Called to speak in Stake Conference (AKA bear testimony with no warning)

 
Getting called to speak in Stake Conference on May 16, 2021 by Dave (President Wilding). We had stake conference yesterday but it was on Zoom with the exception of the speaker's families and the high counselors and their families. I was sitting there enjoying the meeting immensely UNTIL Dave sends me a text that says, "Do you have anything to say?" I responded with a "NO!!!!!!!"

He was a bit panicked because they had extra time and he felt he needed to fill it and so WHO better to ask than his "supportive" spouse!? haha

Had McKay not been there I would have never seen his text because I don't generally look at my phone during church meetings. Luckily, McKay does! hah He sent him one to tell him to tell me to check my phone! LOL

After my vehemently written "No!!!!!" Dave then wrote, "Maybe just your testimony?" UGH! Seriously HOW DO YOU SAY NO to someone asking you to share your testimony? I was about to write, "Let's just get out really early and everyone will love you even more!" But, the guilt came through loud and clear and I wrote back, "It won't be very long". To which he responded, "Thank you!" Seeing those words shook me up a bit and I wrote back, "That was NOT a yes!" Though inside I KNEW it was!

Anyway, the funny thing about this whole story is the fact that a few weeks ago I was interviewed by another SP wife (Pres. Shepherd's) who is writing either a blog or developing an IG account to help support women who support their husband's in big callings. I had a three hour lunch with her asking me questions and videoing my answers. One of her questions was what advice I would give a new woman about to take on this same thing (wife of Stake President), and my response was, "My number one advice is to ALWAYS have a talk prepared!" The reason that is my #1 advice is because I was called up during stake conference without ANY warning (at the packed tabernacle) to share my testimony when Elder Randall came as our visiting authority. I seriously thought I was going to have a heart attack! It was terrifying! And I am used to speaking! I just don't like speaking with NO warning! Ever since then I thought when a GA comes I need to have a talk prepared just in case!

That is STILL my #1 advice ONLY NOW It means even if there is NOT a visiting GA! I totally never thought it would happen when Dave was in charge! He would never do that to me!

So as I was walking up, he was telling that little story. Of course, when I got to the pulpit (after I leaned over to his counselor and whispered, "You are really going to miss Dave. He is going to be dead after this!"), the first thing I said to the congregation was, "Yes, the story is true, but the ironic thing is, I DON'T have a talk prepared!" I am not sure they were amused or felt sorry for me!

I ended up saying a lot of "ummms" and pauses as I tried to gather my thoughts. I am glad I had just done the podcast because I had a lot of that fresh in my mind. I spoke mostly about FAITH. Pres. Hollingsworth had given a quote in his talk just before by Pres. Nelson on faith. The quote is: "Faith in Jesus Christ is the greatest power available to us in this life. All things are possible to them that believe."

And that quote was the basis of my testimony. I also talked about how I had several health challenges hit me all at once and I experienced great miracles and I related how that applies to faith. I said how faith has great power and that Heavenly Father wants to bless us. We aren't just down here to suffer and endure but he also wants to send us blessings and things we enjoy. I then spoke about the power of gratitude and that it truly has almost magical powers and can help out of any kind of despair or sorrow. I added that miracles happen as a result of faith if we BELIEVE. I also added that sometimes we don't get the miracles we hope and pray for and I don't know why, but God does. He has a plan and His plan is always greater than our own. I added that those two things Faith and Gratitude go hand in hand and if we can have both of them we can get through anything in life. "The Lord does not require perfect faith for us to have access to His perfect power. But He does ask us to believe." Pres. Nelson

TRUTH be told, I really have NO idea what I said! I hope that means the spirit took over so they could make sense of my words because in my mind they were all jumbled.

I did receive several messages after (15 to be exact) of people thanking me or telling me that is what they needed to hear. I was tempted to ask them what I said, but resisted the urge. hah

Anyway, then this morning I listened to an AMAZING podcast and I swear half the stuff she said was what I said. At least what was in my heart. Even though I have no idea what I said, I am pretty sure that is what I said! haha

Anyway, there is that!!!

HERE is the link to Pres. Nelson's amazing talk!

I will link the podcast because it has so much in it of what I said.

It is COME FOLLOW ME FOR US by Melanie. I love her podcast!

And HERE is Pres. Uchdorph's amazing talk she talks about on the podcast.

Wonders and Miracles Podcast Interview

I had the amazing honor of being featured as a guest on the podcast WONDERS and MIRACLES on May 10, 2021.  

