*Today, before church at Stake Council, I had an answer to a thought that had been rolling around in my mind. Our Stake President was sharing some insight he had gotten at a Coordinating Council meeting he attended, which had the focus of missionary work. He shared how in 3 Nephi 11, after the Savior invited all people to come to Him to feel the wounds in his hands, the first thing he taught them was about baptism. That is really the goal of all the outreach and missionary work we as a church do. He quoted Elder Oakes when he said that baptism is so important because it is the first ordinance for exaltation. Living a good, Christian life is not enough. Being kind is not enough. You need the ordinances for progression. (I forgot to write that the thought rolling around was how yes, this is the true church, but people who never learn of it, or for whatever reason don't accept it, can still have good, fulfilling, uplifting lives--and was that their plan? Was it okay for them? But the problem is that they don't get the ordinances necessary for exaltation, and THAT is why missionary work is so important. And we are all missionaries, all the time.)
*Today, on my way to church from Stake Council, I was listening to the radio to a sermon being broadcast from a church in Dallas. A couple things stood out to me from this discussion. One was: "Pray until you pray." I knew exactly what the man meant by this. Sometimes I pray without praying. Sometimes I have to pray for a bit before my prayer really begins. Sometimes I get it right and can pray for the whole time I pray. I like that phrase, and I think it will help me in my prayers going forward. The second thing he said that stood out was: "Growth comes from obedience, not from knowledge." I thought that was insightful because we can study all day every day, but until we start living the things we learn, we won't progress. Obedience is an exercise of faith. We give up the power of our mind in favor of the direction the Lord gives us in our heart.
*Today at church, a man who is a recent convert bore his testimony. He is a sweet, older single man who lives in my neighborhood. I learned that after the hail storm, he called a number the city provided to get a ride to a doctor appointment, because his car was destroyed. Our church had provided numbers to the city of members willing to volunteer to do those kinds of things, and the man who gave him the ride was a member in another ward. He got talking with our neighbor, introduced him to the Book of Mormon, and things progressed from there. What got me about this testimony is that this man joined the church because of the hail storm. I am looking for ways that this hail storm has brought blessings, because it is hard to see sometimes, and here was a vibrant example, standing and testifying in front of me of his love of the Savior and of those who act in His name. I concede that there is a plan in all things, and that the Lord has a hand in all things.
It was a delight.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Monday, July 11, 2016
July 2016, Week 2
Sooo... I'm back again. Life took a crazy turn with a destructive hailstorm in April. I kept thinking of things to write on here, but I never did. I've officially given myself permission to skip it, or I would never start this up again. So, without further ado:
It was a delight.
*Today at church we had a speaker talking about keeping the Sabbath Day holy, but it kind of was more about how when we have trials, we can still find many blessings from the Lord. She talked about the Israelites in the wilderness, and how they were provided with manna and quail each day, and twice as much on the day before the Sabbath. She asked us to think about what our wilderness is. She also said that if we aren't able to keep the Sabbath Day holy, then we are really slaves to something else, and we need to free ourselves from that. Interesting thoughts.
*I'm personally thinking about how to make the sacrament more holy, and every time I think or pray about it, I come across an article or a talk or an idea from a friend that covers that topic. I think I still have a way to go, but I'm glad it's something that is often on my mind.
It was a delight.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
March 2016, Week 4
*Today was Easter! At church we celebrated through song (our Primary children sang "Gethsemane," which, though not an official Primary song, should be an official Primary song, and the ward choir [including me!] sang "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing," which, though not in the current hymnbook, should be in the next hymnbook). We also had a wonderful talk by one of my favorite sisters. She and I have different personalities, but the same beliefs. She lives life with flair and boldness, and she invited us to look beyond her fake hair color and false eyelashes to the real, pure message in her heart. She reminded us how we put so much time into preparing for Christmas, but sometimes overlook Easter preparations, when really, "There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter" (Gordon B. Hinckley). I remember hearing that when Pres. Hinckley said that, and it took me a minute to figure out its truth. He lives--all glory to His name.
*Today I got to sit with my husband's visiting brother and his wife (and my husband!) during Sunday School, which was a rare treat. Our lesson was on Jacob 1-4, and we had a great discussion about the meaning of "magnifying your calling." We have some wise people in my ward.
