April 2021 YW Newsletter – Riverview Program

Happy Easter!

What’s so happy about Easter? Jesus Christ bore our sins and afflictions so we may overcome spiritual death & he died and was resurrected so that we may all rise again and overcome physical death! How cool is that?!

You may be thinking: “That’s nice he did all that, but he wasn’t thinking of me specifically when he did.” Well, he did think of you specifically…and me…and everyone else who has ever lived or will live. Do we fully understand how he did it? No, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that he did. That’s why my husband & I picked the song we sang in Sacrament meeting a couple of weeks ago.

The title of the song is “Be Still and Know That I Am God”. Someone is pondering how God could be mindful of them (know them personally) when He has created so many things like the stars and worlds without end. And even then, why would God take the time to heal them, bear their sins, and die for them. The chorus is God’s answer to their doubts of self worth:

“Be still and know that I am God. Trust in me, not on thy understanding. For as I’ve fashioned with My hands each creation, every man, all are known and loved by me. Be still and know that I am God. Look to me in all thy doings. For I know thy every need. Ask in faith, ye shall receive. All that I have, I long to give to thee. Draw near and come unto me.” (Psalms 46:10, Doctrine and Covenants 101:16, Proverbs 3:5, Doctrine and Covenants 88:63, & Matthew 11:28)

Sometimes you may feel overwhelmed and overlooked. When you do, take time to just be still (I know that can be hard!) and remember that God is in charge. He really does know you as an individual. You may not understand everything, but that’s okay because no one understands everything except God. You have to trust Him and believe he has your best interest in mind. As you seek Him through prayer and scripture study, He is there waiting and wanting to bless you.

Something else to keep in mind. No scripture says “Come unto me only if you have repented for each of your sins and never sin again.” No one is perfect, so you don’t need to be perfect to seek God’s love and help. He’s there, anxiously waiting to give you everything you need.

I hope you will rejoice this Easter. Rejoice in the Atonement of Jesus Christ, his death, and his resurrection so you can overcome spiritual and physical death! Rejoice in God’s love for you! Rejoice in the knowledge that you are worthy of that love!

Know that your Young Women leaders also love you and are there for you if you need help!

Sister Chandler

April 3rd: Sister Valentine
April 14: Victoria Swarnes
April 15: Sister Bartlett
April 20: Braylie Jensen
April 25: Hannah Gilbert
April 27: Laura Ledford

Kirsten Ledford (soon to be Sappington!)

Kirsten is 17 She is the oldest child in our family and has a younger brother, and two sisters who are only two weeks apart (one being a step sister). Her favorite school subject is dance she hates school otherwise, but she’s good at English. Hobbies include dancing, singing, bandalooms, reading and helping others through emotional struggles. A funny memory of Kirsten is that she got in trouble in school as a young child for only 2 things: 1) waking her friends up during nap time (she quit taking naps when she was two and 2) talking because she was trying to get other kids to do what they were supposed to do. Kirsten will also soon be adopted by her step-dad, so her last name will be changing!!!
*We are so excited for your whole family and for Kirsten’s Sappington last name!*

McKenna Betts

McKenna is 16 and the oldest of 2. Her sister is Kylie. Right now, McKenna stays busy taking nursing class and she is excited to get her CNA. She also loves to read, play the Ukulele, and to spend time with family and friends. McKenna is such a sweet young lady. Her empathy for others makes her so special.
*We agree! McKenna is light to all the young women!*

Serenity O’Dell

Serenity is 12, going on 13 in May. She is the oldest of two step-brothers, two full-brothers, and one half-brother. At school, Serenity enjoys dance, French, and English. Her hobbies include singing, reading, dancing, writing stories, and drawing. She has fond memories of meeting her boyfriend, Jace; Going to Arizona for her great Grandpa’s funeral; and when she went to Idaho and got to brush horses with her cousin, Cora.
*We sure love having Serenity in our Young Women classes!*

April 6th: 16+class is Pencil Turning at the chandlers
April 13th: Combined YW activity 9 Square
April 20th: 12-15 classes Bishop Fireside
April 27th: 16+ class Bishop Fireside; 12-13 class Friendship Bracelets
April 18th: Stake Youth Fireside @ 7:00 pm
June 10-12th: Girls Camp
August 5th-7th: Stake Youth Activity (these will be evening or day activities)