The verdict is in...

Several months ago Jake and I had a very spiritual experience in which we were told we were needed in Oklahoma and that we would receive certain callings. We were very excited that we were needed here and hurried our arrival here by several months. Immediately upon our arrival Jake was called to Young Men's as an adviser to the deacons (12-14yr old boys). I was called to Primary as a substitute teacher -not where I had been prompted but I willingly accepted. I was sightly discouraged and doubted my promptings I had received earlier on in the year. I was starting to like the almost calling. Three out of the six weeks I served, I got to go to Relief Society.

Well that all changed today- I was called as the 1st Councilor in the Young Women's organization. I am to lead the 14-16yr old girls. The Bishopric did something I had never seen done before but I believe helped us bond with the girls. We were set apart during the third hour, as part of our meetings with the girls present. It was a great experience.

I have been a ball baby all week long as I had time to prepare for today. I spent many hours praying, contemplating the number of service hours, being completely overwhelmed, and the strain on the kids. Now Jake and I will both be at the church on Wednesday nights for Youth group, one more night the kids do not get my attention. Today I was at peace.

In my setting apart I was blessed with some awesome promises, even now it brings tears just thinking of them. The very first thing was that I would be the leader the girls will always remember, and want to pattern their lives after. (ME! HA! I remember a few leaders like that in my own life but why would these girls choose me?) That the girls would look forward to my enthusiasm, and as I served them they in turn would serve my family. My family would be blessed with role models they will pattern their lives after, always being active in the church. (WOW!! That is one awesome blessing to never have to worry about my families activity in the church if I serve these girls!) I was blessed with many other abilities- to help those I serve with and to keep my physical health and energies up, to have answers to issues regarding my calling if I pray, and plenty of love.

I am excited to see where this calling takes me, requires of me, and makes me. I am even more excited to learn from these girls examples, to draw from their experiences and hopefully help me prepare for raising Liza. I love these girls!! I am so excited to serve them! My days have just gotten a whole lot fuller- I am going to have to rethink taking more than one class this coming semester...

Here's to all those Young Women that I have worked with in the past- I love you!! Thank you for making me who I am today.