When I Grow Up

       A few weeks ago was Red Ribbon Week at one of the schools where I work.  Every day there was some kind of dress up day—Crazy Socks Day, Favorite Sports Team Day, Wear Red Day, etc.  I am kind of a nerd and I have always loved dress up days.  In Junior High I was really bugged by the cheerleaders who planned Spirit Week and all the dress up days, but not once did they dress up—too embarrassing I guess.  Well, I was not embarrassed, I secretly basked in the attention.       

         One of the dress up days for Red Ribbon Week was “Dress Like What You Want to Be When You Grow Up.”  I’ve always known what I want to be when I grow up…a mother.  

          So, when does one officially grow up?  Am I considered a grown-up?  I am nearing the end of my thirties.  What if I still want to be a mother?  Does that mean I’m not grown-up yet?  Do you have to have children to be considered a grown-up?  Do you have to have a real job?  I never wanted to work.  This is a huge rip off  single women face (unfortunately this is also a rip off for mothers who  would like to stay at home with their children but for various reason are prohibited from doing so).  When my sisters take all their kids to the zoo, I have to go to work.  I want to take kids to the park, change diapers, be a Room Mother, chauffeur kids to soccer practice and ballet, etc.--not go off to work everyday!  I never wanted a career.  I actually HATE that word.  Am I considered a career women because I am not a stay-at-home mom?  Or, does a career women need to work in an office building?  I’m actually glad I don’t do that—glad I work with children every day.    

          For Red Ribbon Week, I decided to be bold and dress like a mom.  I didn’t have much time to come up with a costume and I contemplated what to wear to show that I was a mom—what I want to be when I grow up.  (Do you have to be over 5'3 to be grown up?  Cause I’m only 5'2 so maybe I’m still not a grown-up yet--phew).   What makes someone look like a mom—besides a pregnant belly?  I really didn’t want to go that route.  

          So, I made a cape—a Super Mom cape.  Let’s face it—they are the Super Heroes of the world!  In fact, as I went into various classrooms, some students asked if I was a super hero.  I told them I was BETTER than a super hero.  They didn't see the words on my cape yet and they were curious.  As they each told me what they were dressed to be, I said I was also that person.  Then I turned around and showed them my cape... 

• A Doctor or Nurse—yes, mom’s help sick kids feel better. 
• An Inventor—you better believe it that mom’s are inventors—they have to invent answers to questions, solutions to problems, and behavior interventions daily.
• A Scientist—they do experiments everyday--some cooking experiments go better than others, I suppose.
• A Teacher—they are the most influential teacher  in a child’s life and they are often caught doing homework.
• A Firefighter—if they have more than one child, they are daily putting out fires between siblings.
• A Business Person--hey have to make budget proposals, make purchases, sort through mail, and they lead the most influential organization in the country--the home.
• A Dentist--not only do moms have to devise a way to actually get their kids to brush their teeth, they have to come up with creative excuses for why the Tooth Fairy may have missed a night (I have seen this happen before...dreadful mistake, Tooth Fairy!  You must never forget or miss!)

The list goes on....

           TO ALL YOU MOTHERS OUT THERE…you are the Super Heroes of the world.  Hug your children extra tight tonight because you have them.  There are many women, like myself, that are longing to grow up and experience the joys and challenges you face daily. 

            “When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses?”  Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, May 1978.

“Satan has declared war on motherhood. He knows that those who rock the cradle can rock his earthly empire. And he knows that without righteous mothers loving and leading the next generation, the kingdom of God will fail.”  Sister Sheri Dew, Ensign, November 2001

        TO ALL WOMEN WITHOUT CHILDREN, God knows our heart ache.   He knows our longing to cradle loved ones.  Sister Sheri Dew gave a talked entitled, “Are We Not All Mothers” in the November 2001 General Relief Society Broadcast.  Every woman should re-read this talk.  It has blessed my life on many occasions.  Sister Dew explains about the divine role of motherhood is not solely claimed by those who bear children,

              “Motherhood is more than bearing children, though it is certainly that. It is the essence of who we are as women. It defines our very identity, our divine stature and nature, and the unique traits our Father gave us…For reasons known to the Lord, some women are required to wait to have children. This delay is not easy for any righteous woman. But the Lord’s timetable for each of us does not negate our nature. Some of us, then, must simply find other ways to mother. And all around us are those who need to be loved and led…

             As daughters of our Heavenly Father, and as daughters of Eve, we are all mothers and we have always been mothers. And we each have the responsibility to love and help lead the rising generation….