It is an interesting story how it came to be. About a year and a half ago, I was asked to write an article for the Utah American Mother's Association website.  You can find that HERE. Or to go to the direct link go HERE.  

The article was titled HAPPY IN THE HARD and it was about my tsunami of health trials that hit basically all at once.  One of our members saw the article and wrote me and told me I needed to share my story on the podcast Wonders and Miracles.  She made connections with the podcast originator and shortly after I was then asked to be on the podcast by Liza Lawrence who is the originator and host of the podcast.  She asked if I could be on it in December of 2019.  I was unable to do that at the time and so I wrote back and told her that I just would not be able to right then and she wrote back trying to urge me to do it but knowing I was just unable to squeeze it in at that time, I just kind of forgot about it and never wrote back. 

Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I received an email from Liza explaining her friend had told her about my story and she asked if I would be interested in being a featured guest. I don't think she remembered our previous correspondence. Interestingly enough, I had just listened to a talk about women needing to use our voices more in the world right now and not hiding them because our voices are in great need. So when this opportunity came I felt like I should just bury my fears and do it. It wasn't an easy thing to do, though it was an easy choice to decide. I felt like Heavenly Father had been preparing me with messages of how important it is for us to put ourselves out there even if it's scary so the world can have good things along with so much out there that is not good. 

She was very happy I agreed and we decided to record it on April 28th.  I really did not have a lot of time to prepare but I had printed off the article I wrote and went back through some blog posts and photos and felt like I would be good if I could just use my notes.  I got an email about 20 minutes before we were set to record to inform me that it would also be on YouTube. I wrote back asking about that and explaining I needed to have notes and so I asked if we could not do the video part. She said it was no big deal because she only has 100 subscribers on YouTube and one thousand on her podcast and to not worry about it all. Not worry?  haha  I would have washed my hair, had plastic surgery, a total overhaul had I known. JK (kind of).

 HERE is the direct link to the podcast. 
Or try THIS.

Lovely freeze frame. Just lovely. 

HERE is the YouTube link.

Truly honored and humbled to have been asked to be a featured guest on this amazing podcast @wondersandmiracles with Liza Weaver Lawrence. I am grateful for the privilege and opportunity to share some of the miracles I experienced during a time in my life when the rain was pouring down hard. 🌧☔️⛈

*Monday Memos*

*MONDAY MEMOS*

   

 (If pictures are too small, just click to enlarge) 
Weekly recap of my rather crazy, insane, but fun and rewarding life!

dear monday, ugh!  I am SO SO SO SO SO behind on this thing!  I can't believe I got caught up and then BAM! Christmas hit and now I am a month behind. MORE actually!  Sigh.  But, I DID get my photos to work again. With my new phone, they were not downloading onto my computer and it's been SO frustrating!  So, that's good. Now I just need about 24 hours to catch up!  Like I said, I might be rethinking things. Seriously. I still haven't done the family newsletter!  UGH!  I thought for sure New Year's. Then Valentine's Day. But even that isn't looking too good at the moment. I just need to go to a secluded island and be alone for a week and it would get done. Actually, I wouldn't want to do it if I was on a secluded island. Who would want to?  I would just bask in the sun and the beach. I hit the gym early this morning. It was packed. 

Today is Martin Luther King Day and so everyone was at the gym. LOL  Dave stopped by to say hi between his treadmills while I was on the treadmill.  I came home and hung out with McKay for a bit and then headed to Maurice s and ran into Robin. I then went to lunch with Julie at El Toro. It was so good. I always order the same thing!  Enchilada El  Mole. The sauce is made with chocolate in it. Mexican choclate so it doesn't even taste like it but just knowing it has chocolate in it, makes it taste good. Hah

We ran into Holly there as well. I practiced the harp for almost two hours. Dave got home and we watched the YouTube video called Don't Miss This  which is on the Come Follow Me program. 

It was over an hour long but we both loved it. Check it out on YouTube. Such a great thing to help with the home study for Come Follow Me.  

I saw this quote from MLK and so I made a meme out of it. I loved the thought with the photo. They go together well.

dear tuesday, I got up early and practiced the harp and then headed to my lesson. As I was walking in I noticed I had on two different boots!  NOT AGAIN! Yes, I did it again!!!  Seriously!  This is the THIRD TIME I have done this!!!  

