Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
We're supposed to be working
Today my mind has been on a very thought provoking comment that was made in Relief Society yesterday. We were discussing Sundays and the Sabbath Day and one sister commented that it is rarely discussed the other way around. Yes, we are supposed to rest and be quiet on the Sabbath Day--absolutely. But we're supposed to be working the other six days. Working--the other six days.
Now, I'm a working mom, and more than once (alot more than once--there's a reason I follow Nony the slob) I've taken a "night off" because, well I do work. I reflected on justifying those actions because I am a working mom and sometimes it is just too hard to come home and work more. I deserve a night off--don't I?? Yes I do--Sunday night.
Thinking of this concept in this way had never occurred to me before and I am resolved to change at least my way of thinking. So I went to the scriptures and I'll be honest in saying that--surprisingly-Leviticus is becoming a favorite of late.
" Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings." Leviticus 23:3
Disclaimer---ALL moms are working moms--I am privileged to work outside the home for a wage to help my husband support our family. So when I say I am a working mom, that is what I am referring to. As a matter of fact, if the state of my home on any given day were an indication--most would say I am not a "working" mom at all. LOL
Now, I'm a working mom, and more than once (alot more than once--there's a reason I follow Nony the slob) I've taken a "night off" because, well I do work. I reflected on justifying those actions because I am a working mom and sometimes it is just too hard to come home and work more. I deserve a night off--don't I?? Yes I do--Sunday night.
Thinking of this concept in this way had never occurred to me before and I am resolved to change at least my way of thinking. So I went to the scriptures and I'll be honest in saying that--surprisingly-Leviticus is becoming a favorite of late.
" Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings." Leviticus 23:3
Disclaimer---ALL moms are working moms--I am privileged to work outside the home for a wage to help my husband support our family. So when I say I am a working mom, that is what I am referring to. As a matter of fact, if the state of my home on any given day were an indication--most would say I am not a "working" mom at all. LOL
Sunday, November 27, 2011
It's not about the numbers---but it kind of is.
"It's not about the numbers". In our branch, we've been hearing that alot lately. You see, we are right on the verge of having a large enough attendance to merit a larger building. Our building now is quite small, with a multipurpose room in place of a chapel and a baptismal font under the floor in the Primary room. There's only one hallway, and still Jessica finds a way to hide from me!
So, an architect has been retained, plans have been drawn up, and it really looks like this is going to happen sometime in the near future. Our stake president sent an email to the members of the high council and the bishops in the other units in our stake letting them know today was a "bullet point" Sunday, (one in which attendance is sent to "the home office") and that if their lives permit, a road trip would not be a bad idea.
I really had to have a talk with myself about this. First of all, I'm weary of hearing "it's not about the numbers" cuz really it is. We have to have a certain average attendance or the bigger meetinghouse will not be built until we do. And I sort of felt like it was cheating a little for our Stake President to ask others in the stake to attend our branch on certain Sundays. I felt like if it is time for our branch to grow, it will grow. I ended my self pep talk the way I usually do whenever I doubt anything. By reminding myself that I know our Stake President to be an inspired leader and if he felt impressed to make that request--then it is appropriate.
Then I attended my Sacrament meeting this morning. Not only was it a wonderful meeting, but we achieved our attendance goal. And I was once again and as usual humbled in my doubt. So many members brought someone. Children, step children, neighbors, friends, inactive members came out to assist. I knew pretty much every one of them and there is not one I would not love to see every single Sunday if not more. It was lovely to see everyone and only added to the spirit of the meeting. I realized what our leaders have meant all this time when they've been saying "it's not about the numbers". It's about the people and the spirit they bring and the love that we feel for them. Yes, we are a small group, and I for one have been secretly against alot of growth because I like the small group. However, today taught me that when you know and love everyone in attendance, even a large group can feel like a small group.
Very grateful for Heavenly Father's patience with me, and that he knows how to teach me the things I need to learn.
So, an architect has been retained, plans have been drawn up, and it really looks like this is going to happen sometime in the near future. Our stake president sent an email to the members of the high council and the bishops in the other units in our stake letting them know today was a "bullet point" Sunday, (one in which attendance is sent to "the home office") and that if their lives permit, a road trip would not be a bad idea.
I really had to have a talk with myself about this. First of all, I'm weary of hearing "it's not about the numbers" cuz really it is. We have to have a certain average attendance or the bigger meetinghouse will not be built until we do. And I sort of felt like it was cheating a little for our Stake President to ask others in the stake to attend our branch on certain Sundays. I felt like if it is time for our branch to grow, it will grow. I ended my self pep talk the way I usually do whenever I doubt anything. By reminding myself that I know our Stake President to be an inspired leader and if he felt impressed to make that request--then it is appropriate.
Then I attended my Sacrament meeting this morning. Not only was it a wonderful meeting, but we achieved our attendance goal. And I was once again and as usual humbled in my doubt. So many members brought someone. Children, step children, neighbors, friends, inactive members came out to assist. I knew pretty much every one of them and there is not one I would not love to see every single Sunday if not more. It was lovely to see everyone and only added to the spirit of the meeting. I realized what our leaders have meant all this time when they've been saying "it's not about the numbers". It's about the people and the spirit they bring and the love that we feel for them. Yes, we are a small group, and I for one have been secretly against alot of growth because I like the small group. However, today taught me that when you know and love everyone in attendance, even a large group can feel like a small group.
Very grateful for Heavenly Father's patience with me, and that he knows how to teach me the things I need to learn.
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