The Foundation of A Great Work

The theme for our recent Stake Conference came from Doctrine and Covenants 64:33-34 which reads “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these the last days.” 

I’ve been glancing at this scripture nearly every morning as the announcement for the conference, which had the scripture printed on it, is the bookmark for morning Ensign reading. It’s beginning to sink in and I’m trying to apply it my here and now.

A lot that I’ve done in my life has been the foundation work for something greater that I have yet to see. Take my schooling, for instance. I thought that I’d laid the foundation and nearly built the house for my career when I finished college 2+ years ago. I’m learning though that I may have built the foundation and possibly framed the walls but my house is far from complete. And ya know what? I’m pretty ok with that. It’s taken me time to get here and I’m not always in a place where I’m perfectly content but for the most part, I’m ok. If I’d gotten that dream job right out of college, I would have missed out on the opportunities that I’ve had to teach things I never thought I’d be teach. I’ve started looking at my present situation through the eyes of a med student. They don’t go from undergrad to the operating room but have years of additional training in-between. So, in essence, my subbing and work as an aide is my personal “med school”.

And who knows what the future is going to bring???

Relief Society

Today’s the anniversary of the organization of the Relief Society. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what being a part of this worldwide sisterhood means to me. I can’t think of a time when it hasn’t been a part of my life. I used to attend monthly homemaking meetings with my mom when I was young. I loved watching her making crafts; super Saturdays were especially fun! My mom let me come with her a lot and I’m grateful for that early exposure to the Relief Society. She didn’t make me go to the nursery with the other kids but let me be a part of whatever she was doing.

Later, as I turned 18, I really looked forward to going to Relief Society. It was a rite of passage, I felt, and when I was told I couldn’t attend, it was disheartening. Michelle and I were informed that because we were a couple months shy of our 18^th birthday and that they talked about things in Relief Society that we weren’t ready to hear about, we couldn’t go. Both Michelle and I thought that was crap! As did our parents.  So, we met with our bishop and after “threatening” us that we’d be given Visiting Teaching responsibilities, we were allowed to join the ranks of the 11^th Ward Relief Society. In spite of this rocky beginning, I knew it was the right place for me. I was given a great VT partner who was a great example to me and I was even called to be the RS pianist!

I was a part of my home ward Relief Society for a little less than a year. Soon after I graduated from high school, my stake created a Young Single Adult Ward and I started attending church there. Our humble Relief Society was small but we were mighty. It was there that, at the age of 20, I was called to serve as the Relief Society president. I served almost two years and little did I know how much that calling would come to help me in the following few years.

In January 2009 I was called to serve as the secretary to the Stake Relief Presidency. I held this calling for almost two years again and enjoyed nearly every minute! :o)  Out of the four of us, I was the only one who had ever served as a Relief Society president. Crazy! I learned a lot in the short time I was with them and was definitely sad to have to leave when the Young Single Adult program was changed and I left my home stake.

Last Sunday, I was once again in my home stake, with that same presidency, participating in the RS Anniversary Celebration. It was good to be there and it felt like “home”. There’ll always be a soft spot in my heart for that stake and the all the sisters with whom I was able to rub spiritual shoulders.

I heard, once upon a time, a quote that said something like “Relief Society needs you and you need Relief Society.” I believe that with all of my heart and am thankful for all the experiences, good and bad, that I’ve had in the time I’ve been a part of the R.S. Here's to 60 more years!!!

Still Alive

It's been a busy month so far. I accompanied my mom to LA two weeks ago where we bought 12 packages worth of fabrics, trims, and other stuff for the opera. I also picked up some more scarves, skirts, and jewelry. We had a great time and managed to tire ourselves out in the process. ;) The day after we returned, I spoke in Sacrament Meeting. Valentine's Day came and went, along with the winter session of night school. I'm now in-between sessions, which means a break from that job, but I've picked up more time at the opera getting things ready for the upcoming season. We got a new student from Iran at school last week and we're working to get her situated. She's at a different place than Rolando and Jr. so it's been a juggling act trying to balance three students distinct needs and two teachers. It was a welcome break to have a day off this past Monday but the time went way too quickly. Life continues to go on and on.....andI'm still alive and kicking.

Another February Birthday

Happy Birthday Jennifer!!!

Today's my sister-in-law Jennifer's birthday. She's married to Jared and they're the parents of Ashley and Landon. Jennifer's a great wife, mom, and sister-in-law. I'm grateful for all the help she provided when I was going through college. It was definitely a blessing. 

Happy Birthday Jen! I hope it's a great one!!!

 

Hanna Marie

Happy Birthday Hanna Marie!!!!

 

My niece, Hanna, is 6 years old today. I think she's pretty darling. Don't you?
Hanna is an awesome big sister, quiet and contemplative, and has the legs of a ballerina. (That makes the fact that she loves skirts that twirl even cuter!) Happy Birthday my sweet little Hanna. I am so blessed to be your aunt. I hope you have a fabulous day!!!

Groundhog Day

Happy Groundhog Day!

Just in case you missed it, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow this morning, which means the end of winter is just around the corner! To celebrate, I think I'll go to LA. Wait, I'm already going headed there in a week. HUZZAH!!!

In keeping with the Groundhog Day theme, I thought I'd share a little inspiration from the classic Bill Murray flick. Well, this isn't actually from the movie, but the song is and the video is classic. Enjoy!

Happy February!

Welcome to February!!! (rabbit, rabbit, rabbit...)
We're already one month into the new year. It's crazy how time flies. I'm looking forward to a good month. Next week I'll be heading to LA with my mom and Patti for a little shopping trip. YAY! I'm pretty excited about escaping the icky winter we've been having and getting to spend some time in the sun. The day after I return, I'll be speaking in church about the "Love of God". I'm also looking forward to that. Following my trip, it'll be back to the usual grind but the trimester will be nearing completion, which is a good thing for many a student I know. :o)
I hope you all have a great month and just think, spring's not that far off (for those of you who can't stand winter. ;o))