bLoOm wHerE yOu ArE pLanTeD

We had our RS Birthday dinner and the theme we chose this year was, Bloom where you are Planted. Its a theme that I have heard before but, as a comity, we thought that it was just what our sisters needed right now. I really enjoyed the night and hope that the other sisters in the ward did too. But I am sure, as usual, its always the ones who are preparing that seem to get the most out of something. Still, I hope the themes stuck in their hearts and they were able to analyze their lives and see where they need to BloOm and bring some life to.
For dinner we did salads, YUM, and for dessert we had the sisters bring birthday cakes, YUM again!
For decorations we tried to bring a little of sPrInG indoors with fresh flowers and bright colors.
And for the classes we decided to divide into 3 mini classes that all the sisters would attend each one! They were all wonderful and seemed to touch my heart in different ways-
1) "Weed" out the obstacles- This one was the one that really grabbed ahold of me. We all have trials or "weeds" in our lives. Whether they be poor health, addictions, disability, depression, fertility, lack of spirit, economic issues and the list goes on and on. Some of our weeds are there because of our poor choices and lack of taking care of our lives, some are blown in by the wind and are therefore ours to deal with even though we may not have "asked for this", and others are just stubborn and hard to get rid of. None the less it is important for us not just to cut the weeds down but to yank it out by the roots and rid ourselves of it. How do we do that... Prayer, scripture study, reasonable goals, apply the Atonement, listen to the prophets council etc... Start to focus on the beauty and the end result instead of the weeds that are in front of you and stop making excuses.
2) Look to the "Son" for Strength- We all know as flowers begin to bloom they turn their little heads to the sun and look for warmth and brilliance and nurturing from it. We need to do the same... We need to do the best we can do on that day and then turn our heads toward the "Son" and let our brilliance shine back at HIm. Allowing him to feed us and and help us grow.
3) "Nourish" yourself- There are three ways we need to do this, and in doing this bAlanCe is the key. Physical, Mental and Spiritual. As with flowers they all need nutrients equally otherwise missing one will still cause the flower to die; be it from not enough sun, too much fertilizer, or not enough or too much water. Our lives need to be in balance. Physical- Live the word of wisdom, treat our bodies like the temples they are, exercise, and continue to learn. Spiritual- Create a home where the spirit can enter, watch for extra media things that can enter that will disrupt the spirit you want to be in your home. Study and pray, ask the Lord for help and to teach you. Mental- Rely on those around you... be a good friend and rely on those friends who love you. Ask for help when needed. lAuGh, find ways to release a good belly laugh, especially with your kids... they need to see that you are happy. Find hobbies that bring joy and stimulate your mind.
I am so grateful to have this calling... it came at a time when I was "spiritually asleep" and needed a change and of course the Lord knew where to put me to help me to bLOoM.