The Nat

Tonight we went to New Beginnings for the Young Women.  We were invited, or I should say Natty was invited because she turns 12 this year.  Made some arrangements and the boys went and hung out with Grandpa while Natty and I went to the program.  We invited Grandma and Amy and they were both able to make it.  It was a good program and we are certainly looking forward to next month when she turns 12.  Natty is excited as am I. 

I have actually been thinking about this move to young women a lot for the last couple of weeks.  I was nervous at first for Natty but that nervousness has turned into excitement as well as humble gratitude.  As I have pondered things I have really developed a great love for the Young Women program.  I have recognized the great YW leadership that we have in the ward.  I don't know what other parents think as their child reaches the age of 12 and begin their journey as a youth in the church.  Personally I feel tremendous gratitude for the program. I have gratitude for the the love that Natty has been shown thus far and I have a tremendous hope for her as she gets involved.  I suddenly began paying attention to who the Young Women leaders are and have been impressed.  Truly I am excited for Natty.

Gratitude for the program.  As a single parent it is so very difficult to meet the needs of my children.  I work hard and try my very best but I know that I am missing things.  I am struggling and I am saddened when I consider the things that I lack and am unable to provide for Natty.  I am not looking at this as a parent replacement because that it is not.  I do however long for Natty to have positive female role models in her life each day that are teaching her and leading her in righteousness.  I am looking forward to Natty developing a relationship with the Young Women who are positive role models for her and being accepted into the program. 

In the program tonight they showed a talk by President Uchtdorf about Happily Ever After.  It was a masterful talk.  I was moved often by it.  I was moved by the other messages.  It was a tough evening for me and I fought back the tears on more then one occasion.  I am so happy for this and excited for Natty to get started. Sure do love this sweet girl.