**PRESIDENCY MESSAGE**

Hi Sisters,

I hope that you have been able to take advantage of the beautiful spring that we have been experiencing; my daffodils and tulips have been extra full and vibrant this year.  I remember when I first planted the flowers, hoping that the first year would bring bright yellows, pinks and purples to my barren little garden. That year the flowers grew, but only produced short stems, small flowers, and, of course, weeds.  I was so eager for the flowers to bloom, but was quite disappointed that all of my efforts only culminated in a small unimpressive flower garden. The garden did not come close to the picture that I had in my mind; I wanted it to be perfect that year and did not want to take the time to wait for the garden to mature.

In Elder Uchtdorf’s 2014 Conference talk Continue in Patience he said “Patience—the ability to put our desires on hold for a time—is a precious and rare virtue… the very idea of patience may seem unpleasant and, at times, bitter.”  Just like the “perfect garden” picture that I had in my mind, waiting and being patient for my garden to mature did not seem like an option, however, every spring I fed the garden with a bit more nourishment in hopes that it would help multiply the flowers. I made sure the weeds were gone, and always watered it even on the hottest of days.  As I have worked each year to nurture all of the plants in my garden, I have noticed small changes. The daffodils have sprouted up in different parts of the garden and are now overtaking the bottom of the evergreen bush; they even grow into the cracks of the sidewalk. I smile each time I see how they continue to grow and multiply. It has been many years of work and patience since I first planted the bulbs. The rows are not perfectly even, some plants are much taller than others, but they all have found their spot…even the Gerber Daisies have decided they are actually perennials and have been blooming in the same corner for years. With time, work, nurturing and patience (emphasis on the patience) the garden is filled with vibrant beautiful flowers. My garden is nothing like what I first pictured in my mind those many years ago, but it has become even more beautiful than I ever could have imagined I could create.

Elder Uchtdorf said, “....patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can—working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well.”

Sisters, I pray that we can all be patient caretakers of whatever our personal “gardens” may be. That as we do our part, we can and will endure in producing our own gardens of  remarkable beauty.  Sisters, always remember that our Heavenly Father loves you and is always with you.  We love and pray for you too. 

Much Love,

Becky 

*SPOTLIGHT *

Krissy Moye Carlile

Locations: Born in Durham, North Carolina, Lived in Northern Virginia for most of my life

Family: Married to Kraig, stepmom to 2 beautiful grown up daughters. 3 adorable & active grandchildren (FaceTime is essential). Regular visits to my extended family in Richmond. 

Education: BYU degree in English, minor in Political Science. BYU law school. 

Career: Attorney, commercial real estate financing transactions.

Church: Many years with our lovely & amazing young women (best calling ever). 

Fun & Favorites: Family trips to the beach or lake, travel with Kraig, lots of reading, shopping & organizing, tex mex, chocolate & Diet Coke, Isaiah 43 

*Have other volunteer questions? Please contact Karin Floyd-Annandale JustServe Specialist (703-772-6959)