On Wednesday night, March 5th we held our New Beginnings for 2008. Our theme was "A Red Carpet Event". The color for Individual Worth is red, so our focus was all about Individual worth, but with a twist! Typically when we speak about Individual Worth, we are always trying to help make ourselves better and become more like Christ, and "what can I do to improve my worth", but we decided that for our Young Women, since they are all so amazing, our focus was about "esteeming our brother as our self", and that as we look for the Individual Worth of others, and see them as God sees them, we improve ourselves along the way.
The planning process was truly led by the hand of the Lord. Several months ago as I began praying and pondering about what we should do, I was told to focus on Individual Worth, and that an "award" type event would be great. (I admit, I had seen something similar online.) But as time grew near, it was brought to my attention that there was more to our theme, than just "celebrating" our I.W. Possibly we needed to dig a little deeper. So I turned to the scriptures to find our "motto". I found a wonderful parable in D&C 38:24-27 about a man who esteems one righteous son over another and the Lord teaches him that "if ye are not one, ye are not mine", and that we must esteem our [sisters] as ourselves. So as a YW board we all felt that we should run with this. 
The next amazing step in this miraculous process came at our Stake YW leadership training meeting. Of course the meeting was running long, and I just about left early and skipped the last speaker, but due to forces beyond my control, I ended up staying to hear one of the best speakers! - of course! - Anyway, Sister Shannon Ward of our stake spoke to us about balancing our lives. During the course of her presentation she shared the story of her life and the struggles she had understanding her, of all things, Individual Worth, and the process she used to develop her relationship with her Heavenly Father and strengthen her individual worth. And I just knew she would be the speaker. I didn't have time to stay and meet her, but nevertheless she had made a huge impact on me.
So, I talked with my presidency we decided to ask her to speak. Which led to the next miracle. The day I called her, she said she had decided to take the day off to catch up on several things because she had been so busy. We proceeded to talk for like an hour and I shared with her our theme, and the scripture, etc., and the thoughts just kept coming. I also learned that she had done several youth-type firesides about how loving and serving one another helps us become more like Christ. It was amazing.
Our night finally arrived and my great 1st counselor, who works for Oriental Trading Company, provided us with some great decorations for the room, as you can see. All the girls and their parents arrived wearing RED and the YW board was dressed in the color of the value they would share their testimony about.
The evening was a huge success and everyone absolutely loved Sister Ward and couldn't believe how sensational she was!
I'm so thankful for the direction I received for this night, it has truly been a testimony builder for me. I learned that as I truly listen to what the Lord needs for these amazing YW, he will tell me and provide for me all that is needed. I am so thankful to Him.
The planning process was truly led by the hand of the Lord. Several months ago as I began praying and pondering about what we should do, I was told to focus on Individual Worth, and that an "award" type event would be great. (I admit, I had seen something similar online.) But as time grew near, it was brought to my attention that there was more to our theme, than just "celebrating" our I.W. Possibly we needed to dig a little deeper. So I turned to the scriptures to find our "motto". I found a wonderful parable in D&C 38:24-27 about a man who esteems one righteous son over another and the Lord teaches him that "if ye are not one, ye are not mine", and that we must esteem our [sisters] as ourselves. So as a YW board we all felt that we should run with this. 
The next amazing step in this miraculous process came at our Stake YW leadership training meeting. Of course the meeting was running long, and I just about left early and skipped the last speaker, but due to forces beyond my control, I ended up staying to hear one of the best speakers! - of course! - Anyway, Sister Shannon Ward of our stake spoke to us about balancing our lives. During the course of her presentation she shared the story of her life and the struggles she had understanding her, of all things, Individual Worth, and the process she used to develop her relationship with her Heavenly Father and strengthen her individual worth. And I just knew she would be the speaker. I didn't have time to stay and meet her, but nevertheless she had made a huge impact on me.
So, I talked with my presidency we decided to ask her to speak. Which led to the next miracle. The day I called her, she said she had decided to take the day off to catch up on several things because she had been so busy. We proceeded to talk for like an hour and I shared with her our theme, and the scripture, etc., and the thoughts just kept coming. I also learned that she had done several youth-type firesides about how loving and serving one another helps us become more like Christ. It was amazing.
Our night finally arrived and my great 1st counselor, who works for Oriental Trading Company, provided us with some great decorations for the room, as you can see. All the girls and their parents arrived wearing RED and the YW board was dressed in the color of the value they would share their testimony about.
The evening was a huge success and everyone absolutely loved Sister Ward and couldn't believe how sensational she was!
I'm so thankful for the direction I received for this night, it has truly been a testimony builder for me. I learned that as I truly listen to what the Lord needs for these amazing YW, he will tell me and provide for me all that is needed. I am so thankful to Him.
6 comments:
Thank you so much for that wonderful story and testimony. I just love the young women and miss serving with the youth. They have so much energy and strength. It looks like it was a truly sensational evening!
You, my friend, are the perfect Young Women's Pres. You are an inspiration to me. I know the girls are blessed to have you sharing and serving with them.
You are so lucky to be working with the young women but they are even more lucky to have you as their leader! Sounds like you had a wonderful evening.
Have I mentioned how excited I am that you are blogging! Yipee!!!!!!
Hey Fenton 5
How cool are you all to have your own website! I guess the Henry 5 needs to get into the loop. I am so glad that you all are doing well and the kids are so big! But I can top you in that department. Lizzy is now a size 9 in women's shoes:( We still miss you guys and Rachel thinks about Kylie all the time. I will check back soon!
xoxo
the henry five
Hello Fabulous 5
I am so glad to see everyone is doing well and looking good! Of course we still miss you guys. Everyone here on Glen Drive is doing well. And of course Rachel still misses Kylie! I'll check back with you all soon.
The Henry 5
It looks like a wonderful night! I love the different direction you took it! You listened to the Lord! You are motivating me to put more thought and prayer into everything I do! Thanks! Saturday was fun! Thank you!
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