The Special Weekend

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) we have two weekends a year that are especially special.  It is a time that we get to listen to words from the leaders who lead and direct this church.  We believe that they are called of God.  We believe that the words they share over the bi-yearly "special weekends" (otherwise known as General Conference) are given to us to guide and direct us in the lives that we are currently living.  BTW this is the 182nd year of General Conference.  That's a pretty great track record!

We believe intensely that the words of ancient prophets (Moses, Abraham, etc.) were written for our day.  We believe that even though they lived thousands of years ago, there is still much to learn from them.  That's why we study the Bible AND the Book of Mormon.  But what I love is that we have LIVING prophets and apostles that teach us and lead us with what we need for today.

So no matter where you are, all over the world, you can listen HERE.  I know I will be.

image via

Another item of business.  If I were in Utah I would be literally running to the nearest Deseret Book to buy this book:  

I am always grateful for beautiful reading material that reminds us of our true purpose here on earth.  If you're in Utah, go get a copy.  It just may inspire you to do something more difficult that you thought you could handle. 

Have a glorious weekend!  I will be spending my time snuggling with my husband, enjoying the company of my daddy (who is here for the weekend), feeling my daughter kick, and eating homemade popsicles.  

That sounds perfect.

The thing about being rejected...it's generally hilarious.

I have loved being able to be an active part of missionary work again since moving to New Mexico.  I love the times I get to spend with people who are investigating our church and sharing with them why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is so important to me.

With these recent experiences I have been reminded of how hilarious it is to be rejected.  Let me explain.

There was a time, in Lancaster, New York, that my missionary companion and I were out "knocking doors" (which just means knocking on people's doors trying to get them to let us share a little bit about the gospel with them...not terribly productive, might I add.)  We were in a beautiful neighborhood.  I think the street we were on was even called "Enchanted Forest Lane" or something magical like that.  Anyhow, we stood on a doorstep and knocked.  Now, this house had a door like this:

In only a few seconds a head appeared in the window and then quickly disappeared.  No one answered the door.  We knocked again to which we received the response 

"There's no one home!"  

I'm sorry, what?

I yelled back "Yes there is.  We just saw you!"

He yelled back "No there's not!"

I remember just staring at the door not quite knowing what to do.  My anger was replaced by the laughter of my companion and we went on our merry way.  If nothing else, it makes for a great story.

SO THEN...

Just two days ago, a friend of mine went with me to visit some people from our church.  We knocked on the door and one of the people we were hoping to visit with answered the door.  We chatted for approximately 2 seconds before she disappeared...supposedly going to get the others we were hoping to see during that little visit.  A minute later the baby sister (probably 7 years old) shows up at the door and says

"They're all asleep."

"They're all asleep?" I asked.  "But _______ (third child) was just here at the door.  Did she fall asleep very fast?"

"Well actually only _________ (oldest child) is asleep."

My friend asked, "Well, where is __________ (second child)?"

To which the little sister replied "Oh, well, she's on the couch.  She's just pretending to be asleep because she doesn't want to talk to you."

We nearly burst out laughing right then and there.

Welcome back to the world of rejection, Sister Boothe.  

And I've laughed non-stop for 2 days.

What's My Attitude?

I was sitting in a Sunday school class back in February and the lovely teacher asked the most wonderful question accompanied by the four answers we can give.

WHAT'S MY ATTITUDE?

I WILL DO IT.

I'LL TRY.

I'LL THINK ABOUT IT.

I DON'T WANT TO DO IT.

She applied these questions to our commitments to attend church meetings, study the Bible and Book of Mormon, listen to and follow the prophet, serve, among many other things.

Tonight, as I came across the notes from that class, I got to thinking about how I tend to use these answers in every day life.

When I'm called by the missionaries to go out on visits with them what's my answer?

When I see someone looking hungry and homeless on the street corner how do I answer their pleas for help?

When I see someone who may simply need a smile, how do I respond?  I'll TRY to smile at you?  That's silly.

How about when you're standing in the check-out line at the grocery store and you notice that the checker is looking very tired and irritated.  Maybe I should comment on how cute her painted nails are or what a beautiful color her hair is.  I'll THINK about it.  Again, silly.

Maybe I've been thinking about someone all day.  I keep thinking I should text them and let them know they are on my mind.  What do I do instead?  Just THINK about it?

So, today when Gage asked me for more milk, what did I really say by sitting on my rear-end for a couple minutes before granting his wish?  Why did I wait so long?  What was I saying to him by waiting?  His desires weren't important to me?  Why in the world didn't I jump right up?  

Or how about when I got a call needing to do something for church.  Was my "I will do my best" simply saying to the person at the other end of the phone that "I'll try" rather than "you can absolutely count on me"?

So, tomorrow, when an opportunity presents itself I'm going to think about what I'm really saying (verbally or just in my mind) as I give my answers.  I would hate to even subliminally give the answers that have only to do with trying, thinking, and not wanting to.