              Every one of us can mother someone—beginning, of course, with the children in our own families but extending far beyond. Every one of us can show by word and by deed that the work of women in the Lord’s kingdom is magnificent and holy. I repeat: We are all mothers in Israel, and our calling is to love and help lead the rising generation through the dangerous streets of mortality."       Sister Sheri Dew, Ensign, November 2001 “Are We Not All Mothers”  
                
        I highly recommend reading this talk!   Satan’s armies are attacking like never before and we can’t bear to stand and watch causalities that we could have helped, but didn’t because we were not their mothers.  Children need to be told they are good and loved and capable.  The mothers of today need more help than ever before.  They need validation—we can support them by letting them know they are doing a great a work.  We can support them by loving their children.  We can support them by finding ways to use our God-given gift of nurturing to strengthen their children through these troubled times. 

        On Mother’s Day, we can proudly stand and receive a plant in Sacrament Meeting!  We are all mothers. Some of us just need to be a little creative and seek for ways to magnify our God-given roles.      

         I have strived to be better at remembering birthdays.  I try to remember some of the names of the primary kids and make them feel special.   I substituted sweet Molly's Sunbeam class a few times and she is my little buddy now.  Buddy the Elf said "I just love smiling.  Smiling's my favorite."  My "favorite" is seeing Molly wave across the chapel at me!

       When there is a special occasion for my friends' children, such as a baptism or a performance, I have tried to attend and show support.  My mission companion invited me to her son’s junior high musical last month.  I didn’t know it meant so much for him to have me come, but he asked his mom this year, “ So, is Sister Kieffer coming?”  I didn’t think he even remembered me coming last year, but I apparently it made an impression on him and he expected me to come this year. 

   

        Last week I was on Facetime with my nieces and I told one of them to stop growing--she was getting too big, too fast.  Her little sister said, "She is growing up so she can be a mom!  When I grow up, I want to be an aunt--just like you!"   Completely melted my heart!  I LOVE being an Aunt.  Hailey, I hope some day you also have the privilege of being an aunt and I hope you receive as much joy as I do from this sacred responsibility.  In honoring your role as an aunt, you will honor your role as mother.  We don’t have to wait until we grow up to be what we want to be. 

 

I am grateful to be a "mother" to these children. 
(I made this video for an EFY talk about Motherhood a while ago).

38 Days

        38 Days until Christmas.  Did you start your Dedicated Savings Account?  I cashed mine out this last week--Christmas cash is in an envelope, ready to spend.  I also started a new account for next year.  If you haven't started yours yet, you still have time!  BE PREPARED for next Christmas!   (See blog post "Christmas Cash").
           I started a personal Christmas tradition.  I consider it a small gift to the Savior.  I like to read all the talks from the October General Conference by Christmas Day.  I enjoy highlighting quotes that are especially meaningful and writing personal notes in the margins--just like my scriptures because it is modern day scripture.  I also create a personal index on the back for repeated words or topics.  Lately, I have noticed in the last few General Conferences the words "duty" and "responsibility."   I have added these to my personal index so I can review my "duties" and "responsibilities" after I finish reading the talks in the November Ensign. 
           Every morning that I read a talk, I really feel more energized for the day.  I don't claim to know HOW it works, just that it DOES work.  I am a happier, nicer, more patient, and more hopeful person when I read the words of the living prophets.   The same thing happens when I read the Bible or the Book of Mormon.  The word of God is more powerful than a sword (see Alma 31:5).
         There are 38 talks from the last General Conference (I didn't include the sustainings) and 38 days until Christmas.  I invite you to join with me and read all the talks from the last General Conference by Christmas.  I can promise you that you will feel the love of the Lord more fully in your life.  You will feel closer to Christ and have the POWER to become more like Him.  Like I said, I don't know HOW it works, I just know that it DOES work. I know that I owe much of happiness to reading and applying the word of God (see Alma 44:5).

