today we had the Visiting Teaching Conference in Relief Society. I loved it. Our Visiting Teaching Coordinator based her lesson on Chapter 7 of the Daughters in My Kingdom book, and reminded us of what a minister is. She listed questions we can ask our sisters, and she gave us action words for things we can do for them, like pray, seek, contact, care, greet, etc. Then our Relief Society President spoke more about the word "seek." She said it takes hard, dedicated work, but we need to seek out ways to reach our sisters. I am recommitted to seek ways to help and reach the sisters I teach. I think I have been coasting, and not working.
It was awesome!
Monday, February 23, 2015
February 2015, Week 4
*Today at church I got to go to my own ward, with my own family! It is amazing how great it was to be there with them. It makes me think of all the families of the High Counselors and other stake leaders who must miss each other, as they have to be apart even more that I was from mine.
*Today the Sacrament Meeting talks were about continuing revelation. I enjoyed the talks (the parts I could focus on between shushing my kids, who were so chatty), but I really enjoyed the closing prayer. She used some awesome phrases, like "thoughtfully using our agency" for finding revelation for our families. I wish I could remember it all.
*Today my almost 3 year old son went to Nursery for the second week in a row. We are turning a corner, folks! We had been talking about it all morning, and he seemed reluctant but willing. As we drove up to the building, he said, "No church. Let's go home." We didn't listen. He went, he sat, he played with cars, he ate his snack, and he even fell asleep for a little bit (in his chair). This is such progress. I hope it will stick.
*Today I got to see my friend who moved away and was here for a visit. I like to be around her because she asks thoughtful questions and cares about the answers. She's also funny. (Thanks for coming!)
It was awesome!
But...this week I learned that my counselor has stage 4 colon cancer. It is terrible news, and we are still praying for her.
*Today the Sacrament Meeting talks were about continuing revelation. I enjoyed the talks (the parts I could focus on between shushing my kids, who were so chatty), but I really enjoyed the closing prayer. She used some awesome phrases, like "thoughtfully using our agency" for finding revelation for our families. I wish I could remember it all.
*Today my almost 3 year old son went to Nursery for the second week in a row. We are turning a corner, folks! We had been talking about it all morning, and he seemed reluctant but willing. As we drove up to the building, he said, "No church. Let's go home." We didn't listen. He went, he sat, he played with cars, he ate his snack, and he even fell asleep for a little bit (in his chair). This is such progress. I hope it will stick.
*Today I got to see my friend who moved away and was here for a visit. I like to be around her because she asks thoughtful questions and cares about the answers. She's also funny. (Thanks for coming!)
It was awesome!
But...this week I learned that my counselor has stage 4 colon cancer. It is terrible news, and we are still praying for her.
February 2015, Week 3
*Today was another day of three overlapping Ward Conferences (and their Ward Councils) to attend. The good news was that they were in my home building! Also, these were the last three for the year! The bad news is that my counselor, who was sick the previous week, is in the hospital. They are trying to determine what is wrong, but there might be cancer involved. We are praying for her. It made a day of juggling for me and my other counselor and secretary. I wasn't able to attend my own ward or see my family, as I was hoping, as I was involved in the other wards. It was fun, however, to see all my friends and my Primary kids from before our wards split.
*I love going to the Ward Councils. It is a great way to get a feel for the ward, and to get to know the perspectives of the ward leaders. I love to hear what emphasis and council our Stake President chooses for each ward. I don't know if he thinks of it before the meeting or if he just says what comes to mind at the moment (probably both), but it is always different--sometimes only slightly, and sometimes very noticeably. He is a very approachable, thoughtful, and straightforward man. I am enjoying getting to know him and the other Stake leaders, as well.
*I gave the Sharing Time three times today. The first two (in the same ward) went particularly well. I felt the Spirit of the stories of Jesus, and I felt the children could tell I believed what I was telling them. I was excited for the last lesson, as it was the last time I'd be giving the Sharing Time, and it was with the kids formerly in my ward. Since this is a blog about positive experiences at church, I will spare the details of how difficult this 20 minutes were. There were several factors that combined to make it turn out as it did, but I'll say that I came away feeling like an amateur in need of major classroom management skills. I have reflected on the day, and have some ideas of how I can do things differently in the future. I just wish I could have thought of them in the moment, to model what to do for the ward leaders. Maybe next time...
