Days 361-365

This is it, my friends. The 365th day of my service blog. It's been quite the eventful, wonderful, and thanks to this blog serviceful year!

Thursday I bought some Christmas and just because gifts for some friends and family.
Friday I mailed a letter to a friend.
Saturday I served in the temple.
Sunday I helped a friend with their calling in the ward.
Today I bought and gave a thank you gift to a dear friend.

I went to temple square tonight and looked at the beautiful lights, listened to the nativity story, and watched the missionaries walk around talking with people. We can all service in hundreds of ways - each day even. Let's all be on the lookout daily.

This blog has taught me that service comes in big and small packages. All acts of service are important for those you do them for - even the smallest things that seem so insignificant. Follow that thought in your head that says, "Hey, go pick that up" or "Hey, go help that person." You'll never regret those times you do.

To you, readers, I close this blog, and thank you for hanging in there with me through my slacking and HUGE makeup days! Thank you for your comments. Thank you for supporting me. :)

HAPPY SERVING!!

Day #360

Today I prepared to serve in one way & ended up serving in a completely different way. I had an evening class tonight where people (myself included) usually end up needing to borrow a pencil either from the teacher or from another student. So today I told myself that I was going to bring TWO pencils! One for myself and one for another student who would, most assuredly, need it. So on I went to the class... but no one needed a pencil. :) Oh well! I felt good for thinking of someone else and bringing something to help someone just in case.

Then my cute brother sent me a message this evening asking for my help to help him organize his school calendar for the next week and a half until finals are done. This man is an animal - he's a husband, father, full-time employee and full-time student. He does it all and I am very impressed. So I completely understood why he'd be stressing out right now with a million and a half things to do for school in only 9 days. I tried to give what help I could and though I didn't feel it was much he said he felt better after we chatted. That made me happy. I love helping people feel better!! That's what we're here for, right? To help each other along the journey of life so we can get to something better! Aka eternal life! Boo ya! ;)

That was my service for the day. Get out there and serve!

Days #358-359

Let's just say this week has started out full already! But hallelujah for the temps rising a bit from the teens...

Yesterday to serve I helped my roommate dig out her car from the 2 feet of snow that covered and surrounded it. It was an adventure. But thanks to her awesome rain boots, my extendo scraper/brush, a shovel, and the rad snow plow man she got safely out and on her way to class.
Today to serve I shared some needed food with a coworker.

Life is just good, ya know?! Really, it's good. It's super hard sometimes, but so good. :) Happy serving! Service makes life awesome.

Days 316-357

Wow... the 365th day is quickly approaching... and I'll make it my goal to update this blog each day until that day. I'm so sorry that I've just been such a slacker in continually updating this blog. I've tried so many times to do better and I continue to get farther behind.

I can't believe it's been one year!! This blog has definitely helped me to keep service at the forefront of my mind and a constant plea in my prayers so I can recognize the opportunity to serve and take it.

So for the past few weeks (yikes this last half of the year has been TERRIBLE with me updating) I have:

Donated blood, given a friend a ride, gone to the temple multiple times, picked up some litter in a museum exhibit, donated to various charitable funds, listened while a friend vented, done the dishes for my roommates, helped to clean the house for my roommates, given a friend a thank you card, written a note for a friend I was thinking of, prayed for some people I know who are in need, shared with a friend, did the dishes for my parents, helped prepare Thanksgiving dinner, deep-cleaned the kitchen for my mom before she had company over, helped my roommates with their Halloween costumes, shoveled the part of the driveway where the trash cans go for my neighbor, helped a coworker at work, helped a good friend with homework, shared my testimony with my brothers, helped my mom clean up after a family party.

Days 262-315

Well... due to my negligence  of updating my blog I'VE OFFICIALLY PASSED 300 DAYS AND THEN SOME! Boo ya!!

I hope October finds all of you well and enjoying the Halloween festivities!! This is one of my favorite holidays and I LOVE all of the fun that goes with it. October is also breast cancer awareness month and to support that cause I RAN MY VERY FIRST HALF MARATHON!! :-D IT was an INCREDIBLE experience. Unforgettable and absolutely AWESOME! It was Utah's first all-women half marathon in support of breast cancer in Park City. I definitely see how people get hooked on running them! Now to start training for a full marathon... :)

But on to service... in the past month and a half I:
Threw a "surprise" birthday party for my mom (she's never had a Halloween birthday party! WHA?!) and it was a blast, I helped a friend move, wrote thank you notes for friends, went to the temple several times, cleaned the kitchen for my roommates, vacummed for my roomies, donated to a charity in the grocery store, supported the Boy Scouts by buying $9 popcorn (YEAH... it had BETTER taste good for that price, right?), bought ice cream for a friend when she was having a bad day, did dishes for my parents a couple of different times when I was over there, helped my dad clear the table after dinner one day, prayed for a friend and family member who were struggling, have made sure to greet people by name, shared my testimony about keeping the Sabbath day holy with my two little brothers, bought a plane ticket to go see my brother, sister-in-law, and niece!!, shared treats with my coworkers a few times, I lent my iPod to my cute roomie so she could go run off some steam, I bought a thank you gift for some friends, brought home some muffins and rice krispy treats for my roommates, gave tomatoes to a coworker, gave my garden vegetables to my cute niece who loves coming to my garden at work.

If you know of any Halloween service ideas please pass them on! Happy serving!

Days 260-261

Well here I am at 10:34 p.m. able to go to bed early if I wanted to... but I am always unable to get myself into bed before 11 p.m. So here I am updating my blog as a dutiful blogger should with a 365 day challenge!

So onto the service highlights of yesterday and today:

Yesterday I made quite a feast for my family for dinner. It consisted of Western Family Mac and Cheese with steamed broccoli. Yep I'm a chef! But I guess it had been awhile since either of my parents had eaten Mac and Cheese because they sure loved it and went back for seconds!
Today my mom and I had a fun opportunity to serve. We had a girl's night and went to Chili's for dinner. Chili's was doing a fundraiser for St. Jude's hospital and they had cops from the city (Centerville and surrounding areas) there serving the drinks and taking "tips," aka donations, for the hospital. So we both gave to that. I love donating to good causes. I hope they truly help those who are in need.

I just want to give a shout out to my mom. She is the most giving, loving, generous, and fun person, madre, and friend ever. She is so supportive in all I choose to do, even if it's not what she, personally, would choose for me. I love her and am grateful for her. Rock on Madre and Daughter dates!

Days #257-259

This is good, eh? I'm already updating after only THREE days??