             I have a similar tradition for the April General Conference, the Conference Ensign comes out in May, so I like to make sure I read all the Conference talks by June 27th--the anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith.


        "As always, the proceedings of this conference will be available in the coming issues of the Ensign and the Liahona magazines. I encourage you to read the talks once again and to ponder the messages contained therein. I have found in my own life that I gain even more from these inspired sermons when I study them in greater depth."  

President Thomas S. Monson (October 2012 General Conference)

                     http://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2012/10?lang=eng

Mary Poppins Bag

One Sunday I observed my friend, Wendy, had brought a “big church bag” with her to Sacrament Meeting. I wondered what new important calling she had received.  Noticing that she was not sustained at the beginning of the meeting, I watched with curiosity, as she nonchalantly reached into her Mary Poppins Bag and produced a new activity for the children of the family she was sitting next to every time they started to get restless.  Her bag had magic in it!  

     We often see moms with their big church bags, why can’t we have one?  Just watch a mom and you’ll see what to bring (well, the diapers and wipes may not be mandatory…yet).  The Friend magazine, small toys, books (that can be chewed on), crayons, snacks, etc. are good starters.   I like to lure the children to my side by giving them a pass-along cards; pass-along cards--not playing cards. 

 I have profited many times from my own big church bag that I started to bring after seeing Wendy's success.   One day I was sitting in Relief Society next to a mother of twin boys.  She asked if I would watch one boy while she changed the other.  Of course--my pleasure!  Luckily, I was prepared with my big church bag.  The chewable book  and a small toy came in handy until the mother came back a few minutes later and lifting up the back end of the twin I was left with, taking a whiff, said that she had taken the wrong twin to change.  I don’t remember the Relief Society lesson that day, but I remember struggling to suppress my laughter as she toted away the soiled twin.

     Another Sunday morning, I noticed the chorister in Sacrament Meeting had a curious smirk on her face during the opening hymn.  Thinking that someone had made a face at her or she must have seen something humorous, I felt left out.  I wanted to know what was so funny…and then I saw her two-year old dart in front of the Bishop onto the stand, barely out of his mother’s reach.  The father was not at church this particular Sunday, so no one was left to wrangle her two young boys.  The temptation was too great to surpass--the cunning two-year old could not let the ideal opportunity pass that had presented itself:
             1) embarrass his mom and
             2) get the attention of congregation.  
      Bless the heart of the mother.  She lead the music with one hand and with the other hand pointed the “Get back to your seat right now-you are in big trouble, buster” finger at her son.  The situation was getting worse.  Let’s be honest, no one was paying attention to uplifting and inspiring words of the hymn of praise.  This was first rate Sunday entertainment!  As only a mother could do, when the little boy ran passed his mother, she swept him up with the hand that included the “Get back to your seat right now-you are in big trouble, buster” finger, set him on her hip and continued to lead the music without missing a beat!  

       I vacillated, “Should I go get him?  Does she want help?  He doesn’t know me very well.  Will I look stupid?”  Finally, I abandoned thoughts of hesitation, marched up to the stand and carefully lifted the little boy off his mother’s hip as I smiled at the mother—still not missing a beat, and headed for the pew on which his brother sat.  Lucky for me, I had my big church bag.  The little boy was really taken off guard and a hint of fear was peering out from his dark little eyes until I brought out a little picture book about Jesus.  I proceeded to take my place at the end of the pew, as to prevent any further disastrous escapes.  His older brother was now trapped as well.     

    Often, unknown surprises in your bag may come in handy.  Today, in fact, I had some powdered packets of recently purchased Airborne.  Shaking them created a soothing, reverent sound--very enticing to a restless little guy.  Who knew that an Airborne box and powered packets could prove to occupy a toddler for twenty minutes during Relief Society?  Just a packet full of Airborne helps the Relief Society lesson go down, I guess.  In the most delightful way, of course. 

