Silverado

My time at Philmont was quite the surprising experience. All I could really think about was planning for the trek cross-country. Surviving the 22 hour drive and packing EVERYTHING. I didn't really think about much else. I knew that tents would be provided, food and activities. What more did I need to think about?
The Young Men General Presidency was there providing the training and there wives were there also. These women are amazing. Especially Sister Beck (young men president's wife). I was privileged to receive a few hugs from her. It sounds crazy but there is really something magical about her hugs. It's true. It's like she passes an energy between the two of you that just radiates inside you.
It was obvious that Sister Beck and the other counselors wives had gone out of there way to make all the Silverados happy to be there. . . because we all know this probably was not the ideal vacation for any of us wives.
Outside of the normal Philmont activities planned the sisters planned several other meetings of spiritual uplifting and counsel. One of the main focuses was supporting our husbands and sustaining them and also supporting one another. For whatever reason, I was just not prepared for this spiritual insight. I came to play and enjoy the southwestern world around me. But there really is nothing like taking the opportunity to get to know other sisters in so many areas who are trying to live the gospel just like you. It's fulfilling. I quickly attempted to meet as many women as possible. Some I will NEVER forget. There testimonies built mine.
I was kind of sad to leave. I really learned so much about myself, my testimony. Our drive home I had lots to think about.
Some of those things that came to me, some I already knew I just needed to be reminded, were:

• I have a great husband. He works hard for me and our family.
• He works hard in his calling and I simply take the blessing for his efforts.
• I hope I've never been a wife that didn't support my husband in his callings or became the "burden" of his calling. There are all ranges of areas for him to serve in the church and I would hate to think that I would be the one that kept him from serving because I'm (I've created the 3 N's) needy, nagging, or nosey. It seems selfish that I would take away opportunities for him to grow, help others grow and bless our family. Sure some callings are "time consuming" but they all have an end and I've never seen anyone regret those opportunities that have come. Besides there will come a time that I will be called to time consuming callings too and I will need his support all the same.
• It's not about me. . .I'll confess, this is a tough one.
• I have a great mom. I look back and think of what an amazing example she set for me. I never saw her complain about my Dad being away though now I know how hard it was sometimes.
• My parents are converts and they changed their lives to be apart of this Gospel. It must be important to give up so much and work so hard to learn and teach me at the same time. They thought it important enough to raise me in such a lifestyle. I am beyond grateful. I'm in debt.
• I am a daughter of God. My bishop just recently spoke about having bricks to build our testimonies. That there is always that one thing that is the main brick. (He explained it far more eloquently). But while I was at Philmont, one of the main focuses is the scouting program and building up good, strong young men. From the very first fireside on Sunday night with Brother and Sister Ochoa, for the rest of the week, it kept coming to my mind. I am a daughter of God. They need to know they are children of God. Not just that he loves you but that you are an heir to His throne. When the Spirit is with you you actual have a part of the Godhead with you. It's like royal blood. If every youth could fully understand this it's like all else falls into place. This was my brick as a youth and continues to be. It's the one thing I without a doubt KNOW.
• I am 100% Southern girl.