March 17, 2013 - thoughts regarding stake conference and stuff

I was just really recognizing the Lord's hand in all we do.

Stake conference was about temple work, family history work, and indexing. I loved it. I was thinking about the talk I gave just the week before about the same things. It all came in line perfectly. I was pretty much amazed the whole time. When President Porterfield said something near the end of his talk about how if you don't feel you fit in, not mainstream, if you are having trouble finding your eternal companion.... The Lord loves you and knows what you are going through... There was some other things he said in the middle but I wasn't paying attention past that point. That part hit me really really hard, like I felt he was speaking directly to me. I started crying. I tried to blink it away because I was with the stake choir. Those are two things that I'm having a difficult time with. Especially the first part. Not fitting in. I don't, and I'm not meant to. I'm still learning to accept that. Not that there is anything particularly strange or standoffish about me that makes me not blend in to the social circle. I just don't. Never have and never will. Sometimes I'm glad for that. Sometimes I'm not. It reminds me of something a comedian Bill Engvall had a show about called "15 degrees off cool". Its really the best way I can describe it. Nothing major, just ever so slightly off. Hearing President Porterfield say those things really reminds me that He is watchful of us, He does know our trials, our everything. I think it was meant to remind me He's there. I mean, I already know it, but that extra reassurance. For all of us who deal with those difficulties in various ways.

I was inspired by one woman who spoke about going to the temple every week. She spoke during the Saturday night adult session. I was thinking that I want to be like that. Going to the temple every week is a goal of mine. I just need my permanent recommend first. Almost there! As well as I think it was President Bishop, or it might have been Sister Bishop over the Seattle Temple; that talked about a woman who came to the temple every single day for a time while she was getting settled. She had moved into the area and didn't have anything to do while her kids were at school. What a terrific way to spend your free time! Its just so amazing to me.

I'm thankful for being able to be a part of the stake choir. While I am nowhere near as talented as the people around me, I'm learning. I'm not so terrible that I got kicked out of it either :-) It was a blessing to be around and sing with such amazing talented people. 2 reasons; 1. If I screwed up, they are all so good my mistake doesn't stand out; 2. I've always liked to sing. I've never been very good... sometimes flat out sucky, but its a boost to be allowed to sing with them. It reminds me of when I was brand brand new and I went to my home ward (Mukilteo) back when President Porterfield was Bishop Porterfield and he told me he wanted me to be in the choir. He was an amazing Bishop and I'm thankful I had the chance to get to know him and his wife. Now he's an even more amazing Stake President. Its just all really cool.

I came home and started indexing for the day. Indexing is a lot of fun and it does so much good. It really really makes a difference when you pray first. The Spirit will be with you, helping you to get the names spelled correctly. All you have to do is ask in faith and He's there.

Family history work, temple work, and indexing will bless your life. Especially as it appears to be one of the stake focuses and with all the talks lining up with one another, it is very clear to see that those things are what He wants us working on. So, lets get to it! :-)