Instead of sitting alone and feeling sorry for ourselves, let's bring our big church bags full of fun, find families in need, and let the Mary Poppins magic begin! 

   For more ideas of what to put in your BIG CHURCH BAG or how to use it, please contact your local Relief Society sisters.

Mary Poppins: Never judge things by their appearance... even carpetbags. I'm sure I never do. (re-read in an English accent...it's even better!)

Christmas Cash

Halloween is over?   BOO hoo!  I am infatuated by the holiday.  I love the decorations, fall colors, and costumes!  This year I made an Oompa Loompa costume.  I don’t really sew, but I can make alterations and enhancements to D.I. finds.  Below are my other costumes I wore this year: Triangela Tilliewinkle (for our ward Releif Society Dinner with a Witch) and Mildew Rose (I am a witch at Gardner Village).

 

 

 

 

With Halloween in the past, that means we are into November and that means Christmas is next month!!!  How did it get here so fast?  Have you started your Christmas shopping?  Christmas comes every year—on the same day.  December 25^th.  You can count on it.  People often say that “Christmas just snuck up on me!  How am I going to pay for it?”  Let’s be honest, it can be a very expensive time of year—unless you plan for it and are prepared.  Without a Christmas bonus, how do people accommodate for the extra expenses? 

A few years ago a single friend of mine shared with me a very helpful idea that I have put into practice.  Now, you may be one of the savvy ones who are already putting this principle into practice, but it was a new concept to me.  It’s called a “Dedicated Savings Account” for Christmas.  She set up an account at her bank (or credit union—do I really have to make sure I mention the credit union or can I just call them all banks?) specifically for Christmas presents.  Every month for a year, the bank takes out a specified amount from her checking account.  She doesn’t have to do anything except set it up, which takes about 10 minutes or less.  Then, when the maturity date arrives, she would go to the bank and cash out her Dedicated Savings Account (DSA).  The entire amount is put into an envelope (thanks, Dave Ramsey, for bringing back the envelope system) and she uses that cash—and that cash ONLY for Christmas.  This is how she gives herself an affordable Christmas budget.  When the money is gone, she allows herself to be Scrooge the rest of the season.  Actually, she is showing self-discipline.  Because it comes out monthly, it is not a financial burden.  $15 bucks a month is a lot easier to set aside than come up with $225 in December.  I don’t know what your Christmas budget is, that amount is just an example.  With a DSA there is a minimally higher interest rate than a checking account, but its purpose is really to help you save money.

As single women, we need to demonstrate prudent stewardship over our resources.  If the time comes and we are blessed with a husband and children, the time for practicing wise money management will be over.  We should take this single time given to us to practice and prepare. 

Whether single or married, this challenge is for everyone who reads this blog:

THIS WEEK, GO TO YOUR BANK OR CREDIT UNION AND SET UP A DEDICATED SAVINGS FOR CHRISTMAS NEXT YEAR.   

You can decide the amount you want taken out and what day you want it taken out.  Setting it up this week will allow you to take it out next year before the Thanksgiving holiday. 

Last year I did something special with my “Dedicated Savings Christmas Account.”  This idea was from my friend, Hayley, so I don’t take credit for the idea. Instead of a gift exchange one year, her extended family decided to use the money intended for gifts and donate it to the Temple Patron Fund (a special fund set up to help families who cannot afford the travel expenses get to the temple to be sealed).  Each child was encouraged to do acts of service and for each act, a dollar was donated.

On Thanksgiving, I challenged each of my nieces and nephews to do daily acts of service.  For each act of service, I would pay them a quarter—sort of.  I would donate a quarter to the Temple Parton Fund instead of buying them Christmas gifts--with 22 nieces and nephews, I had be a little more modest with the links, hence the quarter instead of the dollar.  Each act of service was recorded on a link (red and green, of course), with the child’s name and the date of the service performed. 

 

At our family Christmas party, each family displayed their chain and we read the acts of service performed.  With my nieces and nephews, together, we helped send a family to the temple last year!  My cute dad offered to match what we raised, so our donation was doubled!  I was grateful for the DSA I set up that year that made it possible for me and my family to be a part of a special Christmas gift for a family we didn’t even know. 