*Our Relief Society lesson was a conference talk about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We talked a lot about specific trials we have that can be overcome through the Atonement. After the lesson, my sister-in-law, who has visited our ward a couple times, said she could tell that our ward really cared for each other, and the sisters seemed like we are all friends. I liked to hear that, since the ward realignments only happened three months ago. I think there has been a real effort all around to make that happen so quickly.
*It was a delight!
*Today I got to sit with my husband's visiting brother and his wife (and my husband!) during Sunday School, which was a rare treat. Our lesson was on Jacob 1-4, and we had a great discussion about the meaning of "magnifying your calling." We have some wise people in my ward.
*Our Relief Society lesson was a conference talk about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We talked a lot about specific trials we have that can be overcome through the Atonement. After the lesson, my sister-in-law, who has visited our ward a couple times, said she could tell that our ward really cared for each other, and the sisters seemed like we are all friends. I liked to hear that, since the ward realignments only happened three months ago. I think there has been a real effort all around to make that happen so quickly.
*It was a delight!
March 2016, Week 3
*Today at church we had a spiritual feast! The talks in Sacrament Meeting were about repentance, forgiveness, and the Atonement. One man told of how his parents, who were part of another religion, had a small son who died, but because he hadn't been baptized, there wasn't going to be a funeral. On the day they got that news from their church, the missionaries knocked on their door and taught this distraught couple about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. They, along with the bishop, arranged a funeral for their son later that week, which was well attended by their future ward members. Because of this, a great legacy of a faithful family began and the speaker was born in the covenant.
*Our Relief Society lesson was also about the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is Chapter 6 in the Howard W. Hunter manual. Just go ahead and read the chapter--it's pretty great. We were reminded that the Atonement and resurrection was not only to give life to the dead (all of us), but also to bring forgiveness to the sinner (all of us who are willing to be humble and ask for forgiveness). It was a perfect way to start the Easter Week on this Palm Sunday.
It was a delight!
*Our Relief Society lesson was also about the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is Chapter 6 in the Howard W. Hunter manual. Just go ahead and read the chapter--it's pretty great. We were reminded that the Atonement and resurrection was not only to give life to the dead (all of us), but also to bring forgiveness to the sinner (all of us who are willing to be humble and ask for forgiveness). It was a perfect way to start the Easter Week on this Palm Sunday.
It was a delight!
Monday, March 14, 2016
March 2016, Week 2
*Today at church was a day with no responsibilities. Ben and I were almost giddy with the thought of going to Gospel Doctrine together. As soon as I sat down, a Primary counselor came to me and asked if I would help in the Sunbeam class. I was disappointed, yes, but only until I saw the face of my son who is in that class, who was so excited to have me there! I was helping another sister who was a last minute sub, too, and she did a great job with this big class. We even went on a field trip around the building to look for "popcorn" on the trees--and we found some! (Yay for early spring in Texas.) It probably wouldn't ever happen, but I just kept thinking it would be great if the two of us could be the teachers for this awesome group of kids.
*Back to Sacrament Meeting--my son got to tell of his experience on the trek, and relate it to the pioneer ancestor that he was representing. It turns out that his (our) relative had a (relatively) easy time travelling across the ocean and the plains, compared to the horrific (or just really, really hard) experiences that others had. My son recognized that his trek (of one day, thanks to bad storms) was tough, but relatively easy, too. There was always food and help and breaks and medics and so on. Things can always be worse. But even those who went through worse thought it was worth it.
*I'm still working on making the Sacrament time the most holy part of my Sabbath Day. I know I can do it, even with my three and six (and eight...and ten...and twelve...) year olds. I think it has to be more of a regular family discussion, so that it can be a team effort, and we can evaluate our progress together. I'll keep you posted...
It was a delight!
*Back to Sacrament Meeting--my son got to tell of his experience on the trek, and relate it to the pioneer ancestor that he was representing. It turns out that his (our) relative had a (relatively) easy time travelling across the ocean and the plains, compared to the horrific (or just really, really hard) experiences that others had. My son recognized that his trek (of one day, thanks to bad storms) was tough, but relatively easy, too. There was always food and help and breaks and medics and so on. Things can always be worse. But even those who went through worse thought it was worth it.
