the street we often park on a block from the church

Sunday

It seems every Sunday we learn some big life lessons that must be common to most, but for us are becoming new and fresh.

We had a short Sunday with no meetings before church and nothing afterward. Our 5 1/2 hour day seemed like somewhat of a vacation and almost like we would not know what to do with our extra time. We feel like what we are learning is that once you make yourself available to serve you don't worry about how long or short it takes.

Jeff and I both spoke in Church today. Annie Kate and her primary class sang "Dearest Children God is Near You" They were all excited and did a great job.

For my talk I started with a quote I got form Sheri

"God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we prove our dependability, he will increase our capability!" -Neal A. Maxwell

It seemed to fit perfectly with my talk on learning to learn and learning to teach. I had recently discovered the Worldwide Leadership Training online one night while sewing. (I am such the multi tasker, I usually watch old conference talks while sewing) We each picked our own subject for our talks and I chose this recent address.
I was surprised at what anxiety I felt the night before and up to the moment of speaking. This was so rare for me as I usually never get nervous. It was good for me to be a little anxious as to "stretch" myself and do my very best.
The girls were crazy! Jeff was in the hallway with them screaming during my talk and I got off the stand and switched with him so he could talk. The tough thing is there is no real hallway the chapel doors stay open and are 25 feet from the front door of the building, so there is no place to hide with noisy kids without going to the basement. We are definitely being given the opportunity to learn patience with these little ones, I just hope we hurry up and learn it.

Jeff gave such a great talk and used this great story about bees and wasps that he had seen on PBS. (turns out one of the girls in the meeting is the one who had edited it for PBS) He talked about protecting our families and finding Peace in the Easter Season.



Primary continues to be a challenge with Reverence. The extreme situation some of the kids are coming from - between home and church - remind me to be patient but at the same time I don't want to be indulgent either. It is just going to take time for sure.
The older boys class did sharing time and it was amazing. The teacher did such a good job of having them do it. She had them each write down their testimony and read it. Chad gave me his, I thought it was so sweet!

We were thrilled to make it home by 5:30 yet still very tired from the day. My visiting teacher called me to see if I want to go with her to the Stake Relief Society Fireside (devotional). I would have to leave at 6:30 and knew I would probably not be home until 9:30pm. My mind quickly talked myself out of it by thinking I had been at the Stake Center the week before for a Stake Primary meeting and I had already had a long day, but because I love my visiting teacher so much I could not pass up the 20 min each way conversation I was going to get with her. I don't see her as much and so I am not going to pass up any chance I get spending time with her. (see my selfish motives)

flyer for fireside with my little note pad to take notes

The Fireside was INCREDIBLE! Our Stake President is getting released in a few weeks so it was timely that they had his wife on the schedule to speak.
They had a musical number by 3 women in my new ward and it was wonderful. It was something in D minor and just gave me such an appreciation for skilled musicians. I must admit I felt a little pride being associated with my new downtown friends.

The Stake President introduced his wife by reading a little something by her 8 children. (7 boys and 1 girl) it was amazing to hear. One of her sons referenced this amazing talk "A Mother Heart". It is a must read for any woman having a bad day! Here is the highlight for me.

"Who can find a . . . woman [with a mother heart]? for her price is far above rubies. . . . She . . . worketh willingly with her hands. . . . With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. . . . She stretcheth out her hand to the poor. . . . Strength and honour are her clothing. . . . She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness" (Proverbs 31:10, 13, 16, 20, 25–27). A woman with a mother heart has a testimony of the restored gospel, and she teaches the principles of the gospel without equivocation. She is keeping sacred covenants made in holy temples. Her talents and skills are shared unselfishly. She gains as much education as her circumstances will allow, improving her mind and spirit with the desire to teach what she learns to the generations who follow her.

Margaret was a wonderful speaker and put a face and a reality to what I want to accomplish as a woman. A few things I wrote in my notes that she said,

"You did not come to this earth to get your worth, you came with it"
"We should care more about life forever than life today"

There were a few other things that I could not write down fast enough. So I have written her a note along with returned self addressed stamped envelope in hopes she will send me one quote that was amazing. I will post it when I get it.
She spoke of her struggle with Cancer and losing her father at 16 years old and how those trials have made her the stronger. I was grateful that I had a visiting teacher call me and encourage me to go and not get a long day get in the way of my decisions.

This Stake does not disappoint when doing anything. The flowers were gorgeous.
They had sugar cookies in the shape of women.
Then they had tubes of white and pink icing so that you could make each sugar cookie unique and special just like we are. (i wanted to just pick up the icing and squirt it in my mouth, but didn't see anyone else doing it so I resisted)

It was really a great night and so fun to see all my friends from both wards and feel so fortunate for the short time we have lived here how many wonderful people I have met.

One of the most wonderful things is coming out of the meeting to see the large D.C. Temple it just puts everything in perspective. The stake center is next door to the temple