“All of us are responsible to provide for ourselves and our families in both temporal and spiritual ways. To provide providently, we must practice the principles of provident living: joyfully living within our means, being content with what we have, avoiding excessive debt, and diligently saving and preparing for rainy-day emergencies. When we live providently, we can provide for ourselves and our families and also follow the Savior’s example to serve and bless others.”

                                              -Elder Robert D. Hales, General Conference April 2009

Meet Jack

         I was driving my sister's minivan with several of my nieces and nephews to see the Bountiful Temple one day this summer.  We were on our way home when I saw something so random, I had to stop.  Just by the mouth of the Sessions Canyon Trail, there was an elderly man sitting in a lawn chair next to a mini van playing a trumpet!  The back of the silver mini van was open and huge speakers were set in the back blasting dance music from the 30's.  Who was this guy?  Why was he there?  What was his story?  I made all the kids get out of the van and we were given a private trumpet concert with the backdrop of the summer mountains on one side and a view of the Great Salt Lake on the other.  We applauded his performance and introduced ourselves.

        Jack was a WWII Veteran.  He wore a hat decorated by several war pins.  He had some great stories--I wish I would have written them all down.  He told us that while he serving in the war, he played a German love song on his trumpet while he was in the trenches and it actually saved his life--a young solider from the other side was about to attack, but hearing the music, he was reminded of his young girlfriend at home.  The young German soldier ceased fire and surrendered himself the next day.  Jack also told us about losing his sweet wife many years ago.  Jack, like many of us who have never married, is alone.

          Jack has every right to sit home and wallow in his loneliness and sadness since his wife's passing, yet he made the effort to get out of his house and enjoy life.
         How many times have you seen an old man sitting by himself, playing a trumpet next to a mini van?  This was a first for me!   Like I said, it was so random, I had to pull over.  Jack didn't care with others thought about him or what he was doing.  He had confidence in himself and in God' plan for him.  He did what he loved and in doing so, he blessed my life and the lives of my nieces and nephews.  By doing what we love, without regards to "what others will think about us," we may bless the lives of others and be happier along the way.  We need to take control of our lives and find what makes us happy and MAKE IT HAPPEN.  We can't afford to wait for marriage (or anything else for that matter) to find our happiness.  We need to make our happiness now.


        You may not be able to control your marital status or other significant circumstances, but what in your life can you take control of and change to find more happiness and fulfillment?  What is your trumpet?


"My desire in this message is to offer opportunities for development and happiness for all members, whether married or single. To be in control of your life, to be a success regardless of your marital situation, I recommend that you come to know your Father in Heaven"
                                                                                         -Elder James E.Faust, Ensign, August 2007
                              http://www.lds.org/ensign/2007/08/welcoming-every-single-one?lang=eng

     

Graduating Without Honors...the Dreaded 31

One Sunday, during Sacrament Meeting a young man giving a talk said that he was going to be graduating from the Single’s Ward “without honors”.  He was going to be turning 31 years old and had not married yet, so he would be “graduating” from the Single’s Ward “without honors”.    I had never heard of turning 31 as such.  With the mask of humor, he mentioned the unmentionable—moving to a FAMILY WARD!  AH!   Life as he knew it, as social, single person would now cease.  He was destined to grow old and wrinkly and ALONE and there was nothing to he could do about it.  He should have just purchased a cemetery plot right then.  He got a lot of laughs from the congregation, but in the back of everyone’s mind was the unspeakable, evidenced by eyes shifting back and forth to see if anyone else found the fearful truth in the sarcasm. 

Let’s be honest.  Turning 31 in the LDS culture without being married (and without even the slightest glimpse of any prospects) is not on the list of birthdays looked most forward to, especially if you have enjoyed the Single’s Ward.  There is not much thrill to blowing out that last candle.  To some, it feels that dooms day has arrived.  Although it may feel like this, it is not true.  Yes, our plan to marry by 24 is now obsolete and perhaps we were close to a decade off (oops), but it is not the end.  Forget buying that space in the cemetery, we have a life to live and we have a difference to make. 

