Welcome!

"We are going to do something extraordinary." Emma Smith 1842

This phrase replays over and over in my mind as I pray and contemplate the sisters in the Valdosta 2nd Ward Relief Society. Each one of us have different lives, different jobs, different family environment, each one of us are constantly growing and changing. Change in our world is inevitable. Our purpose as Sisters in the Gospel is to realize who we are. We are daughters of our Father in Heaven. We have all prayed about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and have chosen to take upon us the name of Christ when we made our baptismal covenant. Circumstances may change but the gospel does not. As sisters in the gospel we must always be willing to look for opportunities to do and be something extraordinary. I am grateful for the opportunity that I have to serve in the Lord's church, the blessings that each of you bring into my life is extraordinary." 

Sis. Leann Robinson, Relief Society President

Changes

What a day! As most of you know (and for those that don't, this post is for you) our Ward Boundaries were moved this morning.  From Lowndes Co. line down to N. Valdosta Rd over to Via Del Rd and down Ashley to the EAST is now Valdosta 1st Ward. Everything WEST is Valdosta 2nd.
I am very sad to be leaving all of the wonderful people we have come to love in Valdosta 2nd. I wish you all the best and if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to call. I am handing the reigns of this blog over to Leann, for her to hand off to her new Secretary to do as they see fit with from here on out. It has been a pleasure. Hopefully I'll get to see you in passing and at activities!

VT Message: August

Taking Action in Time of Need

As visiting teachers, one of our purposes is to help strengthen families and homes. The sisters we visit should be able to say, “If I have problems, I know my visiting teachers will help without waiting to be asked.” In order to serve, we have a responsibility to be conscious of the needs of the sisters we visit. When we seek inspiration, we will know how to respond to the spiritual and temporal needs of each sister we are assigned to visit. Then, using our time, skills, talents, prayers of faith, and spiritual and emotional support, we can help give compassionate service during times of illness, death, and other special circumstances.

Through the help of reports from visiting teachers, the Relief Society presidency identifies those who have special needs because of physical or emotional illness, emergencies, births, deaths, disability, loneliness, or other challenges. The Relief Society president then reports her findings to the bishop. Under his direction, she coordinates assistance.

As visiting teachers we can have “great reason … to rejoice” because of “the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work” (Alma 26:1, 3).

From the Scriptures

Matthew 22:37–40; Luke 10:29–37; Alma 26:1–4; Doctrine and Covenants 82:18–19

From Our History

In the early years of the Church, membership was small and centralized. Members could respond quickly when someone was in need. Today our membership is over 14 million and is spread throughout the world. Visiting teaching is part of the Lord’s plan to provide help for all His children.

“The only system which could provide succor and comfort across a church so large in a world so varied would be through individual servants near the people in need,” said President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency.

“… Every bishop and every branch president has a Relief Society president to depend upon,” he continued. “She has visiting teachers, who know the trials and the needs of every sister. She can, through them, know the hearts of individuals and families. She can meet needs and help the bishop in his call to nurture individuals and families.”

What Can I Do?

1. Am I using my gifts and talents to bless others?

2. Do the sisters I watch over know that I am willing to help them when they have a need?

Sister Spotlight: Sis. Kindle

Rebecca (Becky) Kindle
Birthday: December 26, 1983

Where are you from: North Carolina

How did you meet your spouse: I met Steve long before we started dating. At first I just knew who he was (he was the popular guy in school and I wasn’t.) Then we became friends and we stayed that way for a long time. One day he said he’d like to try and start dating but I liked it the way it was so I said no. But no one had ever said no to Steve so that wasn’t going to cut it for him. He tried for a couple months before I finally agreed so he’d knock it off. We dated, I fell in love and the rest is history! :) 

Tell us about your family:  Steve and I are both from Fayettenam, NC. We have 4 kids Logan7, Sadie5, Arianna3, and Sonny11mths. Steve is not a member but he’s very sweet and supportive of the kids and I. We just got orders to Tyndall AFB near Panama City, Florida. I’m very much a beach person so we’re all excited about that. Although we’ll really miss the friends we’ve made here. It comes with being in the military, which we do love and are proud to be a part of.

What is your favorite hymn:  My favorite children’s song has always been “A child’s prayer”. I love so many hymns but ‘Scatter sunshine’ always brings a smile to my face and makes me feel good. 

