A Day in the Year of my 40th

Journal 3/1/15

I can't believe it is March 2015 already! 

Today was stake conference. I got up early and went over to our building to sit in my seat on the right side, 5th row. I sat and prepared YW things and organized my week for 45 minutes, my roommates arrived right before it started. I liked the lights dimmed (so we can see it broadcast), it was relaxing.

They passed out a worksheet with the stake goals on one side and a list of topics, an open space for spiritual promptings, and actions. I thought it was a cool idea and I tried to fill it in as we went.  Temple attendance, genealogy work, and kindness were some of my action words. The speakers were amazing, of course, one especially so talked about Social Media. She did a magnificent job discussing authenticity. Answering the questions "how am I using social media in my life?" "What do my 'likes' 'shares' or 'posts' say about me?" "How am I representing myself? Am I being authentic?" Social Media can be a powerful tool in spreading joy, inspiring, and uplifting others...to sweep the Earth with truth and righteousness!! (I could go on all day, it was fantastic!)

Another part of conference was the introduction of the Stake Virtue Council. It is a council made up of members of the stake for the purpose of combatting pornography and other addictions within the stake. Virtue is derived from a Latin word meaning POWER and STRENGTH. Each member of the council just gave a quick thought and testimony of what they've learned and felt through the council, in their experiences as a council and their studies. I loved the short, but powerful thoughts. Some ideas were "get smart on the topic of virtue" and "get real with your family councils" - open up discussions within your family. Pretending it's not already affecting your kids is no longer acceptable, ask questions open the communication. Virtue is goodness and a source of power.

I met with Brother Heaps for my PPI afterwards. We talked a lot about the YW and the budget. I hate dealing with money in specifics. They want every penny accounted for and I just don't think I'm capable of that kind of detail, I'm more of an idea person...I have an idea of about how much. Ugh. My trial.

I read my book, "Fractured", while Sandra had primary presidency meeting then Ali had YCL camp meeting. I did the dishes and cleaned the kitchen. Sandra made lasagna with zucchini instead of noodles and Italian sausage instead of beef...delicious!! She is a talented chef and I don't know why I'm always surprised :) 

We have neighbors from South Africa. One day they talked about a dish they miss from home, and it's a very complicated dish. Sandra secretly took on the challenge to make this dish today. It's like a donut braided and dipped in a lemon/ginger/cinnamon syrup. I taste tested it; melt in your mouth delicious. We took them over tonight. They were surprised by a Sunday visit and even more surprised by the treat from South Africa. She teared up a bit. They were surprised that the donuts were still warm because apparently they eat them chilled so it's crispier (Americans are always doing things wrong, warm donuts!?! Crazy!). Yet another amazing Sandra dish, just like home...once they've chilled.

Great in 8 starts tomorrow, so we spent the evening watching The Arrow and finishing up the worksheet and invitations for the 9 teams! I've really enjoyed the competition and the freedom I feel, though I've changed some poor habits and feel great about them. Most "diets" make me obsess about food and eating or not eating or "you can't eat this or that" then that is all I think about. I didn't feel that way through this one, except about the water...it gives me nightmares after I drink so much water! I'll have to be careful this go around :)