Still sad that after such a short time I STILL struggle to remember what I did to serve... on Monday I invited someone who is newer to the ward to come and play volleyball with a big group of friends. I also sent good luck texts to my family who was going back to school. Tuesday, aka yesterday, I had a funny type of service. I was at the eye doctor getting a regular check up and I noticed a man in a wheel chair come in. I watched him for a moment or two while he was filling out some information and I wondered how his life was going, what he does for work, etc. Then as I walked by him to go to the waiting room I saw a pen fall to the floor right by his wheel chair so I bent down to pick it up for him thinking that it was such a small act of service it hardly counts at all. He gave me a quick puzzled look but took the pen anyway. THEN to my embarrassment I realized that it was MY pen I had dropped and picked up to give to him. Sheesh. Anyway, I also did the dishes for my family last night.
Today to serve I helped a friend with a project they're working on.

Boy it feels good to have updated before even a week has passed! Woohoo!!

Done any fun service lately? Pass it on!

Days #207-256

I know what some of you may be thinking... "Well seems like Kristi has pretty much given up on this goal!" That's not entirely correct. I may be INCREDIBLY bad at updating this now but I haven't, however, slacked on serving everyday. The other downside to me not updating often is that I forget what I've done to serve... yeah I have a great memory like that. And no matter how many times I tell myself I'm going to update more regularly, it hasn't happened lately. So instead of promising any of you who may still be reading that I will start posting everyday, I'm just going to say this: I'll do my best. :)

So without further ado - here is what I've done to serve to the best of my memory:
I gave a ride to a friend who was having car issues, I wrote to my friend on a mission, I went to the temple and served on six different days, I invited new people to play volleyball with some friends in the ward, I sat by someone who was sitting alone in church, did the dishes a few different days, I took the trash out a few times for my fam, I took a moment to teach my little brother a principle of the gospel (while we were picking raspberries at Bear Lake... I likened it to John 15 :) ), I shared my testimony with my other little brother, I cleaned up the water dispenser at work in the break room (I was a little grossed out about this one), I made others aware about a mutual friend being sick so they could send her get well wishes and help her feel better, I reminded a friend to say her prayers that day, I tried to make someone feel welcome in the new ward, I visit taught, I cooked a dinner my mom was craving even though I didn't have a lot of time, I gave a friend a ride home, I gave a favorite gift to a friend... that's all my memory is coming up with.

If you have any things you've done to serve, please post them! I'd love new ideas!!

Days #184 - #207

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND!!

For service these past few weeks I have:

Made cookies for friends, made a 4th of July breakfast for my family, went to the temple, picked and shared peas with coworkers from my garden (that's right! I'm totally a gardener now!), helped a coworker with their load of work, volunteered to drive my car up to Wyoming for a stake trip, cleaned and opened my room for my bro and sister in law to sleep in, folded my family's laundry, made dinner for my family a couple of times, tipped my cute friend extra to help pay for her mission, visited a friend who was having a bad day, let a friend drive the XTerra :), traded performance dates with a friend in the cast, volunteered to help with the games and activities up in Wyoming, shared my testimony with friends, invited a friend to come to my ward to meet new folks, cleaned for family on several occasions, bought a road trip package for my other bro, sister in law, and niece who moved to Iowa (we miss you!).

May God bless America and our freedoms!

Day #156-183

I'm back! Perhaps some of you were thinking I'd disappeared never to blog again. Good news! That's not true. :) And I certainly haven't stopped and/or slacked on serving. So where have I been? Selling my life to finishing a deadline at work and rehearsing for Footloose at the Terrace Plaza Playhouse. :) It's been great! Crazy... and great.
What have I been doing to serve then? Let me count the ways. I have:
Stayed after rehearsal to help a friend learn a few of the steps to the finale dance, made an ice cream sundae for my niece, gone to the temple, moved my car for my mom before she goes to work so she doesn't have to, brought "bubbly" to work as a New Mexico completion celebration, unloaded the dishwasher, donated to the March of Dimes as I went through the grocery store, took the trash out, donated to a raffle to help someone who was diagnosed with Cancer, I shared my testimony with my family, gave my cute friend a ride home from rehearsal, vacuumed, helped prepare for a family party, rolled up my coworkers windows when it started raining at work, sat by someone who was sitting alone in church, bought thank you gifts for my cute family helping me in many ways, gave rides to folks in my NEW XTERRA! :) (which was more like a service to me, really, any chance I can get to drive is a blessing), I shared some scriptures and thoughts with my little brothers, donated to another organization as I left Wal-Mart, helped teach/refresh parts in some of the Footloose songs, I taught Sunday School for a friend who couldn't, I listened when I friend needed to vent, I bought a cookie for one of the mom's daughters who is in the cast and was really hungry, I shared food with cast members during dance rehearsals when we're all hungry!

I'm really going to try and blog more frequently. I hope someone is still reading! If not, it's just a good reminder for me. :)

Days #141-155

These little snapshots ought to be enough to show ya what my past couple weeks have been about. ;) If I were to number the miracles and blessings that accompanied me before, during, and after this accident I would be writing for the next half an hour. So I will take this opportunity to testify of the great and perfect knowledge of our Father in Heaven and of the great and perfect inspiration we receive from Him if we will only listen. Because of years of putting on my seat belt it was second nature to put my seat belt on last week. Had I not done that I surely would have gone through the windshield. Because of the blessing of air bags, seat belt, and safety features on my Saturn I was protected from any harm or danger. The Lord Himself intervened, I believe and He is the reason I, and the lady at fault, were able to emerge from our vehicles unharmed. I was blessed that the lady involved was VERY honest and willing to admit she was at fault and take the blame and all that it involves. I have been blessed with an immediate rental and know that the Lord will guide me towards a great replacement car. Aka - XTerra. :)
So I have been serving everyday, but just unable to get on and update everyday due to work, test driving, working more, footloose rehearsals, teaching Spanish each week. So for the past couple of weeks I have:
Tipped the workers at Red Mango (delish!), tipped my amazing friend and hair dresser extra since she's preparing for a mission, cooked dinner for my mom on Mother's Day, checked up on a friend who is having a hard time, put dishes away from the dishwasher, helped clean up after meals, helped my niece get a bowl of ice cream, put away chairs at rehearsal, talked to people I've never met before and invited them to a get together, shared my testimony with my little brothers, bought chips and salsa for my coworkers for Cinco de Mayo, planned to bring eclairs home to my parents (until my car got hit and the eclairs went from the back to the front seat), went to the temple!!
I'm trying to keep up with this blog. I'll be better - I'll really try! The important thing is that this blog has helped me become mindful of service DAILY. I'm very grateful for that. I look forward for what tomorrow will bring! Tomorrow is ward temple night - I get to serve in one of my most favorite ways!

