Christmas Spirit

With Christmas only one week away, I hope everyone is getting into the holiday spirit. For me, there is nothing better than a really sweet Christmas story to remind me of what makes Christmas my favorite holiday. Last week I read a story just like this on ksl.com. I really wanted to share it with you. So check out this link and I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas.

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Call for Stories

I hope you've noticed my new page with the guidelines for submitting a story for A Circle of Sisters, a collection of true stories about Relief Society women. I am excited to tell you that last week I also heard back from Walnut Springs saying they would be interested in seeing A Circle of Sisters when it is complete.

Since starting this project, I have been amazed at how much clearer the purpose of Relief Society Organization has become to me. As I searched my own life for experiences that changed me, I have seen how even in times when I thought I was giving the service, I received so much in return. It seems our lives are interconnected, with each person's story overlapping and reaching into another's. Our power to make a difference is remarkable and with the Lord's help, we can each experience first hand what it feels like to be a part of something incredible.

When we reach out to fulfill our roles in this organization we are changed and we change others. Hopefully as we share our experiences we will find another circle of sisters that will be changed by hearing our stories. Perhaps they will be reminded of a time in their own lives when something similar happened to them. Perhaps they will feel a new desire to keep going when it gets hard.

I hope you've been thinking about your own experiences with Relief Society. They don't have to be obvious miracles (though those would be great too,) but think about those times in your life when a kind word came at the right moment, when a prayer was answered by a friendly face, or when you were able to see clearer for a service you gave. The greatest miracles are often the simple things, each leading to another in a chain reaction. The Lord himself has told us many times that by small means, he will bring about great things.

So trust that you, no matter how small you may feel, can make a difference. Write from your heart and be sincere. You matter, and your experiences are unique. I can't wait to read your stories.