January Oasis

I know...Two words not normally associated with one another. But in this case, the definition of oasis works perfectly. :Something serving as a refuge, relief, or pleasant change from what is usual, annoying, difficult, etc. The "something" being an extra Relief Society Meeting on Nutrition, Beating the Winter Blues and Yoga. The "usual, annoying, difficult, etc." part being the freakin' COLD, some bad Winter Blues and NO energy from staying in bed all day (a bit of an oxymoron of its own, I know).

I went to the RS Meeting kicking and screaming- well not really because that would require energy but- I decided to go even though I really felt crawling back into bed sounded much nicer. Soooo glad I dragged my butt out of my PJs and went! They had a lite meal and I got to sit and visit with some of my good friends. A good laugh or two can always help a bad attitude! Then, they had 3 guest speakers.

The first talked about Nutrition and Good Mood Foods. I'd never really thought about the fact that eating certain foods could lift your spirits. Dang! Who knew?  

Next, we had someone talk about S.A.D. (Seasonal affective disorder)- commonly know as the Winter Blues- what it is, the symptoms, the treatments, etc. She had lots of great info. Some of which I feel I have really struggled with this January. Like:

* difficulty waking up in the morning

* tendency to oversleep

* a lack of energy

* difficulty concentrating on completing tasks

* withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities.

"...All of this leads to the depression, pessimistic feelings of hopelessness, and lack of pleasure."

Crap! Well, the first step is admitting it, right? She sparked my interest in finding out more about it so I finally bought a book and a SAD light for therapy. They should be in the mail soon. We'll see if it can help me.

Lastly but not the least by any means, they had a Yoga teacher come. It was so much fun!!! I love the music, the stretching, the poses, the quietness, the balance! I am going to buy me a yoga mat for sure AND I so need to find a Yoga class. Want to join me? LOL!

Well, when you think your all alone and no one understands---thank goodness for my Relief Society Sisters and the January Oasis they provide for a bahuber like me! ;) Here's hoping that I can restore a bit of balance back into my life. Thanks for the kick in the butt, ladies!

RS Christmas Service Project

I joined our Fargo 2nd Ward Relief Society today for a early Christmas Gathering. We first gave of ourselves in service at the local Great Plains Food Bank. htttp://www.lssnd.org/greatplainsfoodbank/Home/home.html I had never been there before so it was really neat to be able to bring help, healing and hope to those in need in our community. Being Mormon Christian women we taped, packed, organized, and cleaned up like crazy!!! We ended up doing 3 1/2 palettes of food boxes- that's like 131 boxes. Like I said... I had never been before but I thought it was pretty amazing how a small group of people can make that kind of difference in such a short amount of time. I hope lives are blessed this holiday season. 

Here's our group at the end minus a few ladies. [Pretty funny story actually. See, we got a picture at the beginning with all those that were there when we started. Well, at least we thought we did. When Alma went back later to check her camera there was NO picture. Oops! Guess the guy didn't push the button enough or something LOL!] Deb and Linda went back to the Church early to make lunch for us. Thanks ladies! You are awesome!

Back at the Church, we had a fabulous luncheon- sweet & sour meatballs, rice, salad, asiago cheese bread, and cupcakes, Delicious! Then, we had a Cookie exchange. Everyone's cookies were awesome! We are supposed to get the recipes soon so then I can add their names but they were good!! I went home with tons of treats! My family LOVED me today! LOL!

Thanks for a fun day of service, food and yummy cookies!

RS Broadcast

Tonight, I attended the General Relief Society Broadcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I love my time to hear what the Lord has to say to just the women of the Church. Like usual, we had a potluck dinner beforehand. Let me tell you...You never go away hungry when these women bring food. It was so delicious! My favorite was the squash AND the fresh corn! Those are so much of the Fall season to me! YUMMY! I think I ate like 4 plates of food. I know, I know- PIG! But--- it was soooooooo good! ;)

The Broadcast was awesome as usual. Always uplifting and humbling all at the same time. Here's some of the things I learned:

From Sister Julie Beck, RS President:

She talked about how our history teaches us about who we are and what we are to do. She announced that the Church is coming out next year with a RS History publication. It should be pretty neat!

"The history of Relief Society teaches us that our Heavenly Father knows His daughters. He loves them, He has given them specific responsibilities, and He has spoken to and guided them during their mortal missions."

From Sister Silvia Allred:

She asked us to think about what helps sustain us in following the Savior. She suggested four simple things that we can do to continue to follow Him. 1- Daily Prayer 2- Daily Scripture Study (Both of which will allow the influence of the Holy Ghost to flood our lifes) 3- Obedience in keeping His commandments 4- Service

"I know that each of us has a vital and essential role as a daughter of God. He has bestowed upon His daughters divine attributes for the purpose of forwarding His work."

From Sister Barbara Thompson:

She talked about Compassion and Visiting Teaching. Of course, someone always does. Obviously, it's something that us women NEED to hear repeatedly! I really need to step up in this area. Don't get me wrong- I do visit and teach sisters in my ward all the time but I have a ways to go on focusing my efforts to those ladies that have been especially assigned to me in a VT capacity.

"The Savior has asked us to do the things which He has done, to bear one another’s burdens, to comfort those who need comfort, to mourn with those who mourn, to feed the hungry, visit the sick, to succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and to “teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.” To me these words and actions describe visiting teachers—those who minister to others. Visiting teaching gives women the opportunity to watch over, strengthen, and teach one another."

From the Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson:

It was really neat that the Prophet spoke. I think that it's always been one of his counselors that has spoken in the RS Meeting for as long as I can remember. He is such a sweet and amazing man! His sense of humor and memory are extraordinary. I just love him!

He spoke about Judging Others.

"Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun who worked among the poor in India most of her life, spoke this profound truth: “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” The Savior has admonished, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” I ask: Can we love one another, as the Savior has commanded, if we judge each other? And I answer—with Mother Teresa—“No; we cannot.”"

And He spoke about Charity

"There is a serious need for the charity that gives attention to those who are unnoticed, hope to those who are discouraged, aid to those who are afflicted. True charity is love in action."

Last but not least- I learned (and continue to each time I do anything with them) that one of my favorite parts of the RS Broadcast is the women I am able to be with. I am so grateful for their different gifts and personalities. I am so lucky to be a part of them! Luv ya! (Thanks to Barb Taylor for taking the picture!)

 

You can view highlights

 http://new.lds.org/pages/general-rs-meeting-sept-2010?lang=eng

 or watch the entire meeting here:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid66819209001?bctid=618047726001 

(President Monson's talk begins at minute 58- it's worth watching ;)