It was...awesome!
*I love going to the Ward Councils. It is a great way to get a feel for the ward, and to get to know the perspectives of the ward leaders. I love to hear what emphasis and council our Stake President chooses for each ward. I don't know if he thinks of it before the meeting or if he just says what comes to mind at the moment (probably both), but it is always different--sometimes only slightly, and sometimes very noticeably. He is a very approachable, thoughtful, and straightforward man. I am enjoying getting to know him and the other Stake leaders, as well.
*I gave the Sharing Time three times today. The first two (in the same ward) went particularly well. I felt the Spirit of the stories of Jesus, and I felt the children could tell I believed what I was telling them. I was excited for the last lesson, as it was the last time I'd be giving the Sharing Time, and it was with the kids formerly in my ward. Since this is a blog about positive experiences at church, I will spare the details of how difficult this 20 minutes were. There were several factors that combined to make it turn out as it did, but I'll say that I came away feeling like an amateur in need of major classroom management skills. I have reflected on the day, and have some ideas of how I can do things differently in the future. I just wish I could have thought of them in the moment, to model what to do for the ward leaders. Maybe next time...
It was...awesome!
February 2015, Week 2
*Today I was able to attend two Ward Conferences. I was teaching the Sharing Time that we are giving for all the wards for one of the wards, and one of my counselors was going to teach the other ward, but she called in the morning to say that she was sick with the flu. I didn't want to drop it on my other counselor without warning, so I just did the lessons for both wards. Four Sharing Times in a row (since each ward has a junior and a senior primary). It was...exhausting. But--it was also interesting to see how even with the same lesson for the four groups, I had a slightly different emphasis on certain stories or scriptures. Reflecting back on where I put the emphasis for which group of kids was interesting, and I believe it was inspired, though I don't know the reasons.
*As we (the Stake leaders) visit each ward, we sit on the stand for the Sacrament Meetings. In the first congregation I visited, the Mission President and his wife were there, smiling sweetly at us through the meeting. I had forgotten that this was their home ward. I don't suppose they get the opportunity to go to their home ward often, or to sit in the congregation for many church meetings. They looked like they enjoyed it a lot.
*Today at the end of church (at 2 pm), I was given an extra Valentine cookie that had been handed out in Relief Society. I was so thankful for that cookie! I had forgotten to bring any food with me that day, and hadn't eaten since 7:00 am (since I attended the Ward Council meeting at 7:45), and had a 40 minute drive home to go. It was amazingly tasty.
It was awesome!
*As we (the Stake leaders) visit each ward, we sit on the stand for the Sacrament Meetings. In the first congregation I visited, the Mission President and his wife were there, smiling sweetly at us through the meeting. I had forgotten that this was their home ward. I don't suppose they get the opportunity to go to their home ward often, or to sit in the congregation for many church meetings. They looked like they enjoyed it a lot.
*Today at the end of church (at 2 pm), I was given an extra Valentine cookie that had been handed out in Relief Society. I was so thankful for that cookie! I had forgotten to bring any food with me that day, and hadn't eaten since 7:00 am (since I attended the Ward Council meeting at 7:45), and had a 40 minute drive home to go. It was amazingly tasty.
It was awesome!
Sunday, February 1, 2015
February 2015, Week 1
*Today at church I got to attend my own ward, and I substituted on the organ. The songs were hard today! My hands actually started shaking from nerves as I was playing the opening hymn (#82, "For All the Saints"). I took a breath and, in not so many words, told my hands to stop because this was for church and people needed to sing, and not listen to my shaky notes. They did! A tender mercy.
*During Testimony Meeting, a sister shared a thought from a sermon she had listened to on the radio that morning. The preacher had been talking about being "fishers of men." He said that most people enjoy the fishing, but no one really likes to clean the fish. The thing is, though, the Lord asks us to do the fishing, and He will take care of the cleaning. We don't need to prejudge--we just bring souls to Him, and He will do the cleaning of them. I liked that imagery.
*During Sunday School, we had another image that I enjoyed. We were studying the 3rd and 4th chapters of John, about Nicodemus learning about being born again. Our instructor used a hard popcorn kernel to describe how we are before our change of heart, and how a popped kernel is us after a change. It was interesting to think about what it takes to change a heart, and how we should be soft and teachable after.
