Going through some keepsakes
and memories
I see a picture of a moment
a moment of youth
a moment of joy
a moment of laughter
a moment of fun
caught in a 4×6 cell.
Continue readingGoing through some keepsakes
and memories
I see a picture of a moment
a moment of youth
a moment of joy
a moment of laughter
a moment of fun
caught in a 4×6 cell.
Continue readingIt’s interesting, isn’t it? Whenever there is a change in format to be announced in conference, President Nelson first stands and endorses the change that is about to come. He lets us know that the First Presidency is in favor of the change. It’s an important element in all this flurry to know that the Prophet of God is in fact magnifying his calling. But that’s a side note. Continue reading
by Bonnie L. Oscarson
My first thought when the Young Women General Presidency was released was, “is it already that time again?” I was a newly called ward Young Women president when Sister Dalton took the helm. That was two presidencies ago now. Time is flying. But this isn’t about me, is it? Continue reading
by Neil L. Andersen
I believe in the power of youth. I know anyone can rise above the ashes that they may call home and fly. I have seen the testimony of the gospel take hold of just one member of the family and take root. Anyone can believe, experiment upon the word, and progress.
by Neil L. Andersen
I like this because he addressed the youth. And he talked about wind. I understand wind. And I’m trying to relate to the youth.
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/spiritual-whirlwinds?lang=eng
When you look at me,
what exactly do you see?
A silly old girl
out of touch with reality?
When you look at your day
and you see only dark –
You want to find some hope
but you no longer trust your heart.
Last August, I wrote three letters of advice to my children. You know, the children I don’t have. If my Great Life Plan had been on track I’d be contending living with a sixteen year old right now. No easy task to be sure and my hat goes off to all the parents of teenagers out there. You know who you are.
If I were to have a child, there are some things I’d like to say. Just lessons I have learned (usually the hard way) that I’d share. As it is, I will lose out on an opportunity to share my wisest counsel while my child roll her eyes at me and thinks, “My mom really doesn’t know anything about anything.” Instead, all I have to offer is the advice without the moans, groans, and hearing, “This is mom’s lecture #207.” Here it goes.
When younger, I can remember,
Playing outside in the summer.
Climbing trees, running through the hose,
Fighting imaginary foes.
Good news! I survived my fourth year of Girls’ Camp as a leader. Whew! It will now take me another week to recuperate and rest. Let’s just say, today wasn’t what you would call productive. Even now, it took me five minutes to figure out the word I wanted was productive and not productful. Yeah, it’s going to be a long week. I might have to do more retro postings.
In short, it was a very good week. I think. It really doesn’t matter what I think because, as I remind the girls, it ain’t Ancient Women Camp – it’s Girls’ Camp. It’s their opinion that matters, not mine. The most I can do is get feedback and, with the other leaders, make adjustments for next year’s camp. So, this is the time when I ask the girls how they felt about camp. Then I discreetly ask their mothers to get confirmation. That’s when I hold my breath and hope for the best.
In my opinion though, it was a pretty good week. There were a few minor personality clashes. But that was on Wednesday – the day we wake up early and hike. By the evening, we had a camp of some tired girls. I don’t know about you, but when I get tired, I get a bit cranky.
I decided I had one goal this year. My goal was to be a good leader. The past three years I have been so focused on other things and I forgot to be a good Young Women leader. This year I wanted an opportunity to connect and communicate with each girl. Since I’m pretty good at the end of things, I treated this year as my last year. I wanted to say what I needed to say and do what I wanted done. Did it work? Nope. I’m going to need another year.