Today I was talking to my mom about skills. I felt a lot like Napoleon
"I don’t even have any good skills. You know, like numchuck skills, bow hunting skills, computer hacking skills."
I was telling her that I wanted to get a sewing machine and teach myself how to sew. I had come across some great blogs of other women who sewed but suddenly I felt discouraged. They were creating the most amazing things. One 30 something mom was actually designing clothes for old navy and the gap. What?!? Again no skills. No musical skills, sewing skills, drawing skills, crazy athletic skills, writing skills. (My sister in law is writing her 2nd book while raising 5 kids and homeschooling and ... ya you get it)
My mom told me today that she was flattered that her and my step dad were asked to speak at their upcoming youth stake conference. She later was talking to a women in charge and my mom asked if there was a theme so they could get a better idea about what to talk about. She said,
"Well a lot of the kids just wanted Brother Budge to tell cop stories." (He's a retired LA County Sheriffs Officer) Madd butt kicking skills there.
She was deflated.
I told her, "You could tell them about that one day when you were so crazy and did like 5 loads of laundry." Don't get me wrong my mom has a multitude of wonderful talents but we just laughed and laughed at the so often mundane tasks of a mother.
It got me thinking. I don't think that our Heavenly Father wants us to be looking at each other down here on our earthy journey and comparing who has better skills. I don't think that any of these other "super-athletes, seamstresses, artists, singers, chefs, mothers" are trying to make me feel less about myself. Its me! I realize that part of being here on earth is to develop those talents. To take the time to learn to sew... even if its not as good as so and so. I don't need to be discouraged. I can be inspired and use those around me as an example of things I can aspire to become or do. I have a friend who is so insanely patient with her kids I feel guilt each time I yell at my kids. Another friend of mine is one of the most thoughtful selfless people, always looking to help other whether it be with a meal, or babysitting, always remembering others birthdays, and looking for those who may be new and inviting them over to her home for a delicious meal. I have another friend that held my hand as I sewed my girls Easter dresses for the first time; sharing her skilz!
Then I realized that I do have some skilz:
I can carry 12 bags of plastic groceries on my arms so I only have to make 1 trip skills
multi taking skills
Story telling voice skills
chocolate chip cookie baking skills
homemade bread making skills
Never forgetting a face skills
singing ok in the ward choir skills
Average basket ball skills
Making conversations with strangers and non-stranger alike skills
Singing the ABC's backwards skills
Here is to all of our Skilz... whatever they may be!!!
"Tomato Devils" 
Mickey Strawberry
