procrastinating...

A while back I -like years ago- I was called to be in the Relief Society Presidency (asked by our church leaders to be in the Woman's Organization presidency). That particular calling lasted 32 days. I understood all the why-s and how-s, and the limited time working with the group. It was all very clear once it was all over.

I just recently held another position in that same organization for about 11 months or so. (for those of you who may be unfamiliar, usually a woman is asked to serve in this capacity for about 5 or so years.)

After a month or so I was called to be in the "Stake" Relief Society Presidency. LDS lingo check: ward = congregation. A "stake" refers to the tent stakes that supported Solomon's Temple. LDS folk use this term for a group of congregations in one geographic area, usually about 10 or so wards/congregations per stake. (ours currently has 14 wards and a "branch" at the local prisons for folks who want to attend services there and receive visits from the local leadership.) Our local area, meaning where we live we have access to 3 stakes, serve not only the "family wards", but also a Single Adult Ward (18-32 years), and a Spanish Ward, for Spanish language dependant members. We had a Deaf Branch at one time, but most of our deaf members moved from the area; so now we use interpretors when needed in meetings, etc. Stake leaders are called to positions to aide, instruct, and assist leaders in the wards, so that all members within the stakes are cared for, and led according to Gospel Principles.

We received the confirmation of rumor mills on Sunday. The stake will be divided (membership has risen: lots o' members) in September. Our stake, along with a neighboring stake will be re-aligned to form 3 new stakes. (ideal numbers in a stake: 3,000 members) This means the dissolvement of Presidencies. People in positions will have a release from their duties and new folks will get a crack at leadership. This is so that leadership is always close geographically to the members. It's really quite amazing how it all works.

So, with that in mind, I can look forward to another very short term in Relief Society, about 4 months. That makes me laugh.

Heavenly Father uses me in very specific ways. This helps me understand that He does indeed know me, my character and qualities, talents and how effective (or otherwise) I can be. I know that the church is truly directed by Him. I am excited to see where the local church will go, grow and just how we will all fit in the buildings we currently have!