*During Relief Society, we had a nice lesson about President Benson's "Fourteen Fundamentals" of prophets. I most enjoyed, however, holding my sleeping 2 1/2 year old on my lap, as he had fallen asleep on my husband, who successfully transferred him to me so he could go teach his lesson. It doesn't happen often that I get to hold him while he sleeps (and almost never at church), and it won't be too long before those days are all done. I've put in a good many years mothering babies and toddlers. Being still and holding a sleeping child is one of the best parts of the job.
It was awesome!
*During Testimony Meeting, a sister shared a thought from a sermon she had listened to on the radio that morning. The preacher had been talking about being "fishers of men." He said that most people enjoy the fishing, but no one really likes to clean the fish. The thing is, though, the Lord asks us to do the fishing, and He will take care of the cleaning. We don't need to prejudge--we just bring souls to Him, and He will do the cleaning of them. I liked that imagery.
*During Sunday School, we had another image that I enjoyed. We were studying the 3rd and 4th chapters of John, about Nicodemus learning about being born again. Our instructor used a hard popcorn kernel to describe how we are before our change of heart, and how a popped kernel is us after a change. It was interesting to think about what it takes to change a heart, and how we should be soft and teachable after.
*During Relief Society, we had a nice lesson about President Benson's "Fourteen Fundamentals" of prophets. I most enjoyed, however, holding my sleeping 2 1/2 year old on my lap, as he had fallen asleep on my husband, who successfully transferred him to me so he could go teach his lesson. It doesn't happen often that I get to hold him while he sleeps (and almost never at church), and it won't be too long before those days are all done. I've put in a good many years mothering babies and toddlers. Being still and holding a sleeping child is one of the best parts of the job.
It was awesome!
January 2015, Week 4
*Today was another day for visiting another ward for church. I was struck by the order of how things work in the church. One of the biggest trials of being a Primary President for me, and for almost all of those I speak to, is trying to fill callings. We pray for inspiration and submit names for the large number of callings we need to fill, but it seems like we're trying to make a puzzle with half of the pieces missing, because we never have all the information the Bishopric does. It is sometimes very disheartening to have what we feel like clear inspiration turn out to not be the path the Bishopric wants to take. Sometimes we have holes that we just can't discern how to fill. We often don't know the reasons for particular requests, or for particular denials or particular delays. Often we have to move forward with faith that things WILL work out.
On this day, the Primary President had been talking to me before her Ward Council about needing a teacher for one of her classes, and how she was at the end of her list of ideas for submissions. She had submitted names already, and had asked for ideas from her Bishopric, but the calling was still not filled. After Sacrament Meeting, she came to me with a grin, saying that she had just met with her Bishop, and they had both been thinking about the same sister for this calling, and it was going to be taken care of. I could tell that she felt that she had finally had the inspiration that she was entitled to as the Primary President of her ward, and to have it align with the Bishop's will made her so happy. I know that feeling. It is beautiful to know when you are doing the will of the Lord, and that you can invite others to do the same.
It was awesome!
On this day, the Primary President had been talking to me before her Ward Council about needing a teacher for one of her classes, and how she was at the end of her list of ideas for submissions. She had submitted names already, and had asked for ideas from her Bishopric, but the calling was still not filled. After Sacrament Meeting, she came to me with a grin, saying that she had just met with her Bishop, and they had both been thinking about the same sister for this calling, and it was going to be taken care of. I could tell that she felt that she had finally had the inspiration that she was entitled to as the Primary President of her ward, and to have it align with the Bishop's will made her so happy. I know that feeling. It is beautiful to know when you are doing the will of the Lord, and that you can invite others to do the same.
It was awesome!
Sunday, January 18, 2015
January 2015, Week 3
*Today I went to three Ward Councils and two Ward Conferences, and taught Sharing Time in the Spanish branch. No worries--a lot of that overlapped, though I was in some sort of meeting from 7:45 am to 4:00 pm. I comfort myself that the Stake Presidency started even earlier, and stayed even later. I am meeting so many people, and learning so much Spanish! (Not nearly enough, though.) My fabulous counselors taught the Sharing Times in the other two wards while I was at the other meetings. I freely admit that my natural introverted self would love to just stay in my home, all the time, and not talk to anyone but my family, but I also freely admit that it is a blessing to be challenged beyond my natural introverted self to step out and serve and love. I would never choose to do this type of calling on my own, but it seems to be exactly what I need to grow into what Heavenly Father needs me to be. It seems I have lots of growing left to do.
