I was just asked to be an adviser in the Young Women program at our church.  This is for girls ages 12 - 18.  I have actually been wishing to have this calling for years.  For the past two years I have been telling everyone who would listen that I wanted to be part of this group that had such a strong influence in my life.  Finally, someone listened to me!

I’m very happy that I was asked to be part of Young Women’s now and not several years ago because my own Young Woman, Madison, is now old enough to be in the organization.  Sometimes she’s happy that I will be there on Sunday’s and one night a week.  Other times she’s rolling her eyes and praying that I won’t embarrass her!

As I enter this wonderful program again, I have been thinking of the experiences I had growing up in this group.  I had many wonderful leaders when I was in Young Women’s as a teenager.  One of these strong women in my life, who will forever be loved and adored by myself is Ann. 

This sweet lady was always happy!  I never saw her upset or angry.  So, I always felt that she was happy to see me.

Ann was so funny!  She was always joking with others.  She could also laugh at herself.  In my teenager angst I so wanted to be confident enough that I could laugh at myself.  And now, I do that quite nicely, thank you very much!

I loved to go to Ann’s home because it was always clean.  I love my mom dearly, but a good house keeper she was not.  I felt at peace and calm at Ann’s home because of the surroundings.  At the time I would never admit this, but I had a crush on her son, and if I was at Ann’s chances were that he would be there also.  This was a deep secret because he was younger than I and everyone knows that a 13 year old could never like a boy older than herself!  Amber, if you’re reading this now you know!

I always felt accepted by Ann.  I was so shy.  I was geeky.  I had the wrong clothes.  And I was so awkward.  We’re talking seriously ugly duckling.  There was a girl in our ward, who shall remain nameless, (but if you ask I’ll send you her name and email address.  Just kidding! I don’t know where she is) who was always saying unkind things directed toward me.  She talked behind my back and made me feel so ugly.  This was extra painful for me because I actually admired her.  I thought she was so cute and funny, and so did everyone else!  I remember at Girl’s camp one year I just couldn’t take her rudeness anymore.  So, in the middle of a volleyball game I threw the ball down and I told her that “I’m just not going to take it anymore!”  As I stormed off to my tent Ann came across me in tears.  I don’t remember telling Ann what was happening.  But she rubbed my back and told me that there was nothing wrong with me.  There are still times in my life that I say to myself, “There’s nothing wrong with me.  Ann said so!”

 Ann loved Christ.  I learned this through her teachings at church, but also through her kind actions toward me.  I always felt that Ann could give me a soft place to fall and love an awkward, shy little girl like myself. 

So, thank you Ann.  I hope that I may make someone feel loved and accepted like you made me feel.

I’ve seen this meme floating around the blogosphere and I thought it would be fun to do it in honor of Valentines Day.

1.  Who is your man?  John
2. How long have you been together?  We’ve been married for 14 years
3. How old is your man? 37
4. Who eats more? I do! But everyone eats more than John. He eats like a bird.
5. Who said “I love you first?  I did. And John said, “thanks.” Can you believe that!
6. Who sings better? Me.
7. Who’s Older? John, 3 years older
8. Who’s smarter?  John, no question.
9. Who’s temper is worse? I get angrier more often but it doesn’t last long. When John gets mad, watch out! 
10. Who does the laundry?  I do. I don’t like anyone to touch the laundry.
11. Who does the dishes? Usually me. I don’t mind anyone doing the dishes.
12. Who’s feet are bigger? John
13. Who’s better with the computer? John. It’s his career after all.
14. Who mows the lawn? John. He doesn’t like anyone touching the grass.
15. Who pays the bills? John
16. <a Who cooks dinner? Me.
17. Who drives when you are together?  John does.
18. Who pays when you go out to dinner? John. He’s sweet, he doesn’t want me to pay.
19. Who’s the most stubborn? Is there any question here?  I don’t know. We’re both pretty stubborn.
20. Who is the first one to admit when they’re wrong?  John. I’m never wrong! LOL
21. Who’s parents do you see more? John’s parents.
22. Who named your dog? Me.
23. Who kissed who first? John kissed me.
24. Who asked who out? I think we both agreed to meet at my apartment after work. John asked me out on our “first” official date.
25. What did you do on a real date?  Movies, college dances, dinner 
26. Who’s more sensitive? Me.
27. Who’s taller? We’re the same height.
28. Who has more friends?  Me. I’m more social.
29. Who has more siblings? I have 5 siblings, John as 4.
30. Who wears the pants in the relationship?  John. He doesn’t let me get away with anything!

Just Because.

And into everything.  I mean everything!  He is busy, busy, busy, and I can barely can’t keep up!

But then he stops.
And my heart is still as I gaze at this boy who is my baby.