*I'm still working on making the Sacrament time the most holy part of my Sabbath Day. I know I can do it, even with my three and six (and eight...and ten...and twelve...) year olds. I think it has to be more of a regular family discussion, so that it can be a team effort, and we can evaluate our progress together. I'll keep you posted...
It was a delight!
March 2016, Week 1
*Today at church we had a special Stake Conference, because our Stake President was being released after 9 1/2 years of diligent service. We had two visiting General Authorities (both Seventies), and they shared how the previous day they had jointly interviewed men from the Stake for five and a half hours straight, and independently knew who the new Stake President should be. I know the man who was called--he was a bishop, and he'll do a great job. (We'll be praying for him, because tomorrow we leave for trek [my 14-year old son and my husband and I, along with all the other youth from the stake and others asked to be ma's and pa's and all the Stake leaders of the youth] and the weather forecast is horrible, and he's the one who will have to make the call as to if we go or stay. Big first day!)
*The Temple President First Counselor's wife (Assistant Matron, I believe) spoke briefly at the conference. She shared how her family had gathered at another temple for the wedding and sealing of a young couple. They were waiting in the sealing room, and greeting one another, and her brother-in-law had forgotten to turn off his cell phone, which was in his shirt pocket. He had used the navigation feature to get to the temple, and there in the sealing room, it piped up, "You have reached your destination." After the embarrassment of the noise, they reflected on how appropriate that statement was for the sealing room of the temple.
*Today I missed my husband and four of my children, as they had travelled to his brother's home for the baby blessing of his new little son. I had stayed behind to pick up my parents from the airport after Stake Conference (so they could stay with my children while we were on the trek). As I walked into church with the two kids that stayed behind, they commented on how small our family was that day--and how quiet! I'm glad to have the few moments of quiet and focused attention on fewer kids, but I really like when we're all back together. Complete. We're working together to reach our destination in the temple and in the Celestial Kingdom.
It was a delight!
*The Temple President First Counselor's wife (Assistant Matron, I believe) spoke briefly at the conference. She shared how her family had gathered at another temple for the wedding and sealing of a young couple. They were waiting in the sealing room, and greeting one another, and her brother-in-law had forgotten to turn off his cell phone, which was in his shirt pocket. He had used the navigation feature to get to the temple, and there in the sealing room, it piped up, "You have reached your destination." After the embarrassment of the noise, they reflected on how appropriate that statement was for the sealing room of the temple.
*Today I missed my husband and four of my children, as they had travelled to his brother's home for the baby blessing of his new little son. I had stayed behind to pick up my parents from the airport after Stake Conference (so they could stay with my children while we were on the trek). As I walked into church with the two kids that stayed behind, they commented on how small our family was that day--and how quiet! I'm glad to have the few moments of quiet and focused attention on fewer kids, but I really like when we're all back together. Complete. We're working together to reach our destination in the temple and in the Celestial Kingdom.
It was a delight!
Monday, February 29, 2016
February 2016, Week 4
*Today at church we had our Fast and Testimony Meeting, as we are having Stake Conference next week. I was almost giddy with being able to be with my family at church, and also for the rest of the day at home! I even substituted on the piano in Primary, so I got to see my Primary kids during that time. (My 3-year old kept sitting up high to see me over the piano and wave.)
*It was a great meeting. I was thinking about sharing how even though my testimony is self-sufficient, I am really grateful that we are able to meet together with our ward friends and share our faith together. Then about half the ward stood up (ha!) to bear their testimonies, so I didn't get a chance, but there were about four people who basically gave that same message. Also, one of my favorite sisters who always has great analogies, told of going to the Provo City Center Temple Open House, and how the building was refined through fire to become perfect (with lots of hard work) inside and out. It was good before, but now it is sacred--and we can have the same happen for us.
*The closing hymn was "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again," which is common enough that I have it pretty much memorized. I was just singing along, and then this part of the chorus struck me during the last verse--"'til we meet at Jesus' feet." I pictured kneeling at Jesus's feet, reuniting with my family and friends, and it brought me a lot of joy. I'm thankful for an eternal perspective.
It was a delight!