Days #133-#140 Hooray for life!!

I have sat here a minute not knowing what to say or how to start this week's blog. There are many thoughts that I'm having that I'd like to share before I recount the acts of service I've been blessed to do this past week. But there have been mighty miracles in other parts of my life, and I'm not sure if I should share them here, right now, or not. Suffice it to say, I feel to "sing the song of redeeming" love as it stated in the scriptures about the great love of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. He is kind. So kind that He will let us make decisions for ourselves that He wouldn't necessarily have us make, for they will bring us greater heartache than if we didn't make those choices to begin with. Yet, He allows us to make them (even after prompting us not too) and we when come to Him, beat down and betrayed because of those choices, He doesn't hesitate to wrap us "eternally in the arms of His love" and heal us, heal our hearts, minds, and souls. He helps us become better than we were before and lets us go so we can, again, learn to make the choices HE WILL GUIDE US TO MAKE. His love is perfect and I have felt that fill me and restore me in many ways. When trust was shattered, He restored it. When completely deceived, He pointed me to Him who I can always trust. When blindsided, He picked me up and showed me there's so much more than I allowed myself to see.

I just felt to share what has so bountifully been poured out on me - as it can be so on each of us! Okay, service. I have such a short memory, I should at least write down on a sheet of paper what I do each day so I can remember when it comes time to post. Because let's face it, with working full-time, as well as teaching part-time, and being in a play, and training for races, I really don't sit down at this as often as I should.

I'll try and work backwards and see if that helps jog my memory. Yesterday I helped take out the trash before going to work in the morning. Tuesday I served by staying late after my Spanish class to help one of the students who isn't going to be at the last class. She will miss pretty vital stuff so I took some time to sit down and help jump start her in the right direction of understanding how to conjugate verbs in the present tense. :) Fun stuff, eh?! Well, nerdy enough, but I love it! Anyway, it made me later for my rehearsal, but I just felt so good to completely put my schedule and own needs aside to serve someone else who really needed it. Okay I'm not sure what happened when on these days so I'll clump them together. But believe that I did them! I just don't remember when. :) *clearing throat*  I  gave a friend a ride, I helped my little brother dig a trading card out from behind the fridge by me pulling the huge fridge out and him climbing into the dust bunnies to find it. Pretty awesome memories, right there. I unloaded the dishwasher for my fam, I helped clean up after the joint-ward party (which was awesome! Go U32! And U13... :)), I went to the temple!!! Oh I love love love that place! And I helped some of the other cast members in Footloose during rehearsal.

Happy serving!

Days #108-#132 The Recap of All Recaps is Here!!

Okay my most loved readers (meaning any who actually take time to read this... I heart you)!

How about I do a little recap goodness of the past few weeks, eh? First off, let's talk about how a running magazine suggested eating more almonds as part of eating healthy fats which will reduce the risk of injuries as you train (which I am in the process of training)... and how as a result of that little suggestion I've eaten half the bowl of almonds that was sitting out on the counter?! At least I'm getting my "healthy" fats! ... uh... right??

Okay let's start with the wonderful trip to Spain!! I sure made sure to do my service... the service I did before I left was spent on someone who didn't appreciate it as I had hoped and have since seen. But I don't regret the acts of service done!

While in Spain I was sure to do service each day - these consisted of the following things (we were there for 12 days - AND IT WAS AN INCREDIBLE TRIP!!!! OH MY GOODNESS!) *clearing throat and getting back on track* When we arrived to Barcelona (pronounced "Bar-th-elona" by native Barthelonians) our luggage did not arrive with us. Long story on that one! Somehow our carry on luggage became checked luggage and we went for three to four days without luggage. We spent the days serving each other as we borrowed and gave things to each other that some of us had/didn't have. My luggage arrived a day earlier than my two beloved traveling companions so I was excited to be able to help them out with items they didn't have but needed. (but no worries, no sharing of underclothing or toothbrushes was done... we didn't serve THAT much!) So those were some great days of service. Other than that - I bought fondu! (said with an exclamation point because I've never had cheese fondue before! How do you spell that, anyway?!) as an appetizer for my three Spain companions (which were Emily Bott, one of my best friends, Steph Long, my cute cousin!, and my great-aunt Margaret who lives in Spain), I picked up a piece of trash in a store we shopped in, I tried to give back some change to the worker in one of the street shops when he gave me one euro too many (he looked shocked that anyone would actually return it and told me to keep it - service blessing!), I paid for a couple taxi rides so my aunt didn't have to, I cleaned up the kitchen in one of our apartments we stayed in... only to find out the dishwasher actually worked and I didn't have to wash the dishes by hand (I'm convinced I'm a better person for the soapy hands anyway!), I bought a muffin for the Bottster on the plane ride home, and helped my cute aunt translate whenever she needed it (which was more like a service to me since I absolutely love any chance I can have to speak in Spanish)! What an amazing trip it was!
Since being home - I picked up a bunch of papers that fell in the credit union, I helped my mom prepare and clean up after a family gathering, I bought and gave a souvenir to a recipient that many questioned why I'd do it, I got cookies for my awesome coworkers, I was sure to wish my dad and brother happy birthday and buy them a gift (sometimes I forget the gift part... I just procrastinate and all of a sudden it's the person's birthday and I remembered that I STILL hadn't gone to get them anything... working on that one though!), I helped my brother and sister-in-law finish packing up their house in Vegas (but again, being in Las Vegas that day ended up being the BIGGEST blessing I could have asked for, so I was served more than they were... and it was bonus time with my niece... it was a win-win situation for all!), and I've helped clean up here at the casa.

I tell ya - life is so much better when there's service involved!! I'm grateful that the reminder of this blog keeps me on track!

Thanks so much if you're still reading!!

Days #108-127 STILL TO COME!

My dear friends!

I sure WILL get back in blogging mode - not to worry!! (if you were...) I've been on an incredible journey to Spain, but you best believe I made sure to do service while I was traveling, so the updates will come!!

Thank you so much if you're still reading!!

Day #107 Perfect Start to the Day!

I was so grateful and excited for the service today!!

