my sweet young women.

I serve with the youth in our ward.  In my opinion, it is one of the most demanding callings and by far one of the most rewarding callings in the church.  I love these girls like they are my own daughters.  They are in my thoughts and my prayers every single day.  It's kind of creepy how much I love them.  (Creepy in a good way.)

Today we held our Young Women in Excellence program.  We did something a little different and had it during Sacrament Meeting.  Each of the girls, along with the leaders, gave a talk. They spoke on personal progress, their scripture heroes and what they love about the Young Women's program.   As each of the girls spoke, I was in awe.  They are so filled with the spirit, so beautiful inside and out, and so inspiring.  They were all very nervous... some more than others, but they did amazing!  I am so proud of them. 

Did you know that the church has an incredible resource for the youth of our church?  They have this new website that is fantastic.  It is full of free music, videos, messages from church leaders, a place for questions/answers... it is so cool.  I wish they would have had something like it when I was in young womens.  I have used the videos in my lessons many times.  It is a wonderful way to bring the spirit into the room.  I also found out just recently that there is a new For the Strength of the Youth booklet.  I can't wait to get my own copy.

There has been rumors that our YW Presidency was going to be reorganized sometime after the new year.  I was sick to my stomach when I heard the news.  A big chunk of my heart belongs to the youth in our ward and I wanted nothing more than to stay in my calling.  I've only been in this calling for six months which is way too short.  I prayed my guts out to the Lord asking Him to please let me stay.  At times I feel like I need my girls so much more than they need me.  Well, He heard me...

Today in Sacrament meeting I was sustained as the new Young Women's President in our ward.  Oh. My.  I felt the spirit so strong as the members of our ward rose their hands to sustain me in my new calling.  I felt my Saviors arms around me as if He were saying, "I know you can do it.  Take a deep breath... here we go!" 

And that's how it will be.... "Here we go."  I know that He will be there with me every step of the way.  And for that... I am so grateful.