Nanette was laughing so hard she had tears coming down her face as did I. Katie was also dying. Nanette gave me some boots to borrow. Hers are so cute I might have to keep them. Hah  That is the problem. I obviously have too many shoes!  This morning I couldn't decide which ones to wear. Gray or black. I even asked Dave what he thought. I usually go with the opposite of what he thinks. LOL  And... I even had the thought as I was deciding, "Be sure to not leave with these two different ones on again". And then I DID IT ANYWAY!!!  Geeze!!!  It is funny, but really?  THREE times now?  I put on Nanette's and ran into Target really fast. Then I met Sky and Sarah at Costco so he could get her a laptop. My feet were killing me. Her boots were too tight on my right foot that is still swollen. Yeah, a year later, it's still swollen.  So I took them off and faced my embarrassment at lunch with the Sistas. Actually, I knew they would get a hoot out of it since I have done it BEFORE.  

Some people noticed but most did not. We had some good laughs! They are all so fun. It was just a small group today which is sometimes nice because we get more of a chance to talk. We dressed Hawaiian. I kind of did. All my Hawaiian clothes are too summery and I was freezing this morning. Dawn brought leis though. We went to Mo Bettah's.  

I just learned (from Sky) who lived in Hawaii that it means "more better".  Had no idea. I was saying it wrong and so he informed me. I went and got Carson and he went with me to deliver Bonnie's gift. Then we came home and got stuff for Haylie's bday and Dave was surprisingly home early so we all went over there to wish her a Happy Bday. I got her a cake at Kent's since I was gone all day and didn't have time to make her one. 

The kids were so cute. We didn't stay long and when we were leaving Liam said, "Go? No go." So sweet. He was sad. Luckily Dave had a sucker to distract him. Dave had meetings as per the usual. I worked on this and some other stuff.

dear wednesday, today I hit the gym. I worked out on the elliptical and the treadmill. 

I didn't stay as long as I would have liked because I had an ortho appt. I went there straight from the gym. They are always all so nice over there at the ortho.
Dave was on call this week. Today was the third day in a row I went to lunch. It was with Robin today.  I picked her up and we went to Costa Vida again because that is about the only place she likes around here. We had a good chat and caught up. She is running the brand new half marathon with the St. George marathon this year. I told her I am tempted to sign up and see how I can do. I have no idea if that is even a possibility but it's not until October. I wonder. Even if I walked most of it. I wonder if I could do it. Oh...I SO WANT TO RUN AGAIN!!!  I want to fly down the hills and feel the freedom that comes with running. I miss it sooooooooo much! It's supposed to be the fastest half in the state. I would love to run the inaugural one. Only time will tell.  We hit Maurice's after and I got a couple pair of earrings. When I got back Dave had just left to the church. I saw him for about 5 minutes before he had to head back to work. 

I enjoyed listening to a podcast while walking this morning from Emily Freeman. This afternoon I listened to some of her other stuff. I joined the Deseret Bookshelf for a three month trial and I am seriously loving it. I have listened to a lot of books and TOFW talks that I wouldn't normally have listened to. It's been great. One of the messages was on gratitude and this scripture was listed. I have read it a thousand times but for some reason today it made a huge impact on me. 

In Doctrine and Covenants 78:19 we are taught, "And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more." 

When we are grateful we are given MORE. Just for being grateful. So why aren't we all more grateful? It's a principle with a promise. ALL things will be ADDED.  Even a hundred fold and MORE!  Such a great promise! 

Dave had meetings. I tried to get some cleaning, organizing, and other things around here done. 

How cute is this?  This cute boy crawled in my basket and slept. I bought him a snuggly bed once and he refused to even touch it, but for some reason this was okay.  

dear thursday, 

I had an amazing experience on my walk this morning. As I walked I was listening to a book on tape called Even This by Emily Belle Freeman, which by the way, I highly recommend. 