*It was a great meeting. I was thinking about sharing how even though my testimony is self-sufficient, I am really grateful that we are able to meet together with our ward friends and share our faith together. Then about half the ward stood up (ha!) to bear their testimonies, so I didn't get a chance, but there were about four people who basically gave that same message. Also, one of my favorite sisters who always has great analogies, told of going to the Provo City Center Temple Open House, and how the building was refined through fire to become perfect (with lots of hard work) inside and out. It was good before, but now it is sacred--and we can have the same happen for us.
*The closing hymn was "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again," which is common enough that I have it pretty much memorized. I was just singing along, and then this part of the chorus struck me during the last verse--"'til we meet at Jesus' feet." I pictured kneeling at Jesus's feet, reuniting with my family and friends, and it brought me a lot of joy. I'm thankful for an eternal perspective.
It was a delight!
February 2016, Week 3
*Today we had our last two ward conferences. The first one, in the Spanish ward, started out with their bishop being released. There were lots of emotions for the adults, but it is a good, strong ward, and they will move forward with their new bishop faithfully. The children didn't mind at all, and were ready for Primary! They just got a new president two weeks ago, and I was able to briefly meet her last week, but she was out of town this week, so her only counselor, who had been out of town last week, was running things. She has been in Texas for only one year, coming from Venezuela, but has been a member all her life. She had a lot of questions for us, and I think my secretary (who is from Mexico) and I were able to answer them pretty well (as far as I could tell from our translated conversation). She did a great job leading--and she was very thankful that I were teaching the Sharing Time lesson!
*The second ward conference overlapped with the first one, so I drove to the other building after the first ward was done to be there for the Sharing Time. My counselor, who had been there the whole meeting, told me an older man had driven himself and his wife to church and then had a heart attack in the parking lot just after pulling into the parking stall. He was taken away in an ambulance, but they announced at the end of Sacrament Meeting that he had just passed away. So again, there were lots of emotions for the adults, and again, the kids weren't really affected and were ready for Primary, so again, their primary president was grateful that my counselor was teaching the lesson. (I love this particular primary president. She is smart and faithful and committed to following the Spirit to find solutions to problems. Actually, I really like all the presidents. I must tell you about them all sometime.) Later, I was able to be part of a conversation with a man who had accompanied the wife of the man who passed away to the hospital. He said that the wife told him that for the previous two weeks her husband had been getting all papers in order, and letting her know what numbers to call and what to do if something happened to him. She asked him why he was doing all of that, and he said he just didn't want her to have to worry. Also, after about an hour after his passing, a chaplain came to visit her to offer comfort. The man said that within five minutes, she had given the chaplain a pass-along card. Then, her daughter arrived, and before the chaplain left, the daughter had also given him a pass-along card. What missionary minded people they must be! I couldn't help reflecting on this experience, and how, though a tragedy, it could have been so much worse if he had had the heart attack just five minutes before, while still driving to church. Also, his wife was supported by her ward family from the moment it happened. The Lord is in the details of our lives, if we let Him be.
It was a delight.
*The second ward conference overlapped with the first one, so I drove to the other building after the first ward was done to be there for the Sharing Time. My counselor, who had been there the whole meeting, told me an older man had driven himself and his wife to church and then had a heart attack in the parking lot just after pulling into the parking stall. He was taken away in an ambulance, but they announced at the end of Sacrament Meeting that he had just passed away. So again, there were lots of emotions for the adults, and again, the kids weren't really affected and were ready for Primary, so again, their primary president was grateful that my counselor was teaching the lesson. (I love this particular primary president. She is smart and faithful and committed to following the Spirit to find solutions to problems. Actually, I really like all the presidents. I must tell you about them all sometime.) Later, I was able to be part of a conversation with a man who had accompanied the wife of the man who passed away to the hospital. He said that the wife told him that for the previous two weeks her husband had been getting all papers in order, and letting her know what numbers to call and what to do if something happened to him. She asked him why he was doing all of that, and he said he just didn't want her to have to worry. Also, after about an hour after his passing, a chaplain came to visit her to offer comfort. The man said that within five minutes, she had given the chaplain a pass-along card. Then, her daughter arrived, and before the chaplain left, the daughter had also given him a pass-along card. What missionary minded people they must be! I couldn't help reflecting on this experience, and how, though a tragedy, it could have been so much worse if he had had the heart attack just five minutes before, while still driving to church. Also, his wife was supported by her ward family from the moment it happened. The Lord is in the details of our lives, if we let Him be.