Let me give you the background:
I got up earlier than I usually do for work and yet I STILL left so much later than I wanted to. I wasn't super stoked about that but I soon figured out one reason why that happened and I'm so grateful for it.
While I was driving to work I passed a girl standing at a bus stop... now not only was this the morning hours so it's a little cool anyway, but it was drizzly this morning AND she didn't have a coat! THEN I realized it was a cute girl from my neighborhood and home ward AND I taught her when I long-term subbed in history at Davis High. I couldn't remember her name and almost continued driving because I didn't know if she'd take the ride and I wouldn't be able to call her by her first name anyway... are those any kinds of excuses for NOT at least TRYING to help someone out?
I feel that so often we make up people's minds for them. WE decide what they will and won't do. WE decide FOR them if they do or don't want something. That's not how it works! We need to at least give other people the chance to accept or neglect the offer. At least we put forth the effort and looked outside ourselves and our schedules to help someone.
So thankfully the Spirit pressed on me until I got too much further and I turned around and asked if she wanted a ride. She at first declined saying she was going to Layton (the next city over which is really only about 5 minutes away) for work. I told her I didn't mind and that would be just fine and she gratefully accepted. I WAS SO SO SO EXCITED! We chatted and caught up while we drove and she didn't have to stand in the rain, pay for a bus ticket, or take a bus ride.
Always at least ask. That's what I learned today. Don't ever assume you know what the person will say. Isn't that what the gospel of Jesus Christ is all about anyway?

Days #101-106

I know I said I'd update more frequently... and then life happens and schedule things... come... *clearing throat* anyway, on with the updates:
So last Saturday to serve I took my cute little brother to a play with Bryce and I. It was way fun and he seemed to enjoy himself. It was just nice to make time to be with one of my little brothers.

Sunday (Day #102) I helped my mom assemble some invitations for a 6th grade primary activity night. I could have easily slipped off to take a killer Sunday nap but there's no way I would feel okay leaving her there with 80 or so invitations to punch holes in, glue stuff on, and stick little decorations to by herself. I'm grateful for the nudgings of the Spirit.

Monday through Thursday is all kind of a blur with service activities as follows - picking up trash from the parking lot, getting in touch with a friend, buying a "I'm thinking of you" gift for a friend, taking the trash out, and holding the door for someone.

Yae for service! I keep feeling like, "if any of you are still reading and aren't sick of reading the same types of service over and over again BLESS YOU!" But then I got thinking that service IS so often small things that get you out of your own world into a world slightly less comfortable, involving more sacrifice, no matter the amount. It doesn't always have to cost money, take oodles of time, or be different every time. It all counts.

DAY #100 Monumental!!

Wow!! 100 days of service! This has been a great experience. Though some days have been similar in their service, it's taught me that service doesn't have to be extraordinary, huge, or cost anything. It can be small, daily acts of love, kindness, or thoughtfulness.

Today for service I bought my little brother a ticket to come to a play with me tomorrow night. I want and need to spend more time with my little brothers. They are studs and great blessings to me. I'd like to add that it was definitely inspiration to invite him to come along. I don't even remember what I was thinking about when the idea came and I'm so grateful it did. The Lord loves us and is so aware of each of us.

Let's look for ways to be answers to others' prayers. :) Happy day #100!

Day #99

Yesterday, Thursday, for service I baked some muffins for my fam to accompany dinner. My mom bought a muffin book that just so happened to be from Gibbs Smith, my place of work :), so I thought I'd try it out and see how my fam liked 'em. They were a hit!

Day #98

Service yesterday went both ways - benefitting me as well as the recipient. I contacted a good friend I hadn't been in touch with for too long. There are some friendships that fade as we go through each stage of life. That is natural and good, as it opens us to new and other friends. However, there are some friendships that I feel should never grow distant. For they are those which stand out from other friends in life. Their love is constant and friendship true. Those I wish to stay close to. I am not the best at staying in touch with those I love! So yesterday I did something about that. I'm grateful for my friends!

Mucho Days! #91-97

Due to accidental circumstances, the seven days I had recorded to make up for the last week were erased. Bless his heart. :)

Let me write about the past seven days in a paragraph this time to make up for it. Esta bien? Bueno.

I served by cleaning up trash - in Vegas (at a super good gelatto place! Bryce almost threw up because it was kinda gross to pick up some random used napkins from the floor), in my office, and taking out the trash tonight for my family. I cleaned the office that I share with two other awesomely awesome girls since they were gone yesterday. I did dishes for my family and other fun services that helped my day and helped others out hopefully!

I really AM going to update daily! I apologize to any of you who are still reading. I'm still serving and going to be a better poster!!

Day #90

Yesterday's service was a two-part service: It started by helping the institute committee out and taking an extra ice cream sandwich home with me. The second part of the service was throwing away my and Bryce's ice cream sandwiches when they had melted into soup in the wrappers by the time we got back. :)

Days #85-#89

I'm almost to the hundreds!! That's so exciting! Now if I would only update this daily...

Thursday, Day #85 - I'm not gonna lie, I'm having a hard time remembering back that far. Oh! I remember! I was blessed with a few service opportunities that day. One in particular I am so grateful for. I went to Target, after a particularly busy/stress-ish day at work and shopped around for a bit, to change up my usual routine of work for 8 1/2 - 9 hours then do a couple hours of homework right after. Soon after I walked in, I passed the card aisles and had the thought to stop and get a card for someone. Any card. And for nobody in particular - just anyone. So as I browsed the cards I thought of picking up a card for a really good friend who was sick. I bought it and didn't think much of it. Continue on down to Day #87 to hear how the rest of this story ends...

Friday, Day #86 - To serve today I did the dishes for my family while rushing between work and homework. I tell ya - it seems at first that those few minutes of dishes could bring more stress than good into my life. But it's the opposite effect because I'm serving. I take those few minutes, I feel just a bit happier knowing that someone else will be helped by it, and I don't feel any more stressed at all! In fact, I feel LESS stressed. Service rocks!

Saturday, Day #87 - I wanted to hang out with my grandparents since it has been way too long since I've been over to see them. So I called on Friday night and my grandpa told me my grandma is really sick with a really bad cold. It was then that the idea hit me! I would give that card I had bought on Thursday to my grandma, who I haven't seen in forever, who is much more sick than my other friend, and I wouldn't see my friend until she was better anyway... I felt it would be best to give the card to my grandma. I'm so so grateful for inspiration and guidance by the Spirit! Even in the smallest of situations! Had I not randomly bought a card on Thursday I would NOT have had it on Saturday to give to my grandma. The Church is true!

Sunday, Day #88 - Yesterday to serve I... I can't remember! Oh! I took the trash out for my familia. :)

And TODAY - Day #89 Today was a fun, different service. And very simple, I'm sure. I went running after work around my neighborhood (training for the Wasatch Back, baby!) and as I was finishing my run I saw one of my cute, elderly neighbors bent over trying to clean up her gutter. Thankfully, again, the thought came and I was prompted to ask if she needed any help. She began scooping up the leaves and dirt and told me she was okay when all of what she had scooped up fell to the ground. She then smiled and accepted the offer of help. It took only 10 seconds to scoop up her gutter debris... but she seemed appreciative and I sure loved the opportunity to help in a way that I don't often have!

