My New Calling is...

2nd Counselor in the Relief Society Presidency.

(Feel free to scroll down and look at the pictures, bypassing all this pesky text!)

Now some of you are probably thinking, what's the big deal? ( That, or what the heck is a 'Relief Society'? I know, it sounds strange.)

For me it is a big deal for several reasons. Timm and I have had a rocky few years- Rocky, but wonderful as well. I wouldn't even trade the bad times.

{Brief Timeline of events:}

• Married civilly July 25th, 2003
• Got pregnant 3 months later-inadvertently
• Lola Jane stillborn at full gestation June 27th, 2004
• Buried Lola on July 2nd, 2004
• Got pregnant 3 months later
• Sealed in the SLC Temple November 23rd, 2004
• Isabella Grace born May 20th, 2005

So we've packed a lot into our 3-years of marriage. Anyway, my point is that at times it's been a little rocky, and sometimes winding path back into full church activity for both of us. Even when I was active, I've never had a calling that required more than intermittent effort, like an Enrichment Counselor or Activity Committee. (Which were my two previous and simultaneous callings.) By the way, I'm sorry for all the foreign jargon for any of you who are not LDS. (Mormon.. More jargon! I should compile a glossary of terms.)

I feel like this calling is really inspired, and that it is coming at a great time for me. I am simultaneously overwhelmed, humbled, and excited. I don't know that I will be the best for the job, especially among my incredible ward, but I think the calling will be the best for me. The things that will be best for me will also be hardest for me at times, which I'm sure is no coincidence. It will draw me out. I am a self-described extroverted recluse. Anyone who knows me knows I am not shy int he least degree- I am animated to the point of being obnoxious, but I also love to stay home and be by myself. I could easily see myself becoming an eccentric recluse, letting myself go if enticed into a debilitating depression again. I'm not kidding. This calling will ensure that if I am faithful, I will go outside myself far more than I would choose under normal circumstances.

The last time I felt that my calling was truly inspired and meant for me specifically was sadly, about 10 years ago. Not that I don't believe my other callings have been inspired, but just not to this degree. When I was 16 I went to Girl's Camp like I did every year. I was not active in church, but I always relished the opportunity to go to camp. That year I felt the Spirit so strongly and resolved to make changes in my life. At the end of that week at camp, I was called to a Stake position to be in the Young Women's Presidency in charge of planning the next year's camp. It was a huge calling, one I was not worthy for, and one I enjoyed so much. I was in awe, and it was perfect. It have me a focus for an entire year while I made changes in my life. I gave us old friends who were bad influences, and gained new ones in the stake. I grew by leaps and bounds that year, and my calling was largely to thank.

I feel similarly now, though not to the same degree. I am not returning to activity in the church, but refining daily habits and choices. Again, I do not feel worthy of the calling, but feel that the Lord will make me equal to the task and that I will be blessed. I look forward and dread the business that will come with this calling, but feel grateful and humble for the faith that the Lord and members of my ward have entrusted in me.

Wish me luck!

Last week in Charleston:

• the beauty of the vacation was over, and we began the horrendous trip home
• I was missing everyone already
• I was planning what pictures to post!

I love the rippled effect int he sand- this is the makings of a tide pool!

Our last night on the beach. I was heard to utter this warning to Bella: "Last Beach!"

Turns out you can take great cloud pictures from your plane window!

*Happy Birthday to Jill!!! She deserves the best day for the most wonderful kind of friend she is and example of generosity and thoughtfulness. Hats off to you! *