It was a delight.
February 2016, Week 2
*Today at church I attended two ward conferences, and they went well. I am trying to follow my own advice to make the sacrament the most holy part of my day. Some days are more successful than others. I think I could have prepared for this day a bit more by going to bed earlier the night before. They called a new bishop in this ward, and he happened to go to the Wood Badge training that I attended in the fall. He's very adventurous, and told some interesting stories, but my eyes--they were a-droopin'. My Saturday bed time is something I think I will take more seriously.
*Today after church I met with my Stake President. I was able to tell him how grateful I am for my counselors. I trust them to represent our presidency well when I am at other meetings. Then he told me that he trusts me, and sees the work I'm doing. That's nice to hear sometimes.
It was a delight!
*Today after church I met with my Stake President. I was able to tell him how grateful I am for my counselors. I trust them to represent our presidency well when I am at other meetings. Then he told me that he trusts me, and sees the work I'm doing. That's nice to hear sometimes.
It was a delight!
Sunday, February 7, 2016
February 2016, Week 1
*Today at church I thoroughly enjoyed watching our music leader conduct the music. She is a slight lady in her 80's who recently broke her back and went through rehab, and is back leading us again. She obviously loves the hymns that she is leading, and cares for each word and phrase, and is thinking about how to lead them with conviction. She later bore her testimony in our meeting, and said she had to bear it or we might not know she had one, but I need to tell her that we can all easily see her testimony shine through as she conducts the music.
*We sang "All Creatures of our God and King" for our closing hymn. I really like that one, and tried to focus on the words. We don't have a culture of "praising" in our church, as many other Christian churches do in their prayers and songs and vocabulary of worship, and I usually don't mind because I'm not used to it, but with hymns like this, I enjoy the chance to praise God in song and allelujahs.
*Our Relief Society lesson was about Visiting Teaching. We have lots of people who don't know each other because of the ward realignment, and I think they wanted to give us a boost to get out there and befriend each other. It worked--I'm recommitted and ready--even to go meet the inactive sister I was just assigned.
It was a delight!
*We sang "All Creatures of our God and King" for our closing hymn. I really like that one, and tried to focus on the words. We don't have a culture of "praising" in our church, as many other Christian churches do in their prayers and songs and vocabulary of worship, and I usually don't mind because I'm not used to it, but with hymns like this, I enjoy the chance to praise God in song and allelujahs.
*Our Relief Society lesson was about Visiting Teaching. We have lots of people who don't know each other because of the ward realignment, and I think they wanted to give us a boost to get out there and befriend each other. It worked--I'm recommitted and ready--even to go meet the inactive sister I was just assigned.
It was a delight!
January 2016, Week 5
*Today at church we had a bit of a marathon--four wards had their ward conferences. The first ward was my own, so I actually got to see my family during Sacrament Meeting, though I had to sit on the stand. I attended one Ward Council, two Sacrament Meetings, and taught four Sharing Times (for two wards), and my counselors went to/taught the others through the day. It was exhausting, but then I remember the Stake Presidency, who were there long before and long after I was. It gives me a renewed appreciation for their willingness to serve our stake.
*A couple things I'm trying to focus on as I teach the Sharing Time to the children (forgive me if I'm repeating myself, because I do repeat myself as I teach this over and over!) is 1) making the Sacrament the most holy part of this holy day, and 2) trying to remember WHY we keep the Sabbath Day holy. If we can remember that all things we choose to do on the Sabbath have the potential to bring us closer to our Savior, it makes choosing our activities easier. The most delightful outcome that we can have for the day is to be closer to Jesus Christ--so what do we need to do to get there?
It was a delight!
*A couple things I'm trying to focus on as I teach the Sharing Time to the children (forgive me if I'm repeating myself, because I do repeat myself as I teach this over and over!) is 1) making the Sacrament the most holy part of this holy day, and 2) trying to remember WHY we keep the Sabbath Day holy. If we can remember that all things we choose to do on the Sabbath have the potential to bring us closer to our Savior, it makes choosing our activities easier. The most delightful outcome that we can have for the day is to be closer to Jesus Christ--so what do we need to do to get there?