One day I went to lunch with my friend, Amy Sinks, who had just turned 31 and moved to a family ward.  She was the first of a group of friends that was “kicked out” and she said something that has stuck with me and aided me in my transition out of “Young Single Adult Life” to “Single Adult Life.”  She said that she had felt heartache and remorse, which perhaps is normal, but she also knew that God knew her personally.  He loved her and He was still in charge.  He was aware of her situation.  If she was supposed to get married, God could still make it happen.  He was not going to say to her, “Ha, Ha!   You are now 31 and out of the Single’s Ward, good luck!  You’ll never marry, too bad and so sad.”  She knew that God is not like that.  He had a personal plan for her. 

Heavenly Father is aware of us.  We have all had prayers answered.  He knows our current situation.  Although we have come to time of transition, it need not be a time of desperation. We can still hope and pray for our dreams and trust that we will have the blessing of that sacred union and find a dear companion to walk with through life.  True, it is not our first choice of life plans, but it may be a reality for some of us.  Upon turning 31, we are led to a choice:  will we accept that fact graciously, with humor and faith or dread the next phase of our lives with hopelessness and foreboding, hate and fear?  Our social life will only stop if we let it.  We can still associate with the “younger single generation.”  We can continue to cultivate our current friendships. We may have to be a little more proactive in seeking out social opportunities that we relied on the Church for previously. 

The family ward is nothing to be afraid of.  There are fantastic opportunities for service and wonderful friendships to be made in the family ward.  After getting over the initial shock of “graduating without honors,” we must “Fear not little flock” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:36) and go forward with faith.  The heartache of the reality that we are not in the place we had planned in Young Women’s will not necessarily go away in one Sunday, but we can pray for comfort and faith as we make this unanticipated transition.   This transition will be different for everyone.  However, through this blog, I will share some of the thoughts and experiences that I have had and some of my dear friends have had in hopes that they will aid some of you in this phase of life. 

 “You are not forgotten.    Sisters, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love.

Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!

He who created and knows the stars knows you and your name—you are the daughters of His kingdom…

God loves you because you are His child. He loves you even though at times you may feel lonely or make mistakes.

The love of God and the power of the restored gospel are redemptive and saving. If you will only allow His divine love into your life, it can dress any wound, heal any hurt, and soften any sorrow.

My dear Relief Society sisters, you are closer to heaven than you suppose. You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine. Continue to increase in faith and personal righteousness. Accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as your way of life. Cherish the gift of activity in this great and true Church. Treasure the gift of service in the blessed organization of Relief Society. Continue to strengthen homes and families. Continue to seek out and help others who need your and the Lord’s help.”

                        -Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf , General Relief Society Broadcast Fall 2011

As a side note, my friend, Amy, did get married and she now is married with three darling children. 

Unpack Your Bags

A few years ago, my friend, Tracy, lived in New Orleans while her husband was finishing medical school.  One Sunday, Elder Holland visited and gave a talk in which she related to me that the main point of his talk was, “unpack your bags.”  Paraphrasing what she said to me, Elder Holland said that whenever he was away from home, even in a hotel for a short stay, he'd unpack his suitcase--because that where he was "living" for the day.  He wanted to fully live in the present situation he was in.  
    The area where my friend was living didn’t have many permanent residents.  Several people there were simply living there “to finish school.”  Elder Holland recommended that instead of just living there with the attitude of “Well, I’m only here for a year,” or “We are here just until we finish coursework,” they needed to change their attitudes to live and serve in the present.  They shouldn’t wait until they were living in a permanent situation to serve and become actively engaged, in the church and in the lives of those around them.  This applies to single members of the church as well. 

 One tactic the adversary uses is allowing single people to “ward hop.”  There is serious spiritual danger in this, as well as lost opportunities and blessings.  Satan would like us to “float around.”  Floating does not require a foundation (see Helaman 5:12 and 1^st  Nephi 8:26).  When we make the decision of which ward we will attend, we grow roots; we grow relationships.  When we float, we risk forfeiting spiritual nutrients by not receiving callings and not having Home Teachers and Visiting Teachers.  We forfeit endearing relationships and opportunities for service.   Our roots are strengthened and nourished through service.  I know many people my age struggle with deciding between going to a "older single's ward" and a "family ward" and that is a very personal decision.  My advice is to MAKE A DECISION and move forward.  

