What's in a ward?
Everything. I have been praying for months that this new place would be a good experience for us. I really struggled in our last ward (I know I made it abundantly clear). Having a fresh start is great. I have really prayed for confidence and a desire to meet others and be friendly. It has made such a huge difference. I know that it's not just me though. There is something special about this ward. It was fun to find out that I have a couple friends with family members in this ward. My friend Aubrey's parents are in this ward along with my friend Amy's oldest Brother and his family. Small world! From the very beginning we have felt so loved and included.
The Bishop of this ward is incredible. He just carries the Spirit with him and you can tell with even a little bit of interaction that he is a good man. He is so good at showing how much he cares about each individual person. That is such an important quality for a Bishop to have (in my opinion) and he really shows that.
Last week Danny and I gave talks and we're both glad to have it over with. I somehow flew under the radar for the last 7 years but was finally caught! Actually, I was really happy with the way the talks turned out. We spoke on the divine principle of work, self reliance and tithes. I think speaking in church when your'e new is a great way for the ward to get to know you. Three days later I was called in to meet with the 2nd counselor....so you can guess where that led: Primary! Although I've been in the Primary for what feels like forever, I get to be the chorister which is my favorite Primary calling. I've done it before so I'm glad I've had that experience to help me. Plus, they have different choristers for Jr. and Sr. primary so I'll still get to go to Gospel Doctrine which I'm excited about.
Anyway, I was just feeling really grateful today after coming home from church. Being in a ward where you feel important, loved and noticed plays a big role in your confidence and your desire to be there. I know it shouldn't be that way (essentially your testimony of the gospel alone should compel you to attend church) but some days I just didn't want to go because I didn't think anyone would care or notice if I was gone. Hopefully by magnifying my calling and continuing to pray for confidence and the desire to serve others I'll get to know even more people and feel even more comfortable.
Also, it is BLISSFUL having kids close that are Cole's age. They are good kids and I feel comfortable with him playing in their homes. This is exactly what I had in mind when we were looking for a place to move. Being in a neighborhood in a more stable environment with families who weren't going to be moving every 6 months. We are really loving it here and feel so blessed to have been led here.
Ok, that's all. :)
The Bishop of this ward is incredible. He just carries the Spirit with him and you can tell with even a little bit of interaction that he is a good man. He is so good at showing how much he cares about each individual person. That is such an important quality for a Bishop to have (in my opinion) and he really shows that.
Last week Danny and I gave talks and we're both glad to have it over with. I somehow flew under the radar for the last 7 years but was finally caught! Actually, I was really happy with the way the talks turned out. We spoke on the divine principle of work, self reliance and tithes. I think speaking in church when your'e new is a great way for the ward to get to know you. Three days later I was called in to meet with the 2nd counselor....so you can guess where that led: Primary! Although I've been in the Primary for what feels like forever, I get to be the chorister which is my favorite Primary calling. I've done it before so I'm glad I've had that experience to help me. Plus, they have different choristers for Jr. and Sr. primary so I'll still get to go to Gospel Doctrine which I'm excited about.
Anyway, I was just feeling really grateful today after coming home from church. Being in a ward where you feel important, loved and noticed plays a big role in your confidence and your desire to be there. I know it shouldn't be that way (essentially your testimony of the gospel alone should compel you to attend church) but some days I just didn't want to go because I didn't think anyone would care or notice if I was gone. Hopefully by magnifying my calling and continuing to pray for confidence and the desire to serve others I'll get to know even more people and feel even more comfortable.
Also, it is BLISSFUL having kids close that are Cole's age. They are good kids and I feel comfortable with him playing in their homes. This is exactly what I had in mind when we were looking for a place to move. Being in a neighborhood in a more stable environment with families who weren't going to be moving every 6 months. We are really loving it here and feel so blessed to have been led here.
Ok, that's all. :)
Comments
And please, don't stop blogging. I'll be better at commenting if that helps.
Also, I agree that primary chorister is the best calling in the entire church. I cry and cry and cry each and every time I'm released and feel like the world will come crashing down around me. (Seriously, Sunday School needs a wiggle song)
Yay for the Whites!
-britt