One of My Favorite Things...

is Time Out for Women!!

Thanks Tiffany and TyAnn for such a fun weekend (three weeks ago)! I had such a good time!!

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!

Me and my brother Tom

Tom and my parents

My dad, Tom, Grandpa Rhoten (my mom's dad)

I love this picture of my dad and Tom.

What a day, week, and month this has been for me. Today I was officially released from my calling as Second Counselor in the Relief Society presidency in my ward at church. It has only been a year since I was called so I did not expect it to affect me much but I will admit, it has not been easy. I have learned so much, including that the Lord always knows what he is doing.

My brother Tom is preparing to serve a mission in Mexico City. He leaves next month. This is his calling for the next two years. It is interesting how callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints change so often. We are called to serve in areas we feel very inadequate and then are stretched until we think we know what we are doing and then we get a new calling. Sounds exhausting, I know.

There are some things I will definitely miss about my calling but I hope to stay actively engaged in serving others. I always find great joy in serving those around me. I am grateful for every opportunity to serve. Last weekend Brandon and I had the opportunity to go to the temple in the Tri-Cities and support my brother Tom in his preparations to serve a mission. That was such an incredible experience-one that I will never forget.

As so many things are changing rapidly in my life and I find myself facing reality, I feel fortunate to have a testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ and I know that despite the many trials I seem to face, the release from my calling, good friends leaving Moscow, etc. I still have my one rock- I have a firm testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and that gives me strength. And I must continue to find joy in MY journey always.

Love,

Sarah