“I have much treasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion, and many people in this city, whom I will gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion, through your instrumentality.

Therefore it is expedient that you should form acquaintance with men in this city, as you shall be led, and as it shall be given you.” (Doctrine and Covenants 111:2-3)

Let us be instrument and unpack our treasures to find our treasures.

Ideas for unpacking:  

• Make sure you introduce yourself to the Bishop and express a desire to serve.  (you may have to introduce yourself more than once…that’s OK, we can’t expect the Bishop to remember everything and even everyone.)
• Introduce yourself to the Relief Society President and let her know you would like to be a Visiting Teacher.    
• Invite women from the Relief Society to go with you to dessert…seriously, chocolate…who can turn that offer down?
• Invite some of the sisters to go out for dinner (single and married sisters!)
• Invite a family over and MAKE dinner for them.
• Make cookies for the speakers in Sacrament Meeting to say thanks for the talk (I got this one from Nick Cash).
• When you get the Relief Society announcement with the upcoming birthdays, bring the birthday ladies a card or cake.
• Learn the names of people, including children and elderly.
• Find the friendless. 

The list is endless...how do you "unpack your bags?"

SIDE NOTE: When Hurricane Katrina struck, Tracy (very pregnant), her husband, and toddler were evacuated.  They left their apartment and all their belongings…and never went back.  They moved to Utah to stay with his parents.  The ward they moved into heard that a medical student, his pregnant wife, and small son had just lost everything they owned.  When the young family arrived, there were diapers, clothes, money, etc. collected by ward members to help in this time of need.  

To You Noble Women

Acknowledging the heartache we experience from our righteous desire, Elder Neal L. Anderson said,

"The bearing of children is a sensitive subject that can be very painful for righteous women who do not have the opportunity to marry and have a family. To you noble women, our Heavenly Father knows your prayers and desires. How grateful we are for your remarkable influence, including reaching out with loving arms to children who need your faith and strength....

We cannot always explain the difficulties of our mortality. Sometimes life seems very unfair—especially when our greatest desire is to do exactly what the Lord has commanded. As the Lord’s servant, I assure you that this promise is certain: 'Faithful members whose circumstances do not allow them to receive the blessings of eternal marriage and parenthood in this life will receive all promised blessings in the eternities, [as] they keep the covenants they have made with God.'" (General Conference October 2011)

God knows our hearts.  He knows our heartache.  He knows how we long for hugs from little ones.  He has not forgotten us.  He will fulfill his promises.  As we move forward, steadfast and immovable in His work, we will find peace and purpose in our lives. 

Standing Majestically Alone

This summer I went to Kenya to build a school in the slums with the service group “World of Difference” (www.makeaworldofdifference.org).  Part of our expedition included a safari and I took this photo.  In setting up my blog, I was trying to find a photo to add and I found this tree.  Perhaps it stands symbolic of this blog.  It stands strong, stalwart, and majestic.  Although it stands alone, it adds unique beauty and composition to this photo. 

We, too, add majestically to the masterpiece of God's plan for His children.   Instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, we need to roll up our sleeves and get to work. There are hands that hang down, hungry to be fed (physically and spiritually), and hearts that are broken.  Instead of looking inward, let us stretch our branches and look outward and seek to bless the lives of those in our circle of influence.  Elder Neal A. Maxwell said, “No one else is placed exactly as we are in our opportune human orbits.”  (Ensign, July 2002 “Consecrate Thy Performance.”)  There are opportunities for service right in our way. Do not let them pass by, (because we are not married), saying, “Sometime I’ll try…when I’m married with kids.” NO, go and do something TODAY!  (see Hymn #223)




"Let us reach to lift hands which hang hopelessly down.”  
                                                 Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, Nov. 1994, 36.