A New Bishop

It has been quite a week. Not only are we preparing for our daughter's wedding in less than two weeks, but I had parent/teacher conferences at school that included a Book Fair and kept me at school from the early hours in the morning until 8pm. After the second night of conferences my sweet husband and I were invited to visit with the stake presidency, so knowing that I would need to be dressed properly, I wore my Sunday clothes all day, not out of line for a teacher at conferences, but also as a reminder of our important interview.

The Lord blesses me with tender mercies. He prepared me well for this change. For the first time in weeks I feel calm and peaceful. I have so many concerns, but I know the Lord will lift my burdens.

Our new bishop is a man that I have known for many years as our children are about the same ages, attend the same schools, and participate in many of the same organizations. Our families have carpooled to school and symphony rehearsals for many years. He has always had a big smile and greeting for us and we have felt a great kinship in our roles as parents. Recently our stake made changes in the boundaries of the wards and this family was moved into our ward. It was a hard thing to have happen, but this family followed the will of the Lord and have been very active in their new ward. Our ward is richly blessed. His wife and I serve in the Young Women and shared a tent at Girls' camp together. I have been deeply impressed with the great love this family has for one another, especially as I witnessed them prepare and send off their first missionary son. This family is a great example to me.

Now I am glad to call him my bishop. It was a testimony easy to come by whispered by the Holy Ghost as we learned of his call. I also know that Dennis is well prepared to serve as his first counselor. We have a great work to do in our ward. I'm certain that this new bishopric is ready to take the helm and lead us.

May the Lord bless and keep our new bishopric!

Change

For some reason for the last few weeks I've been hearing a song from my youth in my head that talks about change. Can't remember the name, but I know it was often played at our church youth dances. (I finally remembered, "Freebird." )

Last Sunday while studying and checking up on my friends in facebook, I heard the whisperings of the spirit tell me that there would be changes. Yes, I knew, Emily is getting married. Suzanne will be married in the spring. Scott, Russ and Chris are graduating this year...but no the spirit meant something else. At the end of our Sacrament meeting it was announced that we would be getting a new bishopric. Tears rolled down my cheeks at the thought of not having Bishop Lesko as our bishop any more. It has been his tender leadership that has helped me learn and grow so much more closer to my Heavenly Father. I still have such a long way to go. Dennis thought I was silly. He's not moving or dying, but still, he won't be bishop. Yes, he has answered so many of my questions, but I have so many more!

So change, it's part of life, but as I get older I need so much more help to make these transitions. I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost and the comfort it brings and the sweet confirming testimony that the Lord is guiding these changes.