Look for someone you can serve today!! They'll love it! And so will you. :)

Day #83-84

Tuesday Day #83 - I was driving home from work when I realized I hadn't served anyone yet that day. I was grateful for the quick reminder to keep my eyes open and I continued on my way home. I was only going to be home long enough to grab some homework to take to the library to write an "awesome" 5-page essay (worth only 20 points mind you... HARDLY worth the effort, right?!). But when I got home and unloaded my lunch bag from work I saw the dishes in the dishwasher were clean... ding! ding! ding! Service time! I was in a hurry but so grateful for the quick reminder that I hadn't served so that I could be aware to take THIS opportunity to unload the dishwasher before heading out again.

Wednesday Day #84 - yesterday I had a similar awakening that I hadn't served someone yet as I was, again, walking into the library. Folks at the Kaysville (aka K-Town) library are really going to know me well! I thought about that as I was walking into the building when I realized a middle-aged man walking a few feet behind me. I thought, "Hm... I could open the door for him... but he's a fewish feet back from me... and I am in a hurry..." Some of you are probably thinking, "Oh for heaven's sake, Kristi! Come on! It's just a two-second wait to help someone out!" Rightly so. So I waited and held the door open for that person who was also coming to the library. Teeny, tiny act. But nonetheless, an act of service. :) And it just makes ya feel so good!

Day #79-82

Friday (Day #79) – to serve today I did a couple little things, one of which should have been bigger. Please learn from my selfish act… *clearing throat* While finishing up the last run on the slopes at Brighton, we ran into some folks who had lost some keys. They were on their hands and knees combing the hillside. What a dreadful feeling!! To have lost something THAT important at night, in deep snow where others have skied/snowboarded over! Did I stay and get on my hands and knees with them?? No. I’m ashamed to admit it. There were 5 to 6 people helping, and I heard one of them say they were fine when someone offered to help. But who couldn’t use more help in that situation?! I helped for a minute, scraping around in the snow where I was with my ski pole. But I didn’t give as much as I could. I was thinking of myself. Lesson learned? Put myself in their situation and know that I would have been SUPER grateful for every extra person looking for my keys, and get down my knees to help them regardless of my own timetable. *sigh* Good learning opportunity, though, eh?

Saturday (Day #80) To serve on Saturday I dusted the house for my fam. Yep, I still live at home, which I’m sure you’ve gathered from reading my posts. I feel like that’s where I should be for now, so until the Lord leads me differently that’s where I’m at and serving my family is my way of showing my gratitude and trying to be a help instead of a hindrance. J

Sunday (Day #81) To serve today I made a Get Better Quick! kit for my *cough* boyfriend *cough* He wasn’t feeling at the top of his game so hopefully a modge podge of cold/flu aids helped!

Day #82 - Today to serve I refilled the toilet paper dispenser at work because the janitorial service won’t be in until tomorrow. Another bathroom service… yuck. But hopefully helpful to others!!

Day #77-#78

Wednesday - to serve I went to one of my favorite places ever! The temple!! And to make it better... it was WARD temple day! I just love going to serve and worship with some of my greatest friends. Go U32!

Thursday - to serve I talked with the new intern here at Gibbs Smith, how she was liking the place, how she was doing, introduced myself (not necessarily in that order, of course...), and wished her a super day! It was fun. I can have a tendency to be quite shy with people I don't know and I can easily slip into my "comfort zone" of looking out for me and not talking to many other folks so I'm grateful for opportunities to bust out of that and see how others are doing! (especially when they are new to something)

Day #71-#76 LOTS TO CATCH UP ON!

Thursday (aka Day #71): To serve I helped a friend with a problem they were having. Well… I tried to help. J

Friday (aka Day #72): I cleaned up the dishes for my family.

Saturday (aka Day #73): I vacuumed for my family.

Sunday (aka Day #74): I looked for someone sitting alone in church and sat by them and talked with them and how they were doing before the meeting started. I really love doing that. I love that it keeps me aware of other people and off the social glue that can suck us into a self-indulged world. I’m grateful the Spirit reminds me to do this and look to others.

Monday (aka Day #75): Yesterday I spoke with a good friend about happenings in their life and tried to offer some good advice to help and comfort them. I hope it helped.

Tuesday (aka Day #76): I’ve been saying “Hi!” to as many people as I can to serve today. It’s been a really fun goal! And it’s kept me aware of other people as I’ve walked down the hall at work, through the store, etc. Greetings are a simple way to lift someone’s day, to help them feel recognized, and to take the focus off of self.

Day #69 and #70

On Tuesday (aka day #69) I gave some seriously awesome vitamins to a poor, sick soul in need. Ever heard of Ester-C?? They're pretty awesome. I was thankfully introduced to them by a friend last year... and now I'm just passin on the goodness!

Yesterday (aka day #70) to serve I prayed for some of my friends by name. I forget to do that sometimes, to use the names of specific people in my prayers, and to mention their specific needs. It adds a different dimension, and meaning to my prayers when I do. I'm grateful for the teaching of the brethren! And I hope my prayers help them! I'm grateful for you, my friends!!

Day #68

Yesterday I sent a note to a friend to let them know how great they are and that I was thinking of them. Those notes can really mean a lot. They always do to me. I hope it boosted her day.

Day #62-#67

Wow - the hard part about this post is going to be remembering which acts of service I did on which day... though I haven't been keeping this blog up to date I HAVE been making sure to serve each day... I'm sorry for dropping the ball on updates for it!

On Tuesday, the 9th, I wrote in my journal for an act of service. How is that service?! You may be asking. I feel it's a service to my kids. One day I hope they are able to read from my journal and learn from my mistakes, my joys, and my testimony to help them live better lives.

On Wednesday, the 10th, I cleaned up the kitchen a bit.

Thursday, the 11th, I did something that's kinda out of my character... I cleaned up the bathroom at work a little... gross I know!! It was nothing major... just picking up paper towels that had fallen out of the paper towel holder thing. But they had been sitting there forever so I thought I'd pick em up... it was kind of a big deal to me because I'm NOT a public bathroom person... gross. :)

Friday, the 12th, I bought my little brother a "thank-you" treat for him letting my borrow his basketball shorts for our super sweet "Sports dinner" for the elders in the ward!

Saturday, the 13th, I bought a muffin for my dad and I for a fun breakfast treat while we went up skiing!

Sunday, the 14th, I gave Valentine's cards to my parents to let them know I love them and am grateful for all their help to me.

