I have been thinking about a question a friend asked me a couple of weeks ago. She asked me what I actually do in my calling in our YSA Stake. I kind of brushed her off, but I have been paying attention to the things I do, and I wanted to answer this question with more substance than I did!
*When I first was in this calling, Valerie Swenson told me that many of the women in the Stake felt like they didn’t know what they should be doing. As I began, I could feel the same feelings, but then I decided to take it to the Lord. I think in this calling, each person needs to assess their situation and use their talents and gifts to fulfill it. It is a very difficult, but amazing process to not have a list in front of me, but to be open to what happens and what needs I can help with. Also, I am uncomfortable sometimes with the attention we get as leaders, so I try to take that all in stride and not pay attention.
*So, with that being said, I have created a monthly newsletter that I send to all the “YSA Advisers”- our women.
*I include a calendar (knowing they may not get all the information they need). And I give a little short message. That has helped me to be on top of the Stake Calendars.
*Also, I have been a “third counselor” to Dave. And he has so much coming at him that sometimes I just listen and give nods so he can sort things out. Also, I try not to add to his list of things to sort out (which is hard😊). I have learned to be alone and take advantage of that for now (I am sure retirement will be another adjustment!).
*I keep a Stake Photo Directory (Started by Valerie) and share that with all Stake Leaders. That takes a lot of upkeep.
*I also have an email list and address and phone list that I keep up to date (again lots of upkeep).
*And I take care of Stake Communications through Facebook, email, text, etc.
*And I also try really hard to get to know all the sisters that I come in contact with. It is difficult as we visit a different ward each week, but the Lord helps me. Sometimes I sit by young adults and start an awkward conversation, and sometimes I am enveloped by someone who sees me! *We love to support the young adults in their performances, activities, sporting events, etc. so that is great.
*And we join in Ward Activities especially when it is Ward Conference for that ward.
*Sometimes I feel like things aren’t as structured as I would like them, but I cannot see how they could be.
*Also, I prepare talks for Ward Conferences (that was my husband’s idea), that has been so wonderful for me.
*I arrange many of the Stake meals that are coordinated with Stake Conference. There is also a committee for lots of those, but any of the big catering, I do.
*I am home for Dave’s interviews that he does here, so I visit with many of the young adults who come to our home, and provide a treat or snack.
*I think I just fill in a lot of gaps. I try to just go with the flow.
*I try to smile whenever I am out and about, because I invariably will hear, “Hello, Sister Tueller” and I have NO IDEA who it is, but I figure they have seen me somewhere, and I know they need to feel the Lord’s love for them. It has really been an experience. I love it, and I have grown to rely on the Lord so much.
I'm glad she asked that question. I has made me reflect, and maybe I can do better too.
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