Raspberry Road

Right after I got called to be the YW camp director, they also called me to be a RS teacher. I had to think about that. I had to consider my mental illness struggles, and the load in my life right now- girls camp, Ella’s wedding, Ren’s lacrosse season, Ren graduating, Ren going on a mission, !!!, plus Cole’s intense struggles with OCD and ADD and trying to live and keep a job, and Nick’s lack of steady income, his intense learning about his nervous system and his ADD which he had no idea about his whole life. It’s a lot. ! A lot for me.

So I prayed and thought about it. I only had to teach once every 2-3 months, and I felt deep down that it could be helpful for me to study the talks and share my testimony with the sisters as I taught. Also I felt it important to be vulnerable about my mental health struggles and be real about God helping me and not helping me. Although that is hard for me to do and I feel uncomfortable about it, I felt prompted to consider it.

So I gave the lesson last Sunday. March 8, 2026. I spent the week before really studying and stressing and putting together a lesson plan. Nick helped me and asked ChatGPT for some discussion questions I could ask that the sisters could talk about. That was very helpful.

I slept and rested and didn’t do much of anything else that week. Tried to stay calm and hopeful. It takes all my energy and attention.

Sunday came and I sent out texts to my friends and sisters to pray for me. For a clear mind and calm nerves. Asking for prayers is so helpful. It’s quick and easy and saying it out loud to them so they can add their faith and love for me. It helps. It works!

Sunday came and I felt mildly ok with my health. Not my best. But I felt ready to give the lesson.

The first blessing and miracle was in sacrament meeting I got to hold a newborn baby whose family was sitting behind us. He was tiny and adorable and I got to cuddle him and hold him close to my heart for calming love.

The lesson went well! After all the announcements and miscellaneous stuff, I only had about 25 mins for the lesson. I assumed that would happen so I only got to give about 20% of what I had prepared but that’s ok.

I was a little vulnerable at the start and said that I’m nervous about this and can use their love and prayers, But that I really loved them and I love the gospel, so I’m grateful to be here at the same time. The sisters were very loving and encouraging. I was able to ask the good questions and share my testimony of Jesus and his love for us. The sisters shared good and thoughtful responses.

It wasn’t about me. I don’t want the attention. I just want them to feel gods love, to be inspired by Him, and to be motivated to follow Him. And I think that happened. Sisters were so kind and told me I did a great job and that they really loved it.

The biggest thing for me, that I knew God was blessing me with, was as soon as I was done I felt peace. I felt light and calm and ok. I didn’t feel stressed or think obsessively about what I said or how it went , which I’ve don’t in the past. I just felt light, clear, calm, happy. I let it be. I did it.

And the rest of the day I felt good. It’s a specific different good that comes from God. It is such a gift. I love that feeling. (And by 9:00 that night I had a headache again, and could feel regular life pains coming back again) boo. But the day was special. I felt gods love.

Also, I got about 8 texts from the sisters! 8 people texted me saying kind things about how they appreciated my message and they learned new things and felt new things. Here are some of them-

Hi Julie!

It’s Kathy Larscheid. I just wanted to say how much I really enjoyed your lesson today. It was great! You actually helped me to realize a question I’ve been pondering and praying about for 20 years (literally!) You helped me see that it has already been answered. Heavenly Father answered me years ago but I was too stubborn and insecure to realize it. Thank-you for opening my eyes! The answer was so obvious. I was just looking beyond the mark all this time.

I also really enjoyed Nick’s talk today. His talk helped me realize that our problems really are to help us become humble and trust the Lord and that our difficulties are temporary.😊. Thank-you to both of you!💕

(Nick also gave a wonderful talk in sacrament meeting, as the Elder’s Quorum President, and many had compliments to him too)

Kathy also said:

Wow. So kind. I don’t even know what I said or what Kathy was talking about in my lesson that helped her, but that was exactly my intention- that she would be taught by the spirit, that God would speak to her and help her.

I’m so grateful for that. To bring the Holy Ghost and that we can all be inspired that way.

I’m willing to do my part. With all my heart. With all my weaknesses and mortal struggles. I want to show up and be a light for Christ. I love being a part of that!’ Even if I’m asked to be awkward uncomfortable and vulnerable. It works and makes a difference. And it helps me too.

The 2 talks I gave the lesson on that were assigned to me were-

President Uchtdorf “do your part with all your heart” (which I did in real time giving the lesson 🙂

And Steven Barlow “lovest thou me?”

It was hard, but a very good experience! I was going to ask to be released, but I think I’ll give it another try~