New Beginnings

Last night was one of my first BIG nights as young women's president -- as in, the girls have expectations and this is in the handbook and don't blow it, Bozo -- New Beginnings. Needless to say, I was pretty nervous! It was supposed to be February 4, but with everything that has happened since January, I didn't feel ready to pull it off, so it got postponed until now. And I'm glad, because I was able to give it my full attention with a clear head. I think it turned out really nice! Some of my favorite friends were right there to help me along the way, so I appreciate them for that. Then, to make things special and exciting, we realized yesterday afternoon that Hurricane was having a community celebration for the girl from Hurricane in American Idol at seven, so we had to make a last second change to six! But it still went fairly smoothly -- I'm so proud of my girls. I remember as a young woman, my mom was young women's president and would refer to them as her "girls." And it is so a part of the calling, and so natural, that in your head and heart they really do become your "girls." My girls are especially great. I wish they could see just how special and wonderful they really are. I love them so much, and love my calling so incredibly much, small thorns and all. What's funny is, I have always feared young women's. I would see the youth around and not think they were too phenomenal. I was wrong about that! I thought that mutual would not be the place for me to be, but it's been like slipping into a warm and comfortable sweater. I am particularly thankful for this opportunity. I love the girls, and it's brought me a lot of peace to serve with them and the AMAZING leaders I work with. A few months ago thinking about New Beginnings I knew I needed a speaker and prayed hard to find one, and like a light bulb one day the name of my good friend Shawna came into my head, and she graciously accepted and did such an incredible job. The spirit was so strong as she spoke, and I could see how touched the girls were . . . they were truly taught by her, and my favorite part was that she made the gospel so accessible to them. Sometimes I think we don't realize just how personal the gospel can be in each one of our lives if we will let it be, and she made that very clear. Today the bishop called me to give me his stamp of approval, and that meant a lot. Phew! Glad that one's over with.

"With Celestial sight, trials impossible to change become possible to endure." -- Elder Russell M. Nelson.