Whew! That was a crazy long catchup! I'm gonna go ahead and NOT let that much time pass without writing on this. Deal! Thank you for reading!!!!

Happy serving!!

Day #60 and #61

Yesterday for service I did something seemingly small, but it was fun. And it was something I almost walked away from. After church I was standing by the whiteboard in the big room after Relief Society talking to a friend when a member of the presidency started erasing the board. I started to back away to make room for her to erase the board when I had the thought to pick up an eraser and start erasing the side of the board I was closest to. It was kinda fun. A different service. And she thanked me for the help.

Today I did little things to help my fam around the house. I just love service. I love how it keeps us from becoming too self-involved and helps us to stay aware of others and their needs.

Days #56-#59 Oops!

Well I have sure slacked on keeping this blog up to date! I apologize, my friends!!

Wednesday, February 3rd, I served my sister-in-law by giving her the rest of the muddy buddies I had at work. I have the blessing of working with my cute sister-in-law and as I was happy she was enjoying the work snack as much as I was. As she left at noon, I knew she had to be hungry, and offered her the delicious treat. I'm very happy she accepted.

Thursday, February 4th, I simply cleaned up the kitchen after dinner for my fam. Simple - but it was a service I looked for.

Friday, February 5th, I served one of my best friends by taking her out to ice cream (Cold Stone! Mmm) and chatting when she was having a particularly rough day. What a delicious way to help out! I just know how nice it is to have someone to listen while you're able to unload the burdens on your mind.

Saturday, TODAY! I served by going to one of my favorite places - the temple. What a blessing it is every single time, to attend and feel the peace and learning that is so abundant there. I'm so grateful to live so close to a temple! (to so many temples. :) yae!)

Happy weekend!!

Day #55 - Just call me auto savvy!

I'm not gonna lie - I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT THE SERVICE TODAY!!! I had the SWEET opportunity to put something I learned to work!

A couple of months ago a friend of mine taught me how to change the headlights in my car. And the way he taught me was PERFECT - him showing me how to change the first one, and then having me change the second one. For those of you in education, you see how this is a great teaching method. It enabled me to remember how to do it so today for service I was blessed to share this knowledge with one of my best friends! I taught her how to change her headlights... after a cop pulled her over last night for having a bulb out. Clearly the cop must have been a little bored.

I was just very excited to share auto knowledge since the extent of my auto knowledge ends after checking my fluids and adding oil to my car. I've never been able to share such knowledge on cars before! Thanks to me being taught by a good friend first!

One of the greatest ways to serve, I'm learning, is to teach others something they don't previously know how to do. Happy teaching, my friends!!

Day #54

Today for service I did the dishes for my fam. The end. :) I felt really good about it - only because I made the choice to stop doing homework (something that I do strictly for myself) to do something for someone else. Service is wonderful!

And does anyone else sometimes feel like the words, "I'm ready for more" apply to them? I'm thinking those hit pretty dead on for me lately. I imagine it's a positive thing because it pushes you to seek and become/gain more. Hm...

Day #53 and #54

Saturday, day #53 - for service I bought my dad a muffin to start off our sweet ski day at Brighton! We needed a fun little breakfast starter for our journey to the slopes and I thought it'd be fun to buy some muffins. :)

Yesterday, day #54 - for service I made AND SHARED muddy buddies with one of my greatest friends (and family, of course). Is that a service? When you know how much I love those things you realize how much of a service that truly is. ;)

Day #52 - Woot!

What a wonderful day of service!! I not only got to clean up the semi-icky, crumb covered counter in the break room at work - but I was able to go to the temple!! What a joy and true blessing that is. In so many more ways than one. And to so many more people than just me. I love this life! I love the gospel!

Day #51

Service today! Let me begin by giving a quick background: *clearing throat*

My great friend and coach, Megan, and I have a... slight inclination (aka addiction) for Cheez-Its. We often find ourselves looking at each other between the hours of 9 and 10 in the morning asking, "Is it too early for Cheez-Its?" We slicked off a Costco size box of them in... fewer days then I'd care to mention.

So today I went to the vending machine to purchase a little bag of said goodies and had the thought that I should buy one more for my office roomie. Because after all, everyone needs some 4:03 p.m. Cheez-Its.

Happy service snacking!

Day #49 and #50

Okay! Yesterday it was the evening and I was starting to panic about what service to do! Then... about five seconds later I looked down and saw a full garbage sitting out... it was as if it was sent from the heavens! So I took the garbage out for my fam. Short. Sweet. But looked for. :)

Today was another great opportunity to tell someone they left their lights on in their car at the SportsPlex! However... there was no PA system in the building... so we just prayed their battery didn't die. At least we tried!

Yae for service!

Day #47 and #48

So yesterday for service I was planning on making some SWEET homemade oreos to take to a dessert night... unfortunately a few things impeded me from doing so and I was super bummed! That was going to be my service for the day! So my cute sister-in-law, Keri, was over with her cute fam, and she suggested that I take some of the cupcakes she brought over... so my service for the day was letting someone serve me. I had never really thought about that but it definitely counts. Sometimes that's the hardest thing to do - accept help from someone else.

Today for service I wrote my last email to my cute friend serving her mission. She comes home this week... possibly tomorrow! It's been a blessing writing her (not as often as I should have in the beginning) and taking part in the awesome missionary spirit. It's always a blessing for missionaries to receive contact from home.

Happy Monday!

Day #46

What did I do for my service today?? I simply did dishes for my fam. The end. :)

If any of you have ideas of service to render please let me know!

Post your comments and we can all benefit from your ideas. (which means MANY MORE people will, in turn, benefit from you using these ideas to serve others - woohoo!!)

Day #45

Today was a simple service... but I'm grateful for the inspiration to do it. I had the sweet opportunity to spend some time with one of my best friends for just a bit after I got off work and as we left, I got in my car and backed out as she continued on through the parking lot to her car. As I started to pull out I remember her telling me she had some car trouble the previous day... and that's when the inspiration struck (thankfully!). I turned around, drove to the part of the parking lot where her car was, and waited to make sure her car started okay. It was 6 p.m. and drizzly - no one wants to get stuck alone with car problems... but especially when it's dark and drizzly and cold outside! And thankfully... HER CAR STARTED! Woohoo! Yae for doing service! Yae for this blog that reminds me to do it. Yae for the Spirit that inspires me to do it. :) And yae for all of you who read this! May you be inspired as I have been blessed to be.

Day #43 and #44 - Missionary madness

I am NOT doing so well at updating this daily anymore... I'll do better.

