Real Power

I recognized a great truth recently.....

Our testimony meeting at Girls Camp was yet another strong reminder of the common insecurities that most people, young and old, feel in their lives. Even the July New Era had an article about a young man with similar overwelming loneliness and insecurity. Many members of our ward struggle with these same feelings. In the article, the answer to his feelings of inadequacy came from something Ben's MTC missionaries have realized and put into practice. PERSONAL spiritual habits like prayer and scripture reading can bring answers, strength and power. Ben shared with us about how several of the missionaries had testified of overwelming witness and change of heart that came through personal spiritual wrestling.


When I visited my dear Stake Young Women friends in Park City, I was amazed at the power and energy I felt when I was with them. I felt the same power in our Jeremy Ranch ward. It was real power--strength in righteousness, strength in the Spirit, power in the priesthood. I was overcome with love and power.


When I am in Montreal, I feel great love among our members, but I don't feel that intense spiritual power. I think what is missing is that personal strength and power from personal spiritual habits--prayer, scripture study, temple attendance--really personalizing the gospel. The members are seeking answers from others, from the Bishop, from the leaders. They overlook the personal responsibility that comes with spiritual growth.

At Family Home Evening, I challenged our family to keep up with the basics of family and personal strength so that our faith and testimonies have power to withstand the struggles we will face.

Girls Camp with my girl!

I just got back from Girls Camp. It was just me and Abby from our ward. What a treat to spend that time with her. She is amazing to watch---being all alone and new to the stake. She has a special gift for making friends. Abby won "Smiley Face Camper" and it fits. She bore the sweetest, strongest testimony. She is just a natural, low-key leader who everyone loves, particularly the adult leaders. I'm so glad she wanted me to come with her to Camp.

I quite enjoyed not having any huge responsibility. I pitched in, but got to relax. I even lead the 4th year girls on a moonlit canoe adventure. The program was quite laid back, but is laced with such tradition that it flowed beautifully. Everyone certified without pulling teeth. They sang lots of fun songs at the campfire--how I remember camp when I was a girl. The testimonies were simple and poignant--how alone these young women feel in the world. Abby and I realized that insecurity can be expressed by being timid or haughty and that we need to see through it and love them regardless.

The setting of the camp was breathtaking. Our camp set on the edge of a wooded lake in a national park. We hiked into some beautiful "cascades"--waterfalls that we could wade in (VERY COLD). The misquitos were most annoying, but the company was great. I enjoy the women as much as getting to know the girls. I was awarded "Best Conversationalist." Can you believe that?

All showered and unpacked, I get a bit of rest until the "men" come back from their camp.

Thanks for the marvelous blessing of clear skies and sunshine!

TIME

Why is it, when you've got tons to do, the time just flies by? it just runs out? How come some hours feel longer than others? How come some days will never end?

Just wondering....

today was spent getting ready for girls camp and boys camp--craig and I get to be the drivers, cooks and chaperones. the best part is doing it with our kids. we'll have a blast--once we get there. let's hope it doesn't rain....too much. After all, it is Montreal.

Celebrating the 4th of July in a foreign land

It's strange to be celebrating the 4th of July in a foreign land, all be it, 40 minutes from the US border. There is no red, white and blue in sight--no buntings, no flag t-shirts and baseball caps, no American flags flying high. It just feels different.

Our family is trying to keep the spirit of the day. We went for a bike ride and then enjoyed shishkabobs, watermelon, corn on the cob and s'mores while listening to our favorite Boston Pops and Aaron Copeland CDs. We're hoping to see fireworks later. It just feels different.

The locals who don't agree on the many virtues of our nation, all agree that Americans are very patriotic. Good for us.

We are loving this international experience in Montreal, but we are Americans first.

Happy Independence Day! Light a sparkler for me....