BIG Changes

We had some special experiences this weekend and need to put them down on "paper" so I don't ever forget.

I'm usually not a fan of change. I like things comfy and cozy, right where I am.

It was announced 1 week ago that our ward would be split. Of course that conjures up all kinds of speculation about boundaries, new callings etc. Friends and family kept teasing that Matt would be the new bishop. Matt and I talked all week long about the possibility of him being released as Young Men's president and pulled into a bigger calling and it just made us nervous wrecks.

Thursday, the call came that we were to meet with the Stake Presidency on Saturday. I can't even describe it, but the feeling of fear melted away and we were strangely at peace, although anxious to see what would happen. Before we went, I read both mine and Matt's patriarchal blessings and I was reminded how powerful those words are and truly meant just for us.

Matt was called to be the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric of our ward. As we sat there together with two members of the Stake Presidency, the Spirit was palpable in the room. The whole thing was such a huge testament to me, that the gospel is true and that these men are called of God and speak with the Spirit.

I'm not gonna lie, I'm a smidge bit nervous about the whole thing. Baby #5 is on the way in 4 months and I'm alone on the bench as Matt sits up on the stand every Sunday, coupled with meetings a'plenty. Somehow, for the time being, I feel ok about the whole thing. Maybe the gravity of the calling hasn't sunk in yet. Maybe it's really the calm before the storm, who knows! I know that we've both been prepared for this and I know that my Heavenly Father is close by my side to help me be patient and supportive as my husband takes on this new calling.

New Mr. & Mrs. 2nd counselor of the Ironwood Ward bishopric

And in true form and fashion, Derek ALSO was called as the 2nd counselor in the bishopric of THEIR ward!!! I swear, these brothers can't be one without the other! They both "graduated" from being Young Men's presidents together to being in the bishopric together! I love the close bond they have with each other. More importantly, I'm so grateful for the good friend that Kristin is to me. I know there will be hard times for both of us as our husbands are off serving our respective wards. But I'm thankful that I have someone there right next to me, who knows 100% how I feel and I can lean on for support.

~From Matt

This past week has been pretty amazing. I too am not a fan of change. I LOVED my calling as Young Men's President. I have built great relationships with the boys and the leaders I get to work alongside. It was also great that Derek and I had the same calling as Young Men's Presidents and could share in our experiences. As soon as I heard of the Derek's(Vineyard Ward) and my ward(Ironwood Ward) splitting and making 3 wards I had a sick feeling inside. I was so comfortable with where I was at and didn't want things to change, but I had a feeling that change was going to happen. On the Tuesday leading up to the split, Derek had a call from the Stake and was asked to be 2nd Counselor in the new Vineyard Ward Bishopric. I was so excited for him, but it tore me up inside because of our closeness and how much we enjoyed being Young Men's Presidents together.

Thursday afternoon the call came for Lindsay and I to meet with the Stake on Saturday. How can they expect me to wait until Saturday?! By that point Lindsay and I had talked about what the interview may mean. The closer Saturday came the more peaceful we felt about it.

We we arrived I felt very calm. President Gary Smith of the Stake presidency called me in for an interview while President Jason Bagley interview Lindsay. During the interview President Smith made sure I was living the gospel as best as I can. He also inquired about my willingness/time/capability to serve in a calling with more responsibilities. He then extended the calling to be ordained a High Priest.

When we were done Lindsay and President Bagley entered the room. President Bagley with heart felt emotion, thanked me for who I was and the care I extend to my beautiful wife and children. He was pleased to have interviewed Lindsay and made sure that we were both ready for this responsibility. During the interview, I could feel Lindsay and I growing closer together. The feelings were truly special! We then walked in the room and were formally introduced to Bishop McLeod and Brother Fairbanks(1st counselor). Their wives were there and we had a great time talking together and having our first meeting with our wives there.

We called our family and had those that could come to the combined sacrament meeting the next day. I was doing okay until they began to announce Bishop McLeod as the new bishop. I knew I would have to stand up. The feelings were overwhelming, but Lindsay and I had both received confirmation that this was the right thing for our family and for our Ward. One of the next hardest things was when they called me to come sit on the stand with my new bishopric. I had to leave my family on the bench. I will miss being with them and I hope the kids will be reverent when it is only Lindsay with them.

After sacrament meeting, we went to the Primary room where Derek's ward was ordained and set apart first. After my dad ordained Derek, the stake president asked me to come up so Derek could stand in and help as my dad ordained me a High Priest. I was then able to turn around and help set him apart as 2nd counselor in his bishopric. SOOOO Cool! Our first ordinances as High Priests were to ordain/set apart each other. When it got to be my ward's turn, it was such a special experience to have hands laid upon my head and receive the new ordinance and be set apart in the bishopric. The responsibility is overwhelming. I have so many people I look up to in our ward. I will do my best in my new calling and in whatever I am asked to do.

I love my Savior so much and I have felt him bless my life especially this past week. Lindsay and I felt our relationship with each other and with our Savior grow leaps and bounds this week. I am humbled by the calling I have received. For as special of an experience as it was, it was 100 times better having gone through it with my brother Derek. I love him so much! I can still remember as a boy when he went hunting with my dad. They had to sneak out of the house without me knowing. When I found out Derek was missing I ran around the house looking for him. I ran to the back yard and he wasn't there. I then ran to the front yard and seeing the car was gone I screamed his name so loud that everyone on the circle could have heard it. We have always had a very close bond. Being Young Men's Presidents together was awesome and I can only imagine how being 2nd Counselors together will be.