It was a delight!
Monday, January 25, 2016
January 2016, Week 4
*Today before church, I attended Stake Council. I serve with some stalwart, well-spoken men and women in this stake. I was feeling a bit under-qualified to be with them. Even the missionary who reported and spoke about faith was so articulate and confident. Then I decided that even if I am under-qualified, I'm the one with my calling, so I just need to hunker down and do it, and stop comparing myself to others. Was it Neal A. Maxwell who said the Lord will qualify those he calls? That is what I am working toward.
*Due to reasons I don't know, some ward conferences were postponed, and I was happy to attend church in my own ward. We had a couple good Sacrament Meeting talks about gratitude, service, and repentance. The last speaker said when he was about 5, he stole a toy, and as he was returning it to the store, the manager told him, "Be grateful that you have a father who helps you make wrong things right." He also said to imagine if we only had the sacrament once a year, with that opportunity to repent and renew covenants--how sacred and honored we would make that occasion. We don't have to wait though. We get to do it every week. What a blessing.
*I was able to help my six year old daughter write and give a talk about the scriptures, and meet my new visiting teaching companion (finally!) and enjoy Gospel Doctrine (1Nephi 13--my favorite chapter as a youth) and Relief Society (Conference talk about faith being a choice, and not by chance).
It was a delight!
*Due to reasons I don't know, some ward conferences were postponed, and I was happy to attend church in my own ward. We had a couple good Sacrament Meeting talks about gratitude, service, and repentance. The last speaker said when he was about 5, he stole a toy, and as he was returning it to the store, the manager told him, "Be grateful that you have a father who helps you make wrong things right." He also said to imagine if we only had the sacrament once a year, with that opportunity to repent and renew covenants--how sacred and honored we would make that occasion. We don't have to wait though. We get to do it every week. What a blessing.
*I was able to help my six year old daughter write and give a talk about the scriptures, and meet my new visiting teaching companion (finally!) and enjoy Gospel Doctrine (1Nephi 13--my favorite chapter as a youth) and Relief Society (Conference talk about faith being a choice, and not by chance).
It was a delight!
January 2016, Week 3
*Today at church I was able to participate in two ward conferences. I loved being able to look over the congregations and actually recognize some people this year! Our Stake Presidency chose the theme "Honor the Sabbath Day," and our Stake President shared how for many years during his job as a police officer, he worked night shifts only, and would get home with only a couple hours before it was time to go to church. He never let it be an excuse to miss being there. He's a good man. I can imagine the strong foundation that provided for his little family.
*My two counselors taught the Sharing Time lessons this week. They are good women! I am grateful to have them on my team.
It was a delight!
*My two counselors taught the Sharing Time lessons this week. They are good women! I am grateful to have them on my team.
It was a delight!
Monday, January 11, 2016
January 2016, Week 2
*Today at church, I attended the first Ward Conference of the year. It was in the Spanish Branch. This is the first time their branch has had the 9 o'clock time slot, and it was 28 degrees when I left the house. These things really affected the attendance for the morning. There are some really dedicated, lovely people in that branch, though. It's an honor to work with those working so hard to keep the branch functioning.
*This was the first Ward Conference for my two new counselors. (If I didn't write it before, my previous first counselor moved, and my second counselor got cancer.) These are good women. I've been working with them through the fall, and they are willing and happy, and it's nice to spend time with them. I look forward to all that we will do together. We had a great visit with the Primary Presidency of the branch, and were able to answer some of their questions and get to know them better.
*The theme of our conference is Honoring the Sabbath Day. It has been about a year that the church has increased its emphasis on the Sabbath Day. I'm excited to do a Sharing Time with all the wards about the Sabbath Day, using President Nelson's April 2015 General Conference talk. We've tried to keep from doing the typical Primary list of dos and don'ts, but it's tricky--we do talk about things we can do, but we try to talk about the why and the sign we want to give, and making the day a delight.
