Times and seasons

I don't know of this is in the Handbook, but in almost every ward I've been in, they seem to release the Primary presidency right before or just after the Primary program in sacrament meeting.
 

Sketchbook: Qualifications for the work

OK, I know there are many well-coiffed bishops. I've also seen many of them grow into their calling and out of a need for hair care products during their time in office. 

Brush up the résumé

When members of the Church hear the word qualify, we often think of D&C 4: “And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.”

Like many things, it’s a lot easier to read the words than to put them in to practice.
 

Isn't that every day?

We had five kids — all boys — so we spent a lot of time, surprisingly, with callings in Primary, youth Sunday School and Young Men. I guess you do what you know.
 

Process of elimination

I'm sure this is something every bishop has thought of from time to time.
 

Call of the mild

Yeah, maybe this should have stayed in the Sketchbook.
 

Sketchbook: A sign

One of the sister missionaries serving in our ward told the story of how she decided to go on a mission. It was something she was thinking about, but she wanted a sign. While she was pondering her choices, she stepped into a classroom at church — and these words were written on the board in giant letters. 

She took that as her sign. And the rest, as they say, is history!
 

Diagonal moves

When you staff a ward, you have to staff with the end in mind. When one piece moves, it can change the entire layout of the board. You move carefully and make adjustments along the way. It's a long game —you just have to hope that the pieces cooperate!
 

The call

I guess that would be a good reason to wake up someone in the middle of the night, though…
 

These qualify for the work

This reminds me of the time a former stake president's son told me that it was OK to run a red light near the high school. His mom did it all the time if there was nobody around to see it!

Improving those shining moments

I don't know how it is where you live, but in our stake we're required to wipe down the podium and microphone between speakers. They ask the speakers to clean up when they finish, but often they forget — so a member of the bishopric has to jump up and do it. It's actually quite entertaining. 

Total recall

Most of the missionaries from our area have received their temporary assignments and are excited to be heading back out!

Sketchbook: It's a calling

Sometimes yes, it is.

Wondering why we called you here

My son's mission president goes home at the end of June. Word is that he has an appointment to meet with a member of the Quorum of the Twelve soon after he arrives back home. The collective imagination of the mission is running amok as they consider what the interview will be about.

I'll snow where you want me to snow

There are those who right away know their call is inspired!

Planning ahead

The time needed to fulfill my calling will be diminished significantly with the switch to the two-hour block. That change will create some interesting administrative challenges  beginning at the first of the year.

When the call comes

There are times when you know that it's time to go — once you get past the paperwork!

Some day my call will come

The longest period of time is the time between when your missionary papers are submitted and the time when the call actually comes.

Shout, shout

Maybe not in our house, but I've heard it happens.

Quiet on the set!

Sometimes the "big reveal" goes a bit overboard.