One of the chapters talked about instead of focusing on what you need God to DO, focus on what you need Him to BE. I gave it some serious thought and I decided what I really need him to be right now is trustworthy.  Of course, I know He is already that, but that is what I need Him to be for me at this point in my life. With all that is going on with my leg and feeling so discouraged lately with how slow things are moving and wondering if it will ever heal enough so I can run again as I was promised in a priesthood blessing, I really need Him to be trustworthy to His promises.  I hate to even ask Him of those things because like I said I KNOW He is ALREADY all those things.  But I went ahead and did anyway.  In the book she talked about how as she asked God what she needed Him to be at that time, she was walking along the ocean in the sand and wanted something to remind her of the things she asked. So she asked Him to send her a sand dollar that she could take home to visually remind her.  After searching hard, she found one. I was thinking that I also needed some kind of visual reminder of what I asked. I thought that it would be pretty tough to find something while out walking to help me remember that kind of request.  There is definitely no sand dollars around here.  I thought about the penny I had found just a few minutes earlier, but thought that's not really going to help me remember my request. And then immediately the thought popped into my head what is inscribed on every penny.  I pulled the penny out of my pocket and held it up to my eyes and read the words In God We TRUST!  I couldn't hold back the tears.  It seems like such a small thing, but it was so powerful to me. God is in the details of our lives so much more than we even realize.  I looked at it again and realized the date on it was 1982. That is a significant date to me because that is the year I got married.

I took dinner (clam chowder) to Dave's parents. His mom had the TV trays all set out and ready to go. I think she was hungry.  

 I had to watch a couple YouTube tutorials on how to get my new camera to get a clean zoom shot. 

Sarah and Carson stopped by. I helped her fix her sweater that Sky washed and it was unraveling. I had to hand stitch it as well as by machine. Then I had to run to Stake YW basketball.  Those girls are so fun and entertaining. Brielle kills me. She scored most of the points but then wanted to commentate instead. She is hilarious. 

dear friday, today I went out to walk and it was raining. It then started to snow and hail. I went to Mary C. park by us and decided to run a lap and walk two. One lap is about a quarter mile. 

My goal was to do one full mile of running. It was broken up into four parts, but I got in a mile!  There was a creepy guy hanging around which bugged me, but I loved the weather. I love to run in the rain and snow. It felt so good to run!!!  Walking is a bit different because you aren't as warm when walking vs running. It brought back a few memories of Boston.  At times I still can't believe I was blessed enough to run Boston. Twice. It's such a blessing to me. Maybe the reason I have been so grateful for that is because all that has happened this past year and who knows if I will ever be able to even run a full marathon again. I came home took a hot shower. I didn't want to get out. It felt so good. Carson was sick today and so this afternoon I took him a Slurpee. He was so cute. 

He is just all smiles and was so happy to see me. Taylor facetimed me while there. Carson took him on a tour of his room. LOL  I came home and we ordered a pizza and rented a movie called Ad Astra. It was more Ad Nauseam. Not so good of a plot. Kind of boring. Dave hated it. McKay came home. 

dear saturday, I went on a walk at the high school and after a long time I thought I would come home empty handed as far as coins go.  By the end I had 49 cents! I'm rich!  :)  It was so foggy and the humidity was high. Pretty chilly! 

 Heavy fog today!

I actually caught up one post on here today. Christmas and New Year's posts always take longer due the busy week and amount of pix. Carson was still sick and so I headed to Wallies and grabbed him some little surprises. I got him some colored cardstock for his crafts (cards) and some stickers. I also took him the brownies I got him the other day. And I took Sarah some Lucky Charms cookies that she loves. I thought I should stop and grab him some chicken noodle soup as well. Then I stopped by and visited for a while. He was feeling okay but not himself. 
McKay helped his bud with an engagement tonight and has since decided him and his friend are going to open their own business doing that. Great idea actually!
We had spaghetti for dinner. Yummy!

dear sunday, I woke up when Dave did at 5 a.m. Ugh. I tried to go back to sleep but to no avail. I listened to some meditation on an app to no avail either. I turned on KBYU-TV and watched some devotionals since I was awake anyway I thought I might as well be learning something. Headed to church. I had two Sunbeams that were sad today. Eden and Liam were crying and did not want to come. We ended up getting both of them in class without parents by the end. Liam's dad was so appreciative. I love every one of those littles. Each one is so sweet and has such a special spirit about them. I can't imagine anyone not loving little children. How can you not? They each have my heart already!  Pat taught today and we did a little walk about with the "Liahona". We borrowed Brian's beard when they were Lehi. Too funny.  

 Brian in his beard at singing time....

Bryce and crew stopped by and we had fun.

This little guy looked so stinkin' cute and I wanted his picture in his leather jacket and turtle neck but he wasn't feeling well today. I told him I just needed a little smile. He tried but it wasn't working...

So I told him whatever he did to not think about Lila (his Kindergarten girlfriend last year) and his smile increasingly got bigger and bigger....

 It cracked me up!

He made me these "presents". Love him!

dear random, some throwbacks...
My hurdling fiasco years ago...

College days

dear quotes,