April 2020 YW Newsletter – Riverview Program

Dear Sisters,

Happy Easter! As leaders, we miss you. We love you and continue to pray for you.

I have heard many suggest that we keep journals of this time for future generations. What words would you use to describe this time in your life? Many of you are enjoying extra time with your families, away from the world. Many of you are missing your friends, activities, and the schedule of “normal” life. Emotions can be a rollercoaster from day to day.

In the midst of this pandemic, we were blessed with General Conference. What words would you use to describe the messages you heard and felt? There were many words that came to me. Peace. Love. Trust. Hope. Strength. Mercy. I have felt the mercy of Heavenly Parents, who love and know each of us individually. In their mercy, we have been given a living prophet to guide and direct us. In their mercy, we can have the gift of the Holy Ghost to receive personal revelation, comfort, and light. And because of their mercy, we have a Savior.

In preparing for Easter Sunday, I’ve continued to ponder the words that describe our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His atoning sacrifice. I am humbled that He would come for me. I know that He came for You. He came to lead us. He came to bring hope. He came so that we could return Home. Because of His atonement, what is broken can be made whole, fear can be replaced with peace, and sorrow can be replaced with joy. When we feel weak He can give us His strength, and He can carry us. Because of His atonement, we can seek forgiveness and be redeemed. He came because He loves you!

This Easter Sunday, we celebrate the Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I believe the testimony of Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon who proclaimed “that he lives! For we saw him.” I know that our Redeemer Lives. Because He lives, we can have eternal life.

As you think of the Savior today, what words come to you? I would love it if you would share those words with your families and in your Young Women groups.

I pray that you will feel His love and peace during this time and always.

Love,

Sister Natalie Oldham

P.S. I love this video about the Savior. May it bring light and hope to your day.

Link to video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org

Birthdays since quarantine

3-11 Ellie V.
3-16 Jaycie H.
3-17 Sierah S.
3-19 Maelee J.
3-22 Kate B.
3-23 Iselin R.

April Birthdays

4-09 Gabi G.
4-10 Lily S.
4-14 Victoria S.
4-20 Braylie J.
4-25 Hannah G.
4-27 Laura L.

MADISON APSLEY

Madison is thirteen and the oldest of her siblings: Ethan (12), Riley (10), and Kate (7). She loves math and orchestra. She’s been drawing, writing miraculous fan fiction, and kayaking during quarantine. My favorite memory was when Madison was little and I told my kids they had to figure out their own costumes because I just wasn’t feeling it, so she was like, “ok,” and came back with Ethan’s underwear over her leotard and leggings: Control Girl!
*Thank you Sister Apsley for telling us more about Madison!*

Olivia Wahlquist

Olivia is thirteen years old. She has four brothers and three sisters. She is the second oldest but only a year younger than her older brother so they kinda act like twins. She has always loved music and has good pitch. When she was eighteen months old, she used to pick up on hymns and primary songs and sing them perfectly. Her favorite was “How Firm A Foundation” and we have a cute recording of this little baby singing it. She also looked just like Boo from **Monsters Inc**. when she was little. Now with her love of music she enjoys show choir, playing the piano, and playing the violin. She wants to learn to play the cello and guitar too. My favorite funny memory of her is from a few years ago. She was sleep walking and got trapped on the stair well because she couldn’t find the exit in the dark. We still make fun of that. We also tease her for being hard of hearing. She always hears what people say wrong and repeats the funniest things. She loves all babies and little kids and gets super excited to hold babies. She makes a great big sister of a big family. I’ve always told her she has an old soul and always has. She is so clever and one of my favorite people to hang out with and talk.
*Thank you Sister Wahlquist for telling us more about Olivia!*

In case you missed it, our plans to go to Reid’s Ranch for girls camp has been cancelled and moved to 2022. We will keep you posted on girls camp developments.

As of right now, trek has not been cancelled.

Tuesday, April 14th at 7:00pm is our first virtual combined YM/YW activity! Our new bishopric will be introducing themselves and, time permitting, answering any crazy questions you throw at them. We are excited to see you guys!