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!

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!

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!