New Ward=New Callings

Moving into a new ward there is always the anticipation about what the new calling/church assignment will be. A few weeks ago Joseph and I were called in by the bishopric. I accepted the assignment to be the Activity Day Leader and Joseph to be a Priest Quorum Advisor and Mission Prep Teacher. We're both thrilled and nervous about this new season.

I love how each new assignment we receive helps us to grow. It seems as thought just as we feel like we're getting the hang of it, seasons change and we're released from that calling and given a new challenge. I honestly don't think it's because the calling get's easier, but that our ability to do it well has increased. When things get hard, I often think of something I learned while working for CES (Church Educational System) during college. Sara Allen, the director of Academy of Girls often taught us about a principle that her father taught the missionaries that he had a stewardship over when he was a mission president in Ventura, CA. She told us, "If this isn't the hardest thing you've ever done, then you're doing something wrong." I've often thought about this during many times in life. I think it emphasized the point that we really need to put forth hard work and alot of effort to do the important things in life "right." I've thought of it in my marriage, in my mothering, in my house-wifing, in my work outside of the home and also in my callings.

I'm excited to re-focus on the basics with the girls. Activity Days are designed to help support girls and their families in completing the "Faith in God for Girls" program. I am extremely far from doing everything right in many areas of my life. I'm excited to focus more of my energy on some of these things.

Basic Requirements

An important part of faith in God is keeping your baptismal covenant and staying spiritually strong. To help you develop faith and resist temptation, do the following things:

• • Pray daily to Heavenly Father.

• • Read the scriptures regularly.

• • Keep the commandments and live “My Gospel Standards” *

• • Honor your parents and be kind to your family.

• • Pay your tithing and attend tithing settlement.

• • Attend sacrament meetings and Primary regularly.

  
  

  My Gospel Standards

  “My Gospel Standards,” Faith in God for Girls, 22

  I will follow Heavenly Father’s plan for me.

  I will remember my baptismal covenant and listen to the Holy Ghost.

  I will choose the right. I know I can repent when I make a mistake.

  I will be honest with Heavenly Father, others, and myself.

  I will use the names of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ reverently. I will not swear or use crude words.

  I will do those things on the Sabbath that will help me feel close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

  I will honor my parents and do my part to strengthen my family.

  I will keep my mind and body sacred and pure, and I will not partake of things that are harmful to me.

  I will dress modestly to show respect for Heavenly Father and myself.

  I will only read and watch things that are pleasing to Heavenly Father.

  I will only listen to music that is pleasing to Heavenly Father.

  I will seek good friends and treat others kindly.

  I will live now to be worthy to go to the temple and do my part to have an eternal family.

  I'm also excited to focus on setting and accomplishing goals about Learning and Living the Gospel, Serving Others and Developing Talents.

  And I really can't wait to have fun with my girls. I love being where my kids are. This past week we did a get-to-know-you activity where we played a few games and had pumpkin chocolate chip muffins for a snack. One of the games we played was "Friendship Tag." We got the blood pumping as we ran around chasing each other. That night as we were re-playing the days events for Dad, the girls said, "We played Friendship Tag and even Mom played!" It was a great reminder that I need to play with them more.

  My happiest moments as a mother are when I am in the thick of it with one or more of my children. When I'm working along side them to clean their room, reading to them nestled in beside me, traipsing through Disneyland with them, when I'm sitting with them helping them to learn a new song on the piano.....I love these moments. Moments where I've chosen to be completely present.