Payson Happenings

A couple weeks ago I got called to be the Relief Society Activity coordinator (aka person in charge of enrichment nights) in my ward. Not only was I new to this calling and a little overwhelmed, but then told I had about 3 weeks to pull-off the annual Christmas party. Holy moly I was not cut out for this and starting to feel the stress and pressure. I don't know a ton of people in my ward...well not names anyway so I was a little out of my comfort zone as I started making calls to see who would be willing to help with food, decorations, musical numbers, the program, etc. This is why I love my church though...every single person I talked to was not only willing but happily willing to help. I also feel so thankful to have made some awesome friends here in Payson who I quickly put to work. Seriously, they rocked when it came to the decor...the ultimate party planners...lucky me:)

I really wanted the focus of our Christmas program to be about how special women are...especially to our Savior, Jesus Christ. I think we often feel like we are ordinary women doing ordinary things everyday...especially in the world's view. However, God and Jesus Christ see us as extraordinary women doing extraordinary things and I wanted each woman to know just how special they are. So, as I racked my brain and the internet for ideas for a program that fit with what i kept feeling needed to be the focus I came across this program titled, "The Women Who Knew Jesus". It could not have been more perfect. It was simple but spiritual and uplifting. The program depicted six different women from Jesus' time that knew him personally or indirectly, but had all been affected by his birth. The women included Elizabeth-mother of John, the mother of Joseph, the mother of Mary, the wife of a shepherd, the wife of the innkeeper and Mary. I was able to find women in the ward who were willing to read their written part and dress-up like the women in Jesus' time...they all did such a fantastic job. We had a special musical number in between each woman's part and I could not have been more happy with how it turned out.

Since the program was centered during Jesus' birth I wanted our dinner to be similar food as what they might have eaten back then...with a little modern twist. We had hummus and pita bread/chips, mixed nuts, couscous, chicken salad with grapes, greek style salad, fruit and dip and thanks to my amazing mother-in-law some amazing desserts. To be honest, I was a little nervous about how the food would be, but it was seriously so delish and everyone that volunteered to bring stuff did...thank goodness because we had quite a bit more women come than was expected.

Seriously the program would not have been what it was without the amazing decor...it set the mood and tone for the night. The pics, my camera and lack of photography skills do not give it justice. We used different nativity set as the centerpieces for each table. We had lights and trees throughout the cultural hall to make it feel rustic, but elegant. Thanks to my awesome husband, dad, father-in-law and the young men in our ward we were able to borrow and set-up this massive house-like nativity scene as our backdrop for the women speaking...to say it was amazing is a big understatement. The night went so well and I have had such sweet and sincere compliments. There is no way I take credit for all that was done. So many helping hands, which included my parents and in-laws, made it happen. I have never felt so loved and supported as I did that night and I feel so very blessed to have such amazing family and friends. They are the reason my life is happy:)

I can honestly say, now that the party is over, that I feel very lucky to have this calling. It has really challenged me in a way I am not used to, it has given. me a new appreciation and love for my ward and for all those that make ward activities wonderful. It has shown me how much my family cares for me and are willing to be a support no matter what it takes to get them there. I have found and gained new friendships that have made my transition here in Payson much much easier. For all of these reasons and many more I am thankful:)

I guess I should also mention that Brett got called to be the Young Men's President...back to the calling he loves and lives for. These Payson boys have a lot to learn from a man that has so much good to teach them.

Even though our weeks seem crazy and hectic we still manage to find the time to enjoy our downright chilly weather...even if it is just jumping on the trampoline in the freezing snow.