My service from the past two days really go together. On Wednesday I finished a tape I was working on for my cute friend who is almost done with her mission! T minus one week... wow. I promised to send her a tape forever ago... and I figure better late than never is a great philosophy sometimes. ... right?? *clearing throat*

Anyway, after working to finish up what I was going to say on the tape, I went yesterday and shipped it off to her! May it get there by tomorrow so she actually has time to listen to it before she ships off back home!!

I'm just crossing my fingers she hasn't sent her tape recorder home already...

Day #42 - I'm so thankful for this blog!

Okay my friends, I'm very excited. I was inspired to do a service tonight that came in part because of this blog that I've been keeping. Because of it I think of service more, which is one of the goals of this blog! Tonight I was driving home from the Spanish class I teach and I happened to look over at the library parking lot as I drove by and saw a car with its interior lights on. Normally I'm sure I would have driven by thinking, "Oh that's so sad for that person!" and that's all. But tonight I'm thankful for the Spirit reminding me to go out of my way to serve someone, and for this blog for helping get these ideas of service in my mind.

So I turned around, got the info of the car, license plate, etc. and headed into the library to tell them and ask for their help. A cute lady went around telling each person in the library about the situation. Hopefully that person's car runs okay. :)

I'm just so thankful for the Spirit's guidance and inspiration!! I'm so thankful for these opportunities!

Day #41

Today was simple - as most days are. Didn't take much time. Didn't take a whole lot of effort. But I did put thought into doing it beforehand, as that is what I"m trying to do more of. Today I simply planned to do the dishes for my family after dinner. Done. Short and sweet, but helpful.

Yae for the snow and rain! ... because at least the mountains are getting the snow. :)

Day #40 - Culinary Feat!

I have made a goal for myself to bake/cook something new each week... whenever time permits for such a feat. Sundays usually afford more time to try my hand at something new so yesterday I made cinnamon rolls for my family, and gave a few to some friends I hadn't seen in a long time. Chalk up another culinary feat! Boo ya!! I'm always excited to successfully create something new... especially when it can be enjoyed by others.

Day #39 - Good for Kissin'

I'm happy to say today I bought my mom some "fruity lip gloss" for service. I was at the store when I got a cute text from her requesting that I pick up a tube of said "fruity lip gloss." The service part comes in when I didn't tell her the amount so she couldn't try to pay me back. I'm happy for times to buy things/do things for my parents. It's not often that my mom will let me spend money on her. She's so generous that way. So it was fun. And besides, I endorse lip gloss purchases - it's good for kissin! ;o) Happy Saturday!!

Day #38 - They Need Our Help

Today, my friends, I donated to help the people in Haiti. I've been keeping up on the progress down there and it's just sickening. The lives of the survivors have been turned upside down, in every way possible. They've lost everything, which in some cases includes their family and loved ones. We, who have been given much, must give. One of the beloved hymns of the Church teaches us that. But more than that, our hearts, and the Lord, teach us that. Let's give to help those dear, troubled people. If you're interested, there is a link on my facebook page, underneath my status about helping those in Haiti. You can donate to the Emergency Response fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Every penny goes right where you put it - in the Emergency Response fund to help those in disasters such as those in Haiti. God bless them.

Day #37 - yesterday

My friends, I've been slacking in the "update the blog daily" department. This is tough with a busy schedule and late nights. But so worth it!

So yesterday, as Day #37, I made dinner for my fam. Yep! Cheesy chicken strips, baby! (from scratch... not frozen from a box, thank you very much) We all work full-time and have full schedules so I was grateful to take some time from mine to help out my mom and step-dad who do so much for me. Buen provecho!

Day #36

Technically, this was yesterday (Wednesday, Jan. 13th). After my soccer game I just didn't feel like getting back on the computer. :)

I sent a couple of texts to friends I haven't talked with in awhile to let them know I was thinking of them, etc. Simple, yes. But I sure like that kind of service! Those thoughtful little notes really lift me when I am the recipient, even when I don't feel like I need the lifting! Love ya, my friends!

Day #35

Eek! It's been TWO days since I've posted anything! I'm sorry! But not to worry - I HAVE been sure to keep serving... even though I dropped off the blogging world for a bit.

On this day, Tuesday, for service I gave a friend of mine the apple I had in my car since they hadn't had dinner and it was 8 p.m! Hopefully it didn't have the same effect on him that apples tend to have on me when I'm going on an empty stomach = they make me hungrier! I'll cross my fingers.

Day #34

I just wanna say, life's little moments, though random they may be, and completely unexpected, are wonderful. The Lord loves us. And He reminds us of that daily. He shows us that there is better for us if we'll just make the choice to work for it, and embrace it, and trust Him.

Can we take a quick timeout for a second and discuss... dating. There have been some incredibly awesome, and yet random moments lately in my life (for which I am VERY grateful. So don't take these as negative at all! Just thoughts) and they beg these questions about dating: Why is it so random? Yet it's so fun. Why is it so weird sometimes? Yet it can be so fulfilling. Why does it have to be a game? Why are guys more interested in you if they can pursue or "chase" you? Why are some so on and some missing the mark? Just some random questions to throw out there into the anynomity of this cyber world.

Today to look for service I saw a few tasks that needed to be done: taking out the trash, putting dishes away, cleaning up after dinner, etc. So that's what I did today. It's so fun how great service makes you feel!!

Day #33

Another short service day. However, I've come to a realization with this service that I'm going to make MORE of an effort to look for the service I do. Some days I just kind of look back and see some little thing I've done, and granted, that DOES count as service. And it DOES help someone in some way, but it's my mind frame that I want to change during this process. I want to become LOST in the service and good of others and I'm not. That is one point to this blog. So from now on I'm going to work to make a bigger effort to really look at how I can help others and not just sit back at the end of the day and think, "Okay, now how did I serve??"

So today I looked and saw that the Linger Longer committee could use extra hands as they were putting chairs away after our delicious feast of muffins and chocolate milk. I was leaving, but was grateful for the above-mentioned epiphany that reminded me to look harder for ways to help. So i jumped in and helped. Looking harder makes service more fulfilling. :)

Day #32 - It's been over a month!

Wow!! This blog has been going for a over a month. My goal of some service everyday has been going for over a month. This is great! I'm way excited.

Today, wow, let me tell ya, has been AWESOME! My dad, little brother, and I went skiing up at Brighton for most of the day. It was our first run of the season and we were all stoked. For my service for the day, I bought each of us a drink to take up with us. We bought Subway sandwiches to take up and wanted some Gatorade's so we stopped by Smith's and loaded up with a few for our trip. It was a blast. I'm grateful for a full-time job that enables me to do fun things like this for my fam and others. Not only that, but I'm grateful for an AWESOME full-time job. Life is a blessing and within it are millions of smaller blessings that fill our everyday lives. God, our Father, be thanked for them!

