New Beginnings

We held this year's Young Women's New Beginnings at my house on Wednesday.  I was asked if my basement could be used for the event, since it's large but has no furnishings.  I'm always up for a party in the basement, and it might as well get put to good use!  Ryan and I have been discussing how to begin finishing it in the way we envision, but it's such a large project that I'm completely overwhelmed.  I recently decided to begin with curtain fabric, since I could then match everything to the pattern I liked.  Apparently this is the WRONG way to begin the remodel, and I've decided to hire a professional to come walk me through the process when I'm ready.  Which means I will put it on the backburner for even longer.

In the meantime, it was a great venue for a fun evening with the Young Women and their parents.  We had a  "PJ's" theme, which stood for "prayer, journal, scriptures," meaning the girls should remember to do those three things while putting on their pj's at night.  We had a fun craft, yummy food, presentations about each of the topics (I was in charge of journaling), introductions of the new girls entering YW this year, and a pillowcase for each girl that had a hand-sewn (not by me, of course!) pocket to fit her journal, scriptures and Personal Progress book.  We were all decked out in our pajamas, and the Young Women sat on the floor with soft blankets and pillows.  It was a fun, relaxed, spiritual evening.

I bore my testimony in Sacrament meeting last month.  I talked a lot about my belief in and appreciation for my Savior.  About a year ago I decided I wanted to gain a more personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  I have often marveled at the relationship other's have with Jesus, and have wanted to feel that same closeness with my Savior.  Although I've always had a belief in HIM as a person, and have believed in HIS MISSION and PURPOSE, I have struggled to have the kind of relationship with Him that I have with my Heavenly Father.  I have conversations with my Heavenly Father every day, and feel His presence, reassurance, guidance and protection in my daily life. 

I'm a bit embarrassed to admit how I found my answer.  It was in a simple "Sunday School" answer:  the scriptures.  I have always known the words of the past and present prophets are true, but I never "read between the lines" the way I have this year.  Instead of focusing so much on the stories in the scriptures and the answers to my prayers, I spent the year focusing on the feelings I have while reading/listening to the scriptures.  In doing so, I can truly say I love Jesus Christ as my Savior, brother and friend.  As a side note, The Mormon Channel app on my iPhone has changed my world, because I can listen to the scriptures, recent conference talks or even the Ensign articles while applying make-up, doing the dishes or driving my kids to school.

Today I bore my testimony again.  That was not in the plan, since I had just talked myself up to the pulpit a month ago.  But when my Brynlie turned to me and whispered, "I'll bear my testimony if you do," I had to overcome my fears and reiterate my love for this gospel.  I figure it can never be reiterated too often.  I'm so proud of my cute Bryn for being courageous enough to overcome her shyness and share her feelings for the restored gospel.  I love that girl and her sweet Spirit.