*Yesterday, I was blessed to be part of a focus group with Elder D. Todd Christofferson. He was in Dallas for the weekend, and asked to have three stakes (ours included) have their Stake President, Stake RS, YW, YM, Sunday School and Primary Presidents attend. The focus group wasn't for him to preach, but to listen to us. He wanted to know about the Sabbath Day--about things we've seen in the last year since the emphasis has begun. He wanted to know challenges, blessings, changes, and any other comments we had about how we felt about the Lord's day. (I will get my notes out and write them down sometime! Probably on my other blog...) We talked about this for about an hour, and then he asked if we had any other questions about anything, and talked another 15 minutes or so. One question he got was how his life has changed since he's been called as an apostle. He said that he's been traveling and speaking as a church representative for a long time, but as soon as he was made an apostle, the expectations people had for him immediately increased a hundred fold. It bothered him at first, until he learned that he needs to stop worrying about what others were expecting of him, and just do what he can for the people he's with. Just do the Lord's will for that moment, and that's all that matters.
It was a delight!
*This was the first Ward Conference for my two new counselors. (If I didn't write it before, my previous first counselor moved, and my second counselor got cancer.) These are good women. I've been working with them through the fall, and they are willing and happy, and it's nice to spend time with them. I look forward to all that we will do together. We had a great visit with the Primary Presidency of the branch, and were able to answer some of their questions and get to know them better.
*The theme of our conference is Honoring the Sabbath Day. It has been about a year that the church has increased its emphasis on the Sabbath Day. I'm excited to do a Sharing Time with all the wards about the Sabbath Day, using President Nelson's April 2015 General Conference talk. We've tried to keep from doing the typical Primary list of dos and don'ts, but it's tricky--we do talk about things we can do, but we try to talk about the why and the sign we want to give, and making the day a delight.
*Yesterday, I was blessed to be part of a focus group with Elder D. Todd Christofferson. He was in Dallas for the weekend, and asked to have three stakes (ours included) have their Stake President, Stake RS, YW, YM, Sunday School and Primary Presidents attend. The focus group wasn't for him to preach, but to listen to us. He wanted to know about the Sabbath Day--about things we've seen in the last year since the emphasis has begun. He wanted to know challenges, blessings, changes, and any other comments we had about how we felt about the Lord's day. (I will get my notes out and write them down sometime! Probably on my other blog...) We talked about this for about an hour, and then he asked if we had any other questions about anything, and talked another 15 minutes or so. One question he got was how his life has changed since he's been called as an apostle. He said that he's been traveling and speaking as a church representative for a long time, but as soon as he was made an apostle, the expectations people had for him immediately increased a hundred fold. It bothered him at first, until he learned that he needs to stop worrying about what others were expecting of him, and just do what he can for the people he's with. Just do the Lord's will for that moment, and that's all that matters.
It was a delight!
January 2016, Week 1
*Today at church, we welcomed the new year with a newish time for meeting and a newish congregation. Three weeks before, our ward boundaries were reorganized again, and we lost some families and gained more, and now we're in the "new" ward, so there has been lots of callings and meeting people and fun things like that. Our meeting time is now 8:30 am. Early--but not terrible. We're close to getting everything staffed.
*Today was Fast and Testimony Meeting, and I loved hearing the testimonies. I don't remember specifics, but I remember having a happy soul after the meeting.
*Today I planned on helping in Primary, since I had subbed in there for the previous two weeks, and with a new presidency and a new year, I thought things might be a little up in the air. I was wrong. The president was very capable and had things organized so well. Not everyone was called yet, but she had people in place for those classes. I was so impressed.
*I went to Gospel Doctrine and Relief Society. I sat by a sister who had been in the other ward, and it was nice to get to know her. She showed me lots of pictures of her dogs and nieces and nephews. Maybe I'll have some kid pictures to show her someday.
It was a delight!
*Today was Fast and Testimony Meeting, and I loved hearing the testimonies. I don't remember specifics, but I remember having a happy soul after the meeting.
*Today I planned on helping in Primary, since I had subbed in there for the previous two weeks, and with a new presidency and a new year, I thought things might be a little up in the air. I was wrong. The president was very capable and had things organized so well. Not everyone was called yet, but she had people in place for those classes. I was so impressed.
*I went to Gospel Doctrine and Relief Society. I sat by a sister who had been in the other ward, and it was nice to get to know her. She showed me lots of pictures of her dogs and nieces and nephews. Maybe I'll have some kid pictures to show her someday.
It was a delight!
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