*Today was a hard day for my husband at church. He gets lots of practice getting everyone to church alone, and he substituted in my 13 year old son's Sunday School class, and he helped in the Deacon's Quorum, as he does each Sunday, with the company of our 2 year old son, who refuses to stay in the nursery, and then had BYC and a flag sales meeting for the Scout camp fundraiser after church, with all the kids in tow. He admitted that it was hard, but he also said how willing he is to support me in my calling, and that we can do hard things. He is wonderful.
It was awesome!
*Today was a hard day for my husband at church. He gets lots of practice getting everyone to church alone, and he substituted in my 13 year old son's Sunday School class, and he helped in the Deacon's Quorum, as he does each Sunday, with the company of our 2 year old son, who refuses to stay in the nursery, and then had BYC and a flag sales meeting for the Scout camp fundraiser after church, with all the kids in tow. He admitted that it was hard, but he also said how willing he is to support me in my calling, and that we can do hard things. He is wonderful.
It was awesome!
January 2015, Week 2
*Today in church I was able to attend a Ward Conference for another ward in our stake. It is the first in a series that I will be attending in the next few weeks. We heard our Stake President's talk for the first time, and he presented the theme of "Preach My Gospel," and the challenge to read the manual from cover to cover. He is extremely interested in missionary work, and has had that as our theme in some way almost every year, but he says that rather than seeing it as a missionary theme, we are to look at the "Preach My Gospel" manual as a tool for teaching our families core doctrine. By extension, we will want to preach the gospel, but he wants us to focus on teaching our families first. I am anxious to begin.
*Today I presented the Sharing Time for this ward. They have a smaller primary, with such sweet children. Our presidency was asked a while ago to determine how we will use the "Preach My Gospel" manual this year in the ward primaries, and we decided to focus on chapter 6, which is about the attributes of Christ. The theme for Primary this year is "I Know My Savior Lives," and we thought this focus will align well with it. We came up with four challenges for the children can do--memorize the 9 attributes, read a set of scriptures about them, read about them in the manual with their families and tell in their own words what they mean, and do something that exemplifies each attribute. Once they do all four challenges, we will give them a certificate. For the Sharing Time, I told about people I admire for their good attributes (my grandpa, who showed faith by praying before each time he flew a combat mission in WWII, and President Monson, who showed love and charity in so many examples), and how Jesus Christ is the perfect example of all. We read some scriptures showing other attributes He has (patience, knowledge, hope, virtue, humility, obedience, and diligence), and then showed the "Preach My Gospel" chapter where we got the list of attributes, and then introduced the challenge. I then got to bear my testimony about how these attributes have blessed my life. So far we have had pretty positive feedback about the challenge. I hope it helps the children have a way to open up discussions about the theme with their families.
*Today I spent some time with the Spanish branch primary. They have a wonderful president, and some other great leaders, but it is a lot of work to make everything happen that needs to happen on Sundays. I just went to observe, and to answer some of their questions. I also got to play the piano for them. Usually, the music leader just uses a CD, as they don't have a pianist. I can imagine how hard that would be as they try to learn new songs, and want to go over specific parts. I hope I was of some help, even though I didn't always understand exactly where she wanted me to start playing.
It was awesome!
*Today I presented the Sharing Time for this ward. They have a smaller primary, with such sweet children. Our presidency was asked a while ago to determine how we will use the "Preach My Gospel" manual this year in the ward primaries, and we decided to focus on chapter 6, which is about the attributes of Christ. The theme for Primary this year is "I Know My Savior Lives," and we thought this focus will align well with it. We came up with four challenges for the children can do--memorize the 9 attributes, read a set of scriptures about them, read about them in the manual with their families and tell in their own words what they mean, and do something that exemplifies each attribute. Once they do all four challenges, we will give them a certificate. For the Sharing Time, I told about people I admire for their good attributes (my grandpa, who showed faith by praying before each time he flew a combat mission in WWII, and President Monson, who showed love and charity in so many examples), and how Jesus Christ is the perfect example of all. We read some scriptures showing other attributes He has (patience, knowledge, hope, virtue, humility, obedience, and diligence), and then showed the "Preach My Gospel" chapter where we got the list of attributes, and then introduced the challenge. I then got to bear my testimony about how these attributes have blessed my life. So far we have had pretty positive feedback about the challenge. I hope it helps the children have a way to open up discussions about the theme with their families.
