new callings

Last Sunday was our first Sunday as a new ward, the Desert Willow ward.

It was so quiet! The overflow doors remained closed. There was only one Gospel Doctrine class and we all fit in the Relief Society room. There were enough of us to have a good discussion but it was small enough that individuals felt comfortable commenting. Our discussion on Sunday was really good. We talked about magnifying our callings. My thoughts turned to church assignments as well as my calling as a wife and a mother.

I have been given a new calling: young women president. It has been about 13 years since I have served in young women. When I was pregnant with Molly and then after her birth I served as a beehive advisor and then as 2nd counselor. I have however had connections with the YW through girls camp. I have served as a ward camp director numerous times, assistant cook twice, craft specialist three times, camp spiritual teacher for "Land of Destiny"...This new assignment will challenge me, I am excited to serve and hope I am up to the task. They have reassured me that I will remain in my stake camp calling as the Adult YCL leader. I love that calling so that is a relief. Currently I am gearing up to host the YCL work party/sleepover at our home on Friday. We have 31 YCL's this year. I'm sure not that many will be able to come but we should have a good turnout. They will be painting their level banners and secret sister clothespins, learning about proper devotionals and flag ceremonies, eating and getting to know each other - it should be a lot of fun.

James was also recently given a new calling on the Stake High Council. The ward he has been assigned to is the Valencia ward, the ward we broke off from. So the members will know him and (hopefully) love him as he learns his new responsiblities. The assignment he has been given is to be the High Counselor over the Young Women. I am thrilled for him and his new calling. It just feels right. He now has the opportunty to also attend young women camp - not sure how we will do that, but he will at least come up a few times during the daytime and then be home at night to be with the boys.