Evelyn's Talk

Evelyn gave a talk today at church. She's actually been assigned the last 2 weeks but the first we forgot and the second she stayed home because Lucienne was sick (and, cough-cough, so was she). Luckily we remembered an hour before church this morning that she needed to write something.

Evelyn is at the stage that whatever question you ask her about something churchy she asks back "Jesus?". Or gives some funny, round about answer that kind of answers the question but not so much.

All the girls are really into writing things on the computer right now so of course, we had to write her talk on the computer. So, here's her talk, just as she wanted it. The rainbow coloured text needs no explanation if you know Evelyn at all.

The theme this month is: I Am a child of God, and He Has a Plan for Me.

Before we were born we lived with Jesus while we waited for our turn on earth. I think I was feeling nervous and excited, kind of like when I had to wait for my turn to play the piano in a recital.

We are all born into a family to show us love and give hugs and kisses. We have parents to protect us and teach us. We can read the scriptures to learn about the commandments and what we need to do to live with Jesus again.

We are free to choose if we’re bad or good. I want to be good on earth so I can live with Jesus and be happy. I also want my family to be there. I can be a good example to my sisters and my Mom and Dad to help them choose the right.

I know that Jesus is real. I believe the commandments that he tells me will help me learn how to be good. I’m glad I came to earth.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Churchy News

Some new callings for us. Back in November I was released as a counselor in Primary and called as one in Relief Society. It's bitter-sweet. I've been in this Primary since we moved here 8 years ago (and in our previous ward's for years before that) so it was time for a change, but I love the girls I get to work with there and I know what's going on. Plus I love that all the kids know me and run up to me with things they want to tell me. I get to play games and sing songs for 2 hours of church...I don't think they play many games in Relief Society.

It's been an interesting transition. The current president works very independently  I'm over education and feel like I can really do what I want with it. My goals are to have daily meetings for the sisters in Young Women's and Primary who don't get to come to any lessons (having been in that position for many years) and I'd really like to create a sense of unity amoung the sisters. It's interesting that I'm noticing and thinking about sisters in the ward I'd never even given a second glance to. My previous world was Primary so if you didn't have a child in there I probably didn't speak to you!  Now, I'm going out of my way to speak to sisters I don't know and invite them to come to Relief Society. I'm conscious about making sure everyone feels noticed and loved and feel concerned when I see some of them leave after sacrament. Certainly a learning curve, but a good one.

Rene has a new calling...or assignment too - we're not too sure which it is. He's the newest, and only, cub assistant. The program has been struggling for dedicated people. In the past, assistants have been less than dependable and there was even talk about cancelling the whole thing, which would be a shame considering there are quite a few non-member boys who come out.

He's pretty excited about it. He's never served with cubs before and it's right up his alley. However, it will mean another night out. He is still a counselor in Young Men's so he's out Tuesdays at the activities and now he'll be out Wednesday night with cubs. Amelia's at Activity Day Girls twice a month on Wednesday so it's not too bad. I just wonder if they couldn't have called someone who doesn't already have a calling requiring a night out during the week.

Audree started into Sunbeams at the beginning of January. She was so ready to get out of Nursery. So far she's loving being with all her friends. The girls she considers her friends are all a year older than her so left nursery last year. She loves seeing them again. I'm kind of sad I missed the transition  If only I could have been in primary just a little longer to watch her being a big girl.

Lucienne is technically old enough for Nursery but she's the only one so it's not starting up until a couple more kids meet the age requirement. I felt that it wasn't right to ask someone to watch only my kid while I went to class. I pulled some nursery toys and put them in the Relief Society room and so far she's content at playing while the lesson is being taught. For Sunday School she just runs around the chapel. Rene never went because he said she was too distracting but I'm not going to sit in the hall and miss my class! I figure as long as she's not crying or being too loud it's fine. I think the next nursery child comes of age in March so only a few more months of this.

Rene's Dream Calling

For the 10 1/2 years we've been married Rene has almost always had a leadership position at church. Ward Mission Leader twice and Young Men's President twice. He had a short stint of being 2nd councillor in the Bishopric and an even shorter stint as a councillor in an Elder's quorum presidency. He's been ready for a break for awhile. He's tired of being in charge.

With the new Ward creation a few weeks ago I think he was a little hopeful that he would get a new calling but since he's been the Ward Mission Leader for just over a year he figured he wouldn't even be considered.

So this morning things were as usual. He went to his early 7:30am meeting and came to get us to go to church. It wasn't until I looked at the clock in the car that I realized he was 20 minutes later than usual. I gave him a look and asked if his meeting went long. He said, "not really". Then I asked if he met with the Bishop. He paused (pauses say a lot!!) and said, "maybe" and then he wouldn't give me a straight answer. Do you have a new calling? "No". Seriously? "No". Really, do you have something new? "Yes". Really? "No". And so it continued all the way to church.

And...he was called as 1st councillor in the Young Men's program. He LOVES that program. He was tired of being in charge of it but he loves being with the youth. And to top it off, Matt Regimbal, a good friend of his who he loves spending time with and has a great deal of respect for, is the President. Heavenly Father couldn't have given him a more perfect calling. He is soooooo excited! I think he was a little annoyed that I spoiled his surprise but I'm excited for him. It's been hard watching him dutifully fulfil his calling but knowing that his heart wasn't really into it.

Although I realize this means he might be gone a little more it will be worth seeing him happy and excited about the things he gets to do.