To Serve

On Sunday I got a new calling in Church. 

It's been just over 2 years since I've been serving in our ward Primary and it's been such a great experience. The roller coaster got me a few times there, but the ride was fantastic. On Sunday as the Bishopric member conducted ward business and my name was called out as being released from my calling, there were a few gasps. One of the older primary children were sitting in front of me and turned around with her jaw hitting the ground and I patted her back, assuring her that everything would be fine. 

A few minutes later I stood to be sustained for my new calling in Stake Primary. There were gasps again and I laughed a little to myself because I was trying to figure out if they were surprised gasps because believe me, I was pretty surprised when I first heard the news too. 

Surprised? Hell (or Heck) yeah! 

There was a time when I was a covenant breaker, a prodigal daughter, a hater-rater and a not so great person. I know a few people singing a few hallelujahs to that right now and I own that :). It took me a good 6 years to make it right with the Lord, and probably longer to make it right with me.. cos you know that's what us chicks do. There were a few years there when I wasn't even going to church. The blessings I got out of that period were twofold: 1. My empathy levels went up 10000% for less active members (because some people were pretty mean to me) and 2. It reminded me what I really wanted for my family. 

I'm still a hater-rater every now and again (Amen) and I'm certainly no where near achieving that imaginary bright shining 'perfection' badge (double Amen) mostly because I love chocolate way too much. I believe that all we can do is try our best with what we know and I'm trying.  

I have no doubt that my love to serve and the philosophy to help others if you can is a Christlike attribute that my parents showed frequently in word and deed. I see them in my siblings as I watch them serve their families in every shape and form.  There's no greater feeling than serving and helping others both in need and in want.  

It is beyond my wisdom why I have been called in this capacity. And I repeat the words of Alma: 

"Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things...." Alma 26:12

I'm looking forward to this new adventure and grateful for the opportunity to meet new people and serve the children within our Stake. 

It's been a long time since this prodigal daughter returned home. It may seem to some that I was never away. The small time away has helped me and has also cemented my testimony, alongside others that if I can make things right - anyone can. World peace is great. Inner peace is way better - just saying :)

Amen. 

QUIET PLEASE!

In a galaxy far, far away... or in a country far, far away. It's really in another State far, far away ...Ok, the point is this is not about my ward (haha).. Anyway, a friend of mine has a calling in church which includes teaching adults and asked me for some help with getting people to stop talking during class. Apparently she has frequent chatterboxes who talk through every part of the lesson apart from the prayer. I'm pretty sure if there could be talking throughout the prayer (and they're not the one actually praying) they would do that too! 

I was asked to do a handout to help out but the only one I could think of was something like this. Remember this backfired pick up line: 

Well, I would add this bit ....

BUT something tells me that wouldn't go down quite so well... 

Now, I've been teaching the Primary children for quite a few years now and when the kids get rowdy, I sing 'Stop, look and listen' and they sing it back to me. Another tactic is doing different actions (like tapping my head or clapping quietly) and everyone will follow my actions until I can see that everyone is watching and ready to listen. However, the most effective thing about singing 'Stop, look and listen' to a bunch of adults would probably be the amazing level of eyebrow raising that would be taking place. 

Before we go on, I know that some people talk because they are translating for something or other reasons. Thank you for what you do. 

So for those of you blessed to be able to sit in an adult class during church, following are a few reasons why people shouldn't chatterbox during a lesson. 

1: "A church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints"

Sometimes this is part of our weekly medicine, and we need to hear what is going on! 

2. This lesson may help answer your prayers! and what you have to contribute may be an answer to someone else's prayer. 

3. Help the Missionaries by example

They work so hard to serve and teach investigators and welcome back less-actives. Let's help lighten their load by offering to fellowship during class. 

Here are two missionaries close to our hearts, Hermana Tenney serving the people of Scotsdale, Arizona and Elder Lematua serving the people of Luanda, Angola. 

4. Your teacher's preparation

As a Primary Leader, I know that a lot of time goes into preparing for a lesson.  As you prepare, you picture the individuals in your class and how you can meet their needs. It takes a lot to prepare to teach a class.  It doesn't matter if teacher teaches you every week, or once a month. Be mindful of your teacher too before you decide to start flapping your lips. 






5. It's Pretty Simple

Class isn't a time for a catch up session with your mates. Be inspired, get recharged and remember manners matter! 

There you go - five pretty simple reasons. Be mindful of those around you. And next time I get to sit in an adult class on a Sunday, I will try my best too. 

Just keep trying harder every week :) 

Amen! 








Disclaimer: This is not an official church website/blog and information is not sponsored or endorsed by the Church. Please feel free to visit the official church website www.lds.org 

What To Expect At Eliana's Baptism

My youngest will be getting baptised this weekend and I've invited a few of my work buddies (past & present) who are not religious or follow a different faith. We are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (aka LDS or Mormons) and here are few things you should or shouldn't expect to see at her baptism


1. DON'T EXPECT her to be a baby. Baptism age for an LDS member is 8 yrs old. 

2. The person 'Conducting' is like the MC. The Chorister is the person 'conducting' the music. 

3. You may hear someone talk about 'Opening' or 'Closing' Exercises. It's not actual exercise. It's just the hymn, introduction, and prayer. 

4. You know the speeches or prayers are going to end when they say "In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen". No need for applause or 'hallelujahs'. The congregation will say amen and move on. Amen means 'so be it' or you agree... So you can say Amen if you want or just look at the ceiling. Up to you. 

5. Inside the chapel 'room' and when she is actually getting baptised (or receiving the ordinance) are very sacred. So no photos or video recordings please. However, in the rest of the building, go for your life! 

6. Girls usually dress in a knee-length skirt and blouse or a dress. Guys in a shirt and tie. Again, up to you - smart casual is cool too. 

7. No smoking or alcohol on chapel grounds at all. You can puff away on the street at the bottom of the drive. There will also be no coffee or tea served with the refreshments. This is because of a health law we live by called The Word of Wisdom. You may wonder why there are lot of Mormon fatties around. It's because we're still trying to get it right. No judging hahaha ! 

8. Baptism by immersion, means that she will literally be dunked under water. Her Dad holds the priesthood and authority to baptise her. After they get dressed and the programme goes on, she will be confirmed a member of the Church and given the Gift of the Holy Ghost. This is where men who hold the priesthood will form a circle around her, place their hands on her head and a prayer will be said (again by her Dad). 

9. After the closing prayer, everyone is invited to eat. We are sharing some light refreshments. Now 'light' means different things in different cultures, but I expect you should have enough to eat. 

10. The missionaries will be there, so no doubt they will say hello. Saying hello to them doesn't mean that we'll be at your baptism next week. If you have any questions - they are not a bad place to start. 

Well I think this covers all our bases. We're looking forward to a great day for our little girl. 

Disclaimer: That it is not an official Church website/blog, and information is not sponsored or endorsed by the Church,

Please feel free to visit the official website www.lds.org