*Today I spent some time with the Spanish branch primary. They have a wonderful president, and some other great leaders, but it is a lot of work to make everything happen that needs to happen on Sundays. I just went to observe, and to answer some of their questions. I also got to play the piano for them. Usually, the music leader just uses a CD, as they don't have a pianist. I can imagine how hard that would be as they try to learn new songs, and want to go over specific parts. I hope I was of some help, even though I didn't always understand exactly where she wanted me to start playing.
It was awesome!
Sunday, January 4, 2015
January 2015, Week 1
*Today in church was "lonely,"as my 11-year old daughter put it, since we were missing my 5 and 2 year olds, who were home with fevers, and my husband, who was keeping them company. I never thought that four kids would seem like a small group, but she was right--we were lonely with them gone.
*Today was Fast and Testimony meeting again. I think a good 90% of those who spoke were converts, and none of them made a big deal about it, but it impressed me (as always) that they were willing to change their lives for the sake of the gospel truth--and they are all grateful to have made the change. I think of my dad's parents, who joined the church when he was a small boy, and how many people have been blessed for their decision. I am thankful. Having been raised in the church, I had to be converted, but it involved a change of heart, not of lifestyle, or even friends. Converts are heroes to me.
*Today my sweet 9 year old daughter chose to bear her testimony for the first time. It was so sweet. She follows the righteous desires of her heart.
*Today our new Primary President was sick, on a critical transition day (First Sunday! Everyone moves up! Teachers change, rooms change, manuals change!) so I went in to help. The Sunbeam teacher hadn't been called yet, and the next class up was missing a teacher, so I took the 7 kids. It was a bit..chaotic. However, they all left with smiles on their faces, so I count that as a success. I came home and took a nap.
It was awesome!
*Today was Fast and Testimony meeting again. I think a good 90% of those who spoke were converts, and none of them made a big deal about it, but it impressed me (as always) that they were willing to change their lives for the sake of the gospel truth--and they are all grateful to have made the change. I think of my dad's parents, who joined the church when he was a small boy, and how many people have been blessed for their decision. I am thankful. Having been raised in the church, I had to be converted, but it involved a change of heart, not of lifestyle, or even friends. Converts are heroes to me.
*Today my sweet 9 year old daughter chose to bear her testimony for the first time. It was so sweet. She follows the righteous desires of her heart.
*Today our new Primary President was sick, on a critical transition day (First Sunday! Everyone moves up! Teachers change, rooms change, manuals change!) so I went in to help. The Sunbeam teacher hadn't been called yet, and the next class up was missing a teacher, so I took the 7 kids. It was a bit..chaotic. However, they all left with smiles on their faces, so I count that as a success. I came home and took a nap.
It was awesome!
December 2014, Week 4
*Today at church I was able to teach the lesson in Relief Society. We discussed a talk from April 2014 General Conference by Elder Robert D. Hales called "If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments." It had an interesting section about different types of obedience, that he called natural man's obedience, selective obedience, and the Savior's obedience (or spiritually mature obedience). I was anxious to hear the insights of the sisters in my ward, and they did not disappoint. It was refreshing to be in a lesson where there was dialogue, and learning, and emotion. I was more bold than I thought I would be in declaring that we must be obedient to the Prophet, because he is obedient to the Lord, even when popular opinion goes another way--and even when the popular opinions are from church members. I find it easier to be bold in Primary than in Relief Society. I think it is because the women there have such varied experiences and I don't want to offend any who are on the fringes, but I should not be ashamed of declaring obedience to the Prophet. The Primary kids are willing to believe bold statements, because their hearts are soft and open to truth--and not offended. I did enjoy the experience. I think I will always be a Primary girl, but Relief Society isn't too bad, either. :)
It was awesome!
It was awesome!
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