What is your favorite scripture:  Matthew 5:14-16 It reminds me of how blessed I am to be a member of this church and that it’s my duty and privilege to ‘shine’.

What is your favorite treat:  Anything chocolate!

Tell us any 3 things about yourself:   

-I like to doodle, I’m not great at it but it’s fun. I would love to learn how to paint. 

-I can be OCD about things. I have to smell books before I read them, I wash my hands a lot, money has to all face one way. I get it from my dad, he’s weird. 

-It’s hard for me to meet new people. It took me about 5 years to finally open up when I came here. Sometimes it comes off as being standoffish but I’m just quiet and don’t know what to say a lot of the time.

June VT handouts

 Hi there! Thanks to our lovely President and VT Coordinator we have new visiting teaching lists starting this month. I know the month is almost over and I apologize for being so late with this. But I thought, "What better way to introduce ourselves to our new (or current) VT's than with a cute little magnetic contact info card?!" And I didn't want to keep them just for us. So if you'd like me to make your companionship one, please email me with the names and phone numbers and I'll email the file to you for printing! 

If you have a different style in mind, I'm sure I can come up with something else, also, it just might be a week or two before I can get around to it.

 Style 1: Pink

 Style 2: Red

And as I was searching the web for inspiration, I came across these two VT message handouts. I just love the BEE one, and I wish I had time to make up the cinnamon honey. Sounds divine! Enjoy!

June 2012 Handout; The Idea Door

June 2012 Handout; Pink Polka Dot: Bees

Sister Spotlight: Sis. Culpepper

 

Susanne Culpepper

Birthday: September 15

Where are you from: Valdosta, GA

How did you meet your spouse: I was working at VSU and Ben came into our office.  He asked me out and the rest is history.

Tell us about your family:  I am the oldest of three girls.  My mother and my sister, Laura, and her family are in 1st ward.  My youngest sister, Julie, lives in Jackson, GA.  I have two sons, Brandon and Harrison.

What is your favorite hymn:  I have lots of favorites, but I guess my favorite is "There Is A Green Hill Far Away".

What is your favorite scripture:  D&C 88:63

What is your favorite treat:  I love anything made with lemon!

Tell us any 3 things about yourself:  I attended BYU, I love dishes, and I have a dog daughter named Mitzi!

We are so excited to welcome Sis. Culpepper back into Relief Society! We're so excited to be able to get to know her better and enjoy her wonderful Spirit. She is so much fun to be around!! 

Sister Spotlight: Sis. Dejong

Sis. DeJong won't be with us much longer, and I didn't want to miss out on sharing her sweet answers. We really will miss her and I personally am very sad I didn't get to know her better.

Julie DeJong

Birthday:  May 23, 1962


Where are you from:  Born and raised in Utah (parents house is just below the Bountiful Temple)


How did you meet your spouse:  Lagoon is an amusement part like Wild Adventures.  I was a lifeguard at the pool.   The pool opened the week after my 16th birthday.  Just before closing, 2 guys walked in, the one folded his arms and surveyed the area as if he owned it.  My immediate thought was "now there's a guy that would be fun to go out with, but you wouldn't want to marry him!"  Almost 3 years later we were married.


Tell us about your family:  After over 31 years of marriage I have separated from my husband and have filed for divorce.  I have two totally wonderful kids.  Chelsey is 28, living and working in Salina, Kansas (I will be joining her in a few weeks).  Michael is 25 and has just move back to Atlanta.  He has moved in with his sweet fiance and her younger sister (Christina has custody of her 16 year old sister since the death of their mother last year).  I count Jennifer and Andrew Dunn as my kids also.

They are the most incredible young men and women!  I love, admire and treasure each one of them so much!

What is your favorite hymn:    I am a Child of God  (I also love I Stand All Amazed, I Need Thee Every Hour, and all the Christmas hymns!)


What is your favorite scripture:  That changes depending on what I'm going through at the time.  Matthew 5:16 is one that I have been working on lately.    Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.


What is your favorite treat:  My caramel corn, strawberry shortcake, strawberry cheesecake, chocolate mousse pie, my frosting on most anything, dutch apple pie.............  I could go on and on and on


Tell us any 3 things about yourself:   I love my family more than I can express.

Life is so much easier and better when you trust God completely.  I'm so grateful to know that God loves and forgives me (even though I know I am a very stubborn, difficult child).  He has blessed me so much, 

I "discovered" photography last year. It became an instant passion, my mental-health therapy and borders on obsession at times!  I hope  to find the time and patience to learn how to properly do all the different techniques and principals I want to master.  I would love to become good enough to turn it into a new career.  It makes me so grateful for the beautiful  world that surrounds us and I love discovering    "hidden treasures" unexpected places.

I also want to tell you all how much you have meant to me.  This is an amazing ward.  You are so special to me.  Your support, the examples that you all are, your love and acceptance has made my years here the best years of my life (at least spiritually).  They've been the hardest physically and mentally that I hope I have to endure on this earth.  You have given me strength, patience, gratitude, entertainment, peace and so much more.  I'm sure you didn't have a clue that you were giving me a gift with your smiles and encouraging words.  I'm sure you haven't realized how much watching your precious children's faces in church as they tried your patience; helped heal the wounds my heart had endured.  The wonderful examples of your kids as they became teens and young adults;  challenged, inspired and gave me strength.  You have let your light shine before me to guide me from darkness.  I have seen your good works which have glorified God and healed my soul.  I am eternally grateful and will miss you all very much. 

Sister Spotlight

We have had so many changes in our Ward the past few months! And we want to send a huge THANK YOU to those sisters that have served in the past, and Welcome those that will be serving with us in the future.
We've decided to try something new: Sister Spotlights. Each month we will be sending out emails with a small questionnaire attached with a request to have them filled out and returned. We will then showcase that Sister in the newsletter, and with her permission, here on the blog. So please keep your eyes open for that special email from us, and please feel free to attach a picture. :)  We want to thank you in advance for participating and helping making our newsletter fun and exciting!

This month we will be showcasing Sis. Budenbender! Thanks, Shannah! :)

Shannah Budenbender
Birthday: March 1

Where are you from: Arlington, Texas


How did you meet your spouse: We met in college. While in ROTC I was also playing soccer; but missed about 3 weeks of ROTC in a row due to out of town games. Seeing as I wasn't there to defend myself, I was voted in to the worst position for Arnold Air Society. My first day back I was getting yelled at by a commander of this "extra curricular" ROTC event for not doing my "Job" that I had no clue about. I was blindsided and getting yelled at in front of everyone. Phil stuck up for me and tried to cover by volunteering the fact that I had not been there to know I had this job - she somehow made it his fault for not telling me (a girl he didn't know - the hour before the meeting). I followed him to his car trying not to cry and noticed a sticker "LDS" on his car. When I inquired if he was Mormon and got excited saying "I AM TOO!" .... he quizzed me..... "oh ya? Then name a book in the Book of Mormon". When I pronounced Moroni and said it correctly he believed me. Weird boy thinking I'd lie about being Mormon. haha


Tell us about your family: I am the oldest - It's a his/her/ours family. My youngest sibling is 9.


What is your favorite hymn: As Sisters in Zion (sung with the men doing Army of Heleman is soooo cool but even without that I enjoy the song) - and primary has to be A Childs Prayer


What is your favorite scripture: Hard to say right now: Philippians 4:13 , John 15:19 , Alma 26:27

What is your favorite treat: cookies, cake, smores, muffins, ice cream, butterfinger, reeses, oh I'm sorry am i still listing - basically anything that is NOT for allergy kids


Tell us any 3 things about yourself: 1. When I'm alone I love to crank the music up (to some girl approved pop music or old classic ie: don henley) way to loud and dance like I just don't care. ... And man I love it.

2. I forced myself to step back from politics 3 years ago because I get so heated/passionate about what was going on - I'd sit in the car and be late to class to finish listening to talk radio segments. I used to want to do politics, but ironically suck at/dislike "Playing politics" (being politically correct has NEVER been my strong suite - too blunt. aka no poker face!

3. I'm not good at decorating or gardening, but I can play just about any sport and love the home improvement stores.

Poll Time!! Please participate!!

Please play along with us!! We want to hear from you!

What has been your favorite Mother's Day gift either to receive or to give? 

Please either comment below, send us an email, or respond via Facebook.

Poll will be closed May 2nd. Thank you!!!

YM Spaghetti Dinner and Cake Auction

 Oh. My. Deliciousness! Everything looked so incredibly yummy... I was completely unprepared! 

We have some very talented Bakers in the Valdosta area!! 

Congrats to all the big winners of the night, and especially to the Scouts. Have fun at Camp, boys! 

Thanks to everyone that helped with set up and take down, those that donated their goods, and for those that came and helped support the Young Men.