Some Sappy Public Appreciation

I'm not sure how to start this post... It comes with tender feelings, happy feelings, but "ending" feelings. Not sure I am wild about those "ending" feelings.




You know how sometimes you have things that are your responsibility and you have no clue how you will do it... And how sometimes, you just need the right people in your life to help you... Like God sends you those people...

These ladies were those people.

When I was called to be the primary president, I was more overwhelmed than I had ever been. But God sent Shannan, Kim, and Karin to help me. And truly, there is NO way I could have done it without them. They were so reliable, willing, helpful, creative, and positive. And they always knew when to jump in and take a load from me, sometimes when I was hesitant to give it.

We were responsible for an average of 150 children, ages 3-11 and between 20 and 30 toddlers at church. I told people that it was like being the principal of a small school. I never realized how much goes on behind the scenes. How much there was to do on Sunday and during the week. How much there was to plan and just ponder. There were things to actually do and things to coordinate, and things to be sure someone else was doing.

During the almost 2 years, we had 3 pregnancies, lots of vacations, one deployment, lots of husbands working late nights, several running/swimming races, and 12 hours of college credit. And there were many moments where we were in survival mode. But looking back, I think we not only survived, we really meant something to those kids. We did what we wanted to do. I feel that we pleased Heavenly Father. I think the children and our teachers learned from us and knew we loved them.

We also learned a lot together. And I think until recently, we under-appreciated how well-oiled our "machine" was. How lucky we were to get along so well. How easily we were able to do it all and accomplish so much. There is no way I could ever thank them for all they did and all the support they were. But I hope they know.

It was truly a pleasure. And a chapter in my life that I will cherish. I am truly blessed to call them friends. Hugs, girls...

He Answers Us

G. wanted me to take a picture of him praying. So he showed me how he would do it... Yesterday, I was in charge of teaching the children at church about how prayer strengthens our families. I told two stories from my childhood about how my family prayed together. Funny, they were both about babies. :)

1. When my mom was about to have my brother, he was sitting on her liver which caused her skin to itch horribly. No cream, no medicine could solve her problem. The dr. said the only solution was to have the baby. So one night she was in the bath trying to get some relief and we could all hear her crying. What she didn't know was that all of us were in our beds praying that our mom would feel better. My brother was born before school started the next morning. I know because I was so excited to finally have a brother that I RAN to North Elementary. At the hospital, it all came out that everyone in the family was praying for my mom at the same time.

2. When my mom was in the hospital with K., she also had extensive abdominal surgery. We of course wanted to see our baby sister and our mom, so Dad took us to the hospital that night. She was really suffering from the surgery and I think it freaked us all out. Dad had us wait outside, where we quickly found a closet full of wheelchairs to offer up a "Willis kid" prayer to help our mom. We were relieved that no nurses came in. Wouldn't they have been surprised! I guess I didn't know at 14, that most hospitals have a place meant for praying.

I thought some of you siblings of mine may not remember these stories. So I thought I would share them with you too.

I do know God answers me. He hears me and understands me. And offers comfort that no other can give. This world touts independence and pride; He teaches humility and asks us to seek Him. I know that my life has been blessed by seeking Him. And my family, now and when I was growing up, has been strengthened by inviting Him into our lives and trusting Him.