Day #31 - Trash Day

Today for service, I took out the trash for my fam... when I could have just as easily left it there. That was my first thought/inclination/temptation. Thank goodness for this goal!

Happy Friday, my friends! I hope y'all do something fun, or just take a break from the rest of the week for the next two days!

Day #30 - I love to see the temple!

Hello friends!

Today I was able to spend time in the temple. What a blessing. No other place matches the temple. The peace. The learning. The truth. The joy. I love it.

Day #29 - Just somethin simple

Day 29 was yesterday but I frittered away my time and didn't get to my blog so here is my spill for Day #29 on Day #30...

It was the end of the day and I had not as yet served anyone. I began quickly thinking through a list of people I could serve and how I could do it and then I remembered the phone call I had just received. One of my very cute friends from my mission called me and we caught up about the goings-on in each others lives. She told me of some pretty big decisions she's facing right now having to do with work and/or moving to a completely different state. I kept having a thought during the phone call but it failed to surface enough for me to verbalize it so I kept it subdued. After the phone call the thought surfaced in all its boldness and clarity so I quickly decided to stop the homework I was working on (what a sacrifice... ugh) and send those thoughts her way. They mostly deal with how the Lord already has a perfect plan for us. He already knows what is best for us and what will make us happiest so why do we spend so much time worrying and fretting about a decision that He'll most definitely help us make?? Now, don't get me wrong. We have our part to do, ya know, the Pro/Con lists, the research, praying, etc. But turn the stress/worry of it over to the Lord and He'll let you know where to go. He'll ultimately guide our paths.

Anyway, these are thoughts that maybe my cute friend already had - but I thought it might be good to share them, just in case.

Day #28 - Because breakin' up is hard to do! (sing that please)

Today a great friend of mine and I dropped off a treat and a note to another of our friend's who was having a REALLY rough day... as a result of a breakup. Those are hard. I've decided over the years that breakups and I really aren't friends. It doesn't matter (most of the time) who's doing the breaking up, it's just plain hard, and rough, and no fun, and hurtful, and lots of other unpleasant adjectives.

Why does dating have to be so hard? I've often asked myself that question and heard others do the same. I've thought about it, and one thought rings absolutely and eternally true:

Why? WHY?! Because it will make marriage with the person you finally meet who is finally right for you THAT MUCH RICHER, AND SO MUCH MORE FULFILLING. I don't feel bad for not getting married right out of high school or even right after my mission. These years, these breakups, these tears, these struggles and days of confusion have brought to my lips many times the words (said through gritted teeth), "Man, I'm going to love and appreciate my husband so much more one day for how lame dating can be right now!"

So to my friend hurting from a breakup I say to you, "May the gummy candy and cheesy, random poem fill you with sugar, and the warm determination to keep moving forward. And ps, don't be afraid to hit a pillow sometimes when you need to. That's the second greatest purpose they serve."

Day #27 - Life is great

Can I just say that the Lord gives us a million little ways to show us that He loves us? Everyday he does. And today I'm thinking I feel particularly blessed and loved. He's so aware of us.

Today for service I helped a friend with a quick dilemma that was going on. Did it really take all that long? No. But did it mean a lot for both of us? Yes. Sometimes I feel the best service is just listening when a friend needs it and giving advice when they ask. Friends are some of the greatest blessings I feel we have in this life! So let's be better friends to ours - they deserve it.

Happy Monday!

Day #26

I love Sundays! And with a busy few months that I have coming up I look forward to the solace they will provide me.

Today I sat by someone who was sitting alone at church. Can I say that this is one of my favorite ways to serve?? I've heard/read a few different talks about this subject - that church can be a very self-centered worship or it can be a selfless worship, where you seek out "the one" at church. The one who is sitting alone, or looks down, or needs help in some way. I believe and have felt that seeking out the one makes Sunday worship richer and more fulfilling. It's very tempting for me in a singles ward to get caught up in the social aspect and look out for myself, who are my friends that I can sit by? Where are cute boys I may have my eye on? What are things that I need to get done? All things may be important... but all are centered on me. And I have found this ALWAYS helps both of us. Noone really enjoys being alone. Everyone needs a friend. That is something that President Hinckley pointed out. I'm thankful for the chance to be that friend for someone whenever I can be. And it is truly the Lord who helps me do this, so I thank Him for His help and His love and concern for all.

Day #24 and #25

Happy New Year!!

I went on the sweetest New Year adventure ever and as a result was not able to update this blog until today.

So... Day #24...
I am not sure how to put this in a way that will come across well and not make anyone feel... offended should said people read this... (it's so vague, I know!) But I "included" some friends in something that maybe they wouldn't have known about had I not said anything. They seemed very excited to have heard and had the opportunity!

Day #25

Today I did my mom's dishes after we ate dinner. Simple. But nice.

It's interesting how this service thing goes - I recognize more opportunities to serve. And other times I recognize that sometimes I DON"T want to serve, that it is "inconvenient." How natural man to think! But how thankful I am to recognize it and be working to overcome those feelings. After all - how "inconvenient" is it to be helping someone and making their load lighter?? I'm just lovin this!

Day #23 - Happy New Year!!

Technically today should be Day #23 - I had a little mixup with my numbering system... *clearing throat*

So what an unforgettable New Year's Eve experience!! Emily Bott, Mary Klinger, and I ran the Beat the New Year 5k in Sugarhouse and the big deal was to cross the finish line by midnight... AND WE DID IT!!! I'm beyond stoked about that. It was just so fun, a great feeling, and a SUPER awesome and unique experience! I'm so grateful we did it.

The service of the day ties into that 5k, actually. As we were walking back from the race (after crossing the finish line as they were counting down with ten seconds to go!!) we saw a truck having a hard time getting through a big chunk of the slushy/stiff type snow so we ran up behind it to give him a push. And with ALL of our women muscles... we didn't do much to help him out. Thankfully to other people walked by and came to help us push. And in our defense even with them it didn't automatically push the truck out but once we got a little rocking motion down - boo ya! He was out and going. It was fun. I don't know what it is about pushing cars out of a stuck spot, or out of an intersection when the car dies, but I've always had so much fun doing it! The best was while I was a Sister Missionary and I was in a "trio" and to see three sisters out there pushing a big jeep out of a busy intersection in our dresses! I loved the looks we got. Hopefully some of those people inquired as to what church would teach such service. ;)

Happy